Summer is here, bringing with it the excitement of long-awaited getaways and relaxing adventures! As you pack your bags and plan your itinerary, don’t overlook the importance of making sure your house is ready to be empty. Whether you are leaving for a weekend road trip or a two-week tropical escape, a little planning can go a long way in preventing accidents, deterring theft, and ensuring peace of mind. At Heritage Insurance, we care about protecting what matters most, even when you’re away. Here are eleven home preparation tips to help you get your house ready before your vacation starts.

 

Put Your Lights on a Timer

To help deter potential burglars, set at least one indoor light on a timer to turn on and off at regular intervals. A house that remains completely dark for days can signal that no one is home, making it an easy target. Timed lights create the illusion that the home is occupied, even when you are miles away. For additional security, consider placing timers in different rooms to vary the lighting pattern and make it appear even more natural.

 

Move Your Car into the Garage

If you normally park in your driveway, consider moving your car into the garage before you leave. A car left outside for an extended period can draw unwanted attention and is more susceptible to theft or vandalism. Storing it in the garage not only protects the vehicle but also helps maintain the appearance that someone is home. If you must leave your car in the driveway, ensure that windows are completely rolled up and that doors are locked. Consider putting a motion sensor light and camera above the garage to deter potential vandals.

 

Turn Off the Water

If you are gone for longer than a week, turn off your main water supply. This helps avoid any damage from leaks due to unexpected plumbing issues. The lifespan of today’s appliances has declined, increasing failure rates. Today, washing machines and dishwashers only last an average of 12-13 years, if serviced regularly. If you prefer not to shut off your main water supply, consider closing the valves to your washing machine, dishwasher, icemaker, and toilets to avoid any unexpected mishaps while you are away.

 

Notify Your Home Alarm Company

If you have a monitored home security system, notify your alarm company you will be away. Let them know the dates you will be away and provide details about anyone authorized to enter your home during that time, such as a neighbor, housekeeper, or pet sitter. This helps prevent false alarms and ensures the monitoring center can respond accordingly if an alert is triggered.

 

Clean Before You Leave

Coming home to a mess after a long, relaxing vacation is not ideal. Before you leave, take a few minutes to empty all trash cans and wipe down all surfaces, especially those that could have any food or drink remnants. Check the refrigerator and freezer or throw out any food that could spoil while you are away. Leftover food and garbage can quickly spoil, creating unpleasant odors and attracting pests like ants, flies, and rodents. Even small food crumbs and drink spills can invite an infestation in just a few days. Taking these simple steps not only keeps your home smelling fresh but also helps prevent potential pest problems while you’re away.

 

Set Your Thermostat

Adjusting your thermostat before leaving for vacation is a smart way to conserve energy and lower your utility bills. Set the temperature closer to the outside climate, which may vary based upon where you live. Just be aware that setting your thermostat to extreme temperatures can damage electronics, plumbing, and even houseplants. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, use vacation mode to maintain optimal settings and monitor your home’s temperature remotely.

 

Check Smoke Detectors

Before leaving for vacation, take a few minutes to test all your home’s smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries if needed, and confirm that each unit is free of dust, securely mounted, and in good working condition. For added peace of mind, consider using interconnected or smart smoke alarms that can send alerts to your phone in case of emergency.

 

Secure all Doors and Windows

Before you head out, do a final walk-through of your home to make sure all doors and windows are securely locked. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to prevent break-ins. Check all entry points, including rarely used doors, basement windows, and garage access doors. Don’t forget to secure sliding doors with a rod or dowel in the track for added reinforcement.

 

Unplug Non-Essential Electronics

Before heading out, take a moment to unplug electronics like TVs, computers, coffee makers, and gaming consoles. Even when turned off, many devices continue to draw power. Not only does this waste energy, but it can also increase the risk of electrical fires due to power surges or faulty wiring. According to Constellation Energy, unplugging devices is a simple yet effective way to protect your home and lower energy costs while you’re away.

 

Store Valuable Out of Sight

Even with the necessary precautions, break-ins can happen. To minimize the risk of losing valuable items such as jewelry, important documents, passports, and electronics, lock these valuables up or hide them in your home. Avoid leaving high-value items in plain sight near windows or in easy-to-access drawers. Taking this extra step can make a big difference if the unexpected occurs.

 

Wait to Share Your Trip on Social Media

As tempting as it is to share your vacation experience in real-time, publicly posting your travel plans can alert potential burglars that your home is empty. Instead, consider waiting until you return home to share your fun photos and updates. If you do decide to post on your vacation, make sure your accounts are set private, and your location settings are turned off.

 

 

Vacations are meant to be relaxing and knowing your home is safe while you are away can help you enjoy every moment. A home burglary happens once every 25.7 seconds. With a little preparation you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and help ensure you return to your home just as you left it. These proactive steps not only enhance your home’s protection but also provide valuable peace of mind.

We believe protecting your home goes beyond just having the right coverage, it’s also about being prepared. By taking small, preventative measures before your trip, you can help avoid unexpected surprises and protect what matters most. From all of us at Heritage, we wish you safe travels and a worry-free vacation!