Travelling is something most people enjoy doing and want to do as much as possible. When done correctly, travelling can make you feel relaxed, happy, and at ease, but if there’s one thing that might concern you on your trip, it’s the safety of your home. If you feel like your home isn’t secure, you won’t enjoy your trip, so it’s important that you do everything you can to keep your home base safe from intruders in your absence.
We’ve put together some top tips for securing your home when you go travelling, helping you to fully immerse yourself in your holiday, comfortable in the knowledge that when you come back, your home will be exactly as you left it.
Tell Your Neighbor
The first step to securing your home when you go travelling is to tell your neighbor (if you have one) that you’re going away. If you live in a close-knit community (e.g. a quiet cul-de-sac or on a park of residential caravans), you will likely find that your neighbors are the best security system you can get.
Not only will they be able to water your plants and feed your cat, but they will also be able to keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior. If they have your number, they can contact you about it. As long as your neighbors know that you’re away, criminals won’t be able to intrude under the guide of being a relative or friend.
Install an Alarm
The next step to securing your home is to buy an alarm if you don’t already have one. It’s been proven that alarms are an effective deterrent for thieves because the noise attracts attention, so if you’re yet to install an alarm system, make sure you do so before you go on vacation.
You can purchase several different types of alarm depending on your property and your needs, including video cameras that stream live footage to your phone or computer. This is a good option if you don’t have neighbors or neighbors that you trust or are close with.
Some security systems are monitored by a professional company and will automatically alert the police if there is a disturbance, whereas others are monitored by you and allow you to actively talk through a speaker system. Whichever one you get, the main thing is that you install one and make sure it’s visible.
Tell Your Insurer
Depending on how long you intend to go travelling for, it may be worth informing your home insurance company. This is because some insurers have policies that mean they won’t pay out or cover the costs of damage or theft if a property has been left vacant for more than 30 days and you haven’t told them.
With this in mind, if you’re planning on travelling over a period of time, make sure you inform your insurer and determine what coverage you’re likely to be subject to.
Double Check Windows and Doors
Our final tip for securing your home whilst you’re travelling is to do double checks on your windows and doors. Make sure all windows are locked and the seals are not damaged. Check your doors and make sure you don’t have a spare key lurking in a plant pot or under the mat. If possible, put deadbolts and chains on doors, and make sure all your valuables are securely locked in a safe (including paperwork and anything related to your identity).
Summary
There is no guarantee that your property is safe when you go on vacation, but by implementing these tips, you stand a much better chance of coming home to your property exactly how you left it.
