Vacation season is approaching! Spring temps are paving the way to locking in your summer travel plans, but no matter when you're traveling, keeping your home safe while away is no laughing matter.
Asking your neighbors or family to look after your house while away is always a great option but should really be considered a second layer of 'security'.
The key to home safety while you're relaxing on the beach is creating the illusion that you're actually NOT on vacation but are indeed still home. So, let's dive into a few quick and easy ways to make this happen.
Tip #1:
To help create the illusion that you're home, it might be a good idea to invest in automated light timers. There are SO many options for this and many of them are inexpensive. If you're smart-device savvy, Google or Alexa controlled bulbs can not only be scheduled but also operated directly from your phone.
If you're interested in a more basic option, there are plenty out there. Visit your local hardware or big-box store and you're sure to find what you're looking for.
Another excellent tip is to leave a parked car in the driveway. Sound a bit crazy? Remember, we're trying to create the illusion that you're home and a parked car does exactly that. Of course, keep your car safe, too!
"If you're going to leave a parked car in your driveway while you're gone, you want to make sure to lock the car and any valuables are either removed or kept out of sight."
Tip #2:
Exterior maintenance is an often overlooked but absolutely necessary component of home safety while away. Not many homeowners would let their lawns become overgrown or, if you're traveling for an extended period of time in the winter, leave inches of snow on their driveways.
Hire a service or ask a neighbor to take care of overgrown grass or other lawn care needs. Maintaining the exterior sends a message that you're, you guessed it, home.
Tip #3:
Love sharing photos of your vacations with friends and family? We all do! BUT, do it when you get home!
"It's so easy to want to share those photos of our legs kicked up on the beach with a cold beverage... but, the last thing we want is for someone in the general public to know that we are on vacation."
If you're busting at the seams and want to share your photos, do so on a safe, closed platform such as Snapchat. Send photos and videos to contacts that you personally select and not friends of friends of friends on Insta or Facebook and more.
When you get home, share it all!
Vacations are all about relaxation and refreshing your mind. The last thing on your mind should be the safety of your home! Take a little bit of time before you leave and consider our tips to keep your trip worry-free and all about you.
Check out Heather's video for a bonus home safety tip!
