Home Security Tips for When You Go on Vacation

May 7, 2025

Introduction

Going on vacation is an exciting experience, but the last thing anyone wants to worry about is their home being broken into while they’re away. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend getaway or a long international trip, ensuring your home is secure before you leave not only provides peace of mind but also protects your property and belongings. For homeowners in Houston, working with a reliable real estate agent in Houston can provide valuable insights into maintaining home security, especially if you’re planning to be away for an extended period.

A real estate agent in Houston can offer advice on the best security features for your home, whether it’s enhancing door locks, installing surveillance systems, or connecting with local security services. Moreover, real estate brokers in Houston often have local connections that can help you find a trustworthy person to watch over your property while you’re away, ensuring it stays safe and well-maintained.

When you leave for vacation, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your home. This includes securing windows and doors, setting up timers for lights to simulate presence, and informing a neighbor or friend about your plans. For more advanced protection, consider installing a smart security system or surveillance cameras that allow remote monitoring from your phone.

If you’re renting out your property during your vacation, real estate brokers in Houston can help ensure the rental process runs smoothly. They can help screen tenants and provide advice on how to make your property more secure, preventing any surprises when you return.

With the right precautions and expert advice from a real estate agent in Houston, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your home’s safety.

1. Pre-Vacation Preparations: Setting the Foundation for Security

Check All Entry Points

Before leaving for vacation, thoroughly inspect your doors, windows, and other entry points to ensure they are secure. Lock all windows and doors, and check for any broken or weakened locks. Ensure that all entry points are secured with strong locks, deadbolts, and possibly even secondary locking mechanisms like sliding bolts or chains.

Set Up Smart Home Technology

Incorporating smart home technology is a game-changer for home security. From smart locks to remote-controlled lights, these tools can provide an added layer of protection. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely, while smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off at set times, giving the illusion that someone is home.

Inform Trusted Neighbors or Friends

Before you leave, inform a trusted neighbor or a close friend that you’ll be away. Ask them to keep an eye on your property and to alert you if anything suspicious happens. If you’re going on a longer vacation, you could even arrange for them to collect your mail or water your plants to make the home seem lived in.

Avoid Sharing Your Vacation Plans on Social Media

While it’s tempting to post vacation updates online, resist the urge to share your plans on social media until you return. Posting about your absence can alert burglars that your home is unoccupied. It’s best to wait until you’re back home to share photos or stories about your trip.

2. Securing Windows and Doors

Reinforce Entryways

The majority of home burglaries occur through the front door or windows. Reinforce these entry points with additional locks, door jambs, or security bars. High-quality deadbolts should be installed on all exterior doors, and sliding doors can be reinforced with security bars or a wooden dowel in the track to prevent them from being forced open.

Use High-Quality Locks

Upgrading to high-quality locks can make a significant difference in the security of your home. Look for locks with bump-proof features or deadbolt locks. Ensure that all locks are in working order, and replace any outdated or faulty locks.

Install Security Bars or Window Films

Security bars can be installed on windows, especially those on the ground floor. Window films that make glass more resistant to shattering are another great way to add security. This extra layer of protection will make it harder for burglars to gain access to your home.

Don’t Forget About Garage Doors

Garage doors are often overlooked in home security, but they’re a common entry point for burglars. Ensure your garage door is locked, and if it has an automatic opener, make sure the remote is either with you or securely stored. Consider installing a smart garage door opener that you can control remotely.

3. Lighting and Outdoor Security

Use Timers for Lights

Installing timers for your indoor and outdoor lights gives the illusion that someone is home. Set the timers to turn on and off at various times of the day, especially in the evening. This will mimic normal household activity and deter criminals from targeting your property.

Install Motion-Sensor Lights

Installing motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home can act as a strong deterrent to potential burglars. These lights will automatically turn on when movement is detected, alerting you and anyone nearby to suspicious activity.

Ensure the Yard Looks Lived In

If you have a lawn or garden, ensure that it doesn’t look abandoned. Arrange for someone to mow the lawn and take care of any plants. A well-maintained yard gives the impression that the home is occupied, making it less likely to be targeted.

