Vacation Prep: Secure Your Items Like a Pro

So, you’re planning a vacation. Exciting, right? But before you jet off to sip piña coladas on the beach, there’s something you need to think about: securing your home and belongings. Nothing kills that post-vacation glow like coming back to a burglarized house or a flooded basement. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of vacation prep and how to secure your items like a pro.

A few years back, I went on a spontaneous week-long trip to Cancun. I had the time of my life, but when I returned, I found my apartment in disarray. I had forgotten to close the windows, and a sudden storm had blown through, soaking my furniture and ruining some of my favorite books. Lesson learned: always prepare your home before you leave. Since then, I’ve become a bit of a vacation prep evangelist. So, grab a coffee, and let’s get started.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from the obvious (like locking your doors) to the not-so-obvious (like turning off your water supply). By the end, you’ll be a vacation prep pro, ready to secure your home like Fort Knox. Let’s dive in.

The Ultimate Vacation Prep Checklist

1. The Obvious Stuff

Let’s start with the basics. Before you leave, make sure you:

• Lock all your doors and windows. This includes your garage door and any pet doors.
• Set your alarm system if you have one. And actually remember to turn it on. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider…

I’m torn between suggesting a high-tech alarm system or a simple doorstop alarm. But ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and preference. Maybe I should clarify that both options have their merits.

2. Make Your Home Look Occupied

Burglars love an empty house. So, your job is to make it look like someone’s home. Here’s how:

• Put your lights on timers. This is a classic trick, but it works. Set them to turn on and off at random intervals to mimic someone being home.
• Pause your mail and newspaper deliveries. Nothing screams ’empty house’ like a pile of unopened mail or a driveway littered with newspapers.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to park in your driveway occasionally. Again, the goal is to create the illusion that someone’s home.

But what if you don’t have close neighbors or friends nearby? Well, you could consider hiring a housesitter. It’s a bit of an investment, but it might be worth the peace of mind.

3. Unplug and Turn Off

Electrical fires are a real thing, folks. So, before you leave, unplug all non-essential electronics and appliances. This includes your TV, computer, toaster oven, etc. Not only will this reduce the risk of fire, but it’ll also save you some money on your electric bill.

And while you’re at it, turn off your water supply. This is especially important in the winter when pipes can freeze and burst, but it’s a good practice year-round. Trust me, coming home to a flooded house is not the souvenir you want from your vacation.

4. Climate Control

Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to think about your home’s internal climate. In the winter, keep your heat on low to prevent pipes from freezing. In the summer, keep your AC on a reasonable setting to prevent mold growth and keep your pets comfortable if you have any.

But what about the environmental impact? Is it really necessary to leave your systems running? Let’s consider the alternatives. You could insulate your pipes to prevent freezing, or use a dehumidifier to combat mold. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between protecting your home and being energy-efficient.

5. Tech to the Rescue

In this day and age, there’s a plethora of smart home devices that can help you keep an eye on your home from afar. Consider investing in:

• Security cameras: These can be accessed remotely, so you can check in on your home in real-time.
• Smart plugs: These allow you to control your lights and appliances from your phone, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to your ‘someone’s home’ charade.
• Smart thermostats: These can be programmed to adjust your home’s temperature based on the time of day or the weather outside.

But do you really need all this tech? Well, it depends. If you travel frequently or have a lot of valuables, it might be worth the investment. But if you’re just going on a one-off vacation, maybe ask a tech-savvy friend to lend you some of their gadgets instead.

6. The Element of Surprise

Burglars tend to be creatures of habit. They case a neighborhood, learn the routines, and then strike when they think no one’s home. So, your job is to break the routine.

• Have a friend or neighbor mow your lawn or shovel your driveway while you’re away.
• If you usually keep your curtains open, close them before you leave. If you usually keep them closed, open them.
• If you’re close with your neighbors, ask them to use your trash bins occasionally. The mere presence of trash can signal that someone’s home.

But what if you live in an apartment or a condo? Well, you could ask a neighbor to swap parking spots with you occasionally. Or maybe leave a pair of shoes outside your door. It’s all about creating the illusion of occupancy.

7. The Nuclear Option: The ‘Someone’s Home’ Charade

If you really want to throw burglars off the scent, consider staging a ‘someone’s home’ charade. This is where you basically pretend like you’re home, even when you’re not. Here’s how:

• Leave a car in the driveway. If you don’t have a second car, maybe borrow a friend’s.
• Leave some lights on in the house. Not all of them, just enough to make it look like someone’s home.
• Leave the TV or radio on. The noise can deter burglars who are listening for signs of occupancy.

But is this really necessary? Well, it depends on your risk tolerance. If you live in a high-crime area or you have a lot of valuables, it might be worth the peace of mind. But if you’re just going on a weekend getaway, maybe just stick with the basics.

8. The Social Media Dilemma

We live in an age of oversharing. But when it comes to vacation, less is more. You don’t want to advertise the fact that your home is empty. So, as tempting as it may be, try to avoid posting about your trip on social media until after you’re back.

But what about those gorgeous beach sunsets or that delicious paella you just ate? Well, you can still take photos, just wait to post them until you’re home. Your friends and followers will understand. And if they don’t, well, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your online circle.

9. The Final Countdown

Before you walk out that door, do a final sweep of your home. Check that all your doors and windows are locked, your appliances are unplugged, and your lights are on timers. Take out any trash that might attract pests or signal that you’re away. And finally, make sure you have all your travel documents and essentials packed and ready to go.

But what if you’re running late? What if you don’t have time for a final sweep? Well, that’s what this checklist is for. Print it out, check off each item as you go, and you’ll be good to go in no time.

10. The ‘What If’ Game

Finally, before you leave, take a moment to play the ‘what if’ game. What if there’s a power outage? What if there’s a storm? What if someone tries to break in? Think through these scenarios and come up with a plan.

• For power outages, consider investing in a backup generator.
• For storms, make sure your gutters are clear and your windows are secure.
• For break-ins, have a safe room or a panic button installed.

But what if the worst happens? What if, despite all your preparations, something goes wrong? Well, that’s what insurance is for. Make sure you’re covered, and then try not to worry too much. After all, you’re going on vacation to relax, right?

So Long, Farewell

And there you have it, folks. The ultimate guide to securing your home while you’re on vacation. I know it seems like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it. There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe and secure while you’re off enjoying your well-deserved break.

So, here’s your challenge: Before your next trip, run through this checklist and see how many of these tips you can implement. And if you have any tips of your own, share them in the comments below. After all, we’re all in this together, right?

FAQ

Q: Should I invest in a home security system?
A: It depends on your budget and your peace of mind. If you can afford it, a home security system can provide an extra layer of protection. But if you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of other ways to secure your home, like asking neighbors to keep an eye out or using smart home devices.

Q: Is it really necessary to turn off my water supply?
A: It’s a good precaution, especially in the winter when pipes can freeze and burst. But it’s also a good idea year-round, as leaks can happen at any time.

Q: Should I hire a housesitter?
A: If you can afford it and you have pets or plants that need caring for, it can be a good idea. Just make sure you hire someone trustworthy.

Q: Is it okay to post about my vacation on social media?
A: It’s best to wait until you’re home. You don’t want to advertise the fact that your home is empty.

@article{vacation-prep-secure-your-items-like-a-pro,
    title   = {Vacation Prep: Secure Your Items Like a Pro},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/vacation-prep-secure-your-items/}
}