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Partner Post: Traveling Soon? Keep Your Home Safe with These Tips

Author TownSq

The time leading up to a trip may be stressful and your to-do list may seem never-ending, but don’t skip over one of the most important pre-travel tasks- protecting your home! There is nothing worse than returning from a vacation and finding out something went wrong while you were away. Whether you'll be gone for an entire month, or for just a long weekend, these tips will provide you with the peace of mind you need so you can enjoy your trip!

  1. Have neighbors check in.

It's always nice to know you have an extra set of eyes on your home while you aren’t there. Let a trusted neighbor know that you are heading out of town so they can check in on your home periodically and alert you immediately if something has gone wrong or looks suspicious.

  1. Stop your mail.

Having your mail pile up is a dead giveaway to strangers that no one is home. Either ask your neighbor to collect your mail and packages for you, or head to USPS.com and put a stop on your mail for the duration of your trip.

  1. Don’t leave lights on.

Some people like to leave a kitchen or hall light on while they are away to make it look like someone is home. However, if a stranger is watching and notices that your lights never turn off- it can look suspicious. If you need to, invest in timers so your lights will only be on at normal times and your electric bill won’t be through the roof.

  1. Unplug everything.

Make sure to unplug electronics and appliances before you leave. This will protect your home from power surges and any mishaps that could occur if pipes freeze or the power goes out.

  1. Think before you share on social media.

You're probably very excited about your trip- and you should be! However, think twice before sharing that excitement online. You never know who's reading your posts, so hold off on sharing your pictures and plans until you are back home.

  1. Double check locks.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but with so much to do before you leave, it can be easy to forget. Make sure to lock all of your doors and windows – and check them twice! You don’t want to be on vacation and trying to remember if you locked the back door or bedroom window before you left.