Secure Outdoor Equipment

Don’t forget about securing outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, bicycles, or grills. These items are valuable and could be tempting for burglars. Lock them up in a shed or garage before leaving.

4. Advanced Security Measures

Invest in a Home Security System

A professionally installed home security system can be a great investment. These systems typically include motion detectors, door/window sensors, and surveillance cameras. Many modern systems can be monitored remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere in the world.

Use Smart Surveillance Cameras

Smart surveillance cameras offer an extra layer of security, especially when paired with cloud storage and remote monitoring. You can watch your property in real-time, and many smart cameras send alerts directly to your phone when they detect unusual activity.

Consider Smart Doorbell Systems

Smart doorbells, like the Ring doorbell, allow you to see and communicate with anyone at your door, even when you’re away. These systems provide real-time video and audio feeds, enabling you to remotely answer the door and deter potential intruders.

Install a Safe for Valuables

For extra protection, invest in a fireproof and waterproof safe for your most valuable items. Whether it’s jewelry, important documents, or electronics, a safe can provide a secure location for your valuables while you’re on vacation.

5. Handling Deliveries and Mail

Stop Mail and Newspaper Deliveries

One of the easiest ways to alert burglars that you’re away is by letting mail or newspapers pile up at your doorstep. Before leaving, contact the post office to put a temporary hold on your mail, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you. You can do the same for newspaper deliveries.

Ask a Neighbor to Collect Packages

If you’re expecting packages while you’re away, ask a trusted neighbor to collect them for you. Packages left on the doorstep are not only a potential target for theft but also signal that no one is home.

Secure Your Mailbox

In addition to stopping mail deliveries, you may also want to install a lock on your mailbox to prevent thieves from stealing your mail. If your mailbox is in a location that’s easy to access, consider upgrading it with a secure, locked design.

6. Taking Precautions with Your Car

Secure Your Vehicle in the Garage

If possible, always park your car in a locked garage before going on vacation. A vehicle parked outside is more likely to attract thieves, especially if it contains valuables or is easy to steal. Make sure to lock your car and remove all valuables from sight.

Consider a Car Alarm

If your car doesn’t already have one, consider installing a car alarm or tracking system. This provides an extra layer of protection in case someone attempts to break into your car or steal it.

Don’t Leave Valuables in the Car

Never leave valuables such as electronics, wallets, or bags in your car while you’re on vacation. Even if the vehicle is parked in a secure area, leaving valuable items in plain sight can tempt thieves.

7. Smart Technology for Monitoring

Set Up Remote Monitoring on Your Smartphone

With modern security systems, you can monitor your home remotely from your smartphone. Whether it’s through a security system app or smart cameras, remote monitoring allows you to check in on your property whenever you want, providing peace of mind during your vacation.

Integrate with Home Automation Systems

Integrating your security system with a home automation platform gives you even more control. From adjusting the thermostat to controlling lights, alarms, and locks, automation allows you to manage every aspect of your home’s security while away.

Use AI-Powered Security Cameras

AI-powered cameras not only capture footage but also analyze it for suspicious behavior, such as detecting motion or identifying faces. These cameras can alert you to potential threats and even allow you to interact with the system remotely.

8. Common Vacation Security Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Windows Unlocked

One of the most common security mistakes people make before leaving for vacation is forgetting to lock windows. Make sure all windows are securely locked, and use window locks or security bars for added protection.

Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Locations

Avoid hiding spare keys in common spots such as under the doormat or above the doorframe. These locations are obvious to burglars. Instead, consider giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend.

Over-sharing on Social Media

As mentioned earlier, avoid posting vacation details on social media until you return. Sharing your location or vacation dates can make your home a target for burglars.

9. Conclusion: The Key to a Worry-Free Vacation

With these home security tips, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your property’s safety. From reinforcing windows and doors to installing smart security systems, there are plenty of ways to keep your home secure. By planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your home remains safe and protected while you’re away, allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.