Summer Vacation Home Security: 10 Simple Ways to Protect Your Home While You’re Away
Summer is the perfect time to pack your bags, spend time with family, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re heading to the beach for a long weekend or taking a two-week road trip, one thing should never be left behind—your home’s security.
Unfortunately, burglars often look for signs that a home is vacant. The good news is that with a little planning, you can dramatically reduce your risk and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.
Below are ten practical steps every homeowner should take before leaving for vacation.
1. Lock Every Door and Window
It sounds obvious, but many break-ins occur through unlocked doors or windows. Before leaving:
- Lock every exterior door.
- Check all first-floor windows.
- Secure garage doors and side gates.
- Place a dowel or security bar in sliding glass doors.
Take a few extra minutes to walk around your home one final time before pulling out of the driveway.
2. Make Your Home Look Occupied
A dark, quiet house is one of the biggest signs that nobody is home.
Instead:
- Use programmable light timers.
- Schedule smart lights to turn on and off at different times.
- Leave a few interior blinds partially open.
- Set a television or radio on a timer if possible.
The goal is to make your home appear lived in—even when you’re hundreds of miles away.
3. Don’t Advertise Your Vacation on Social Media
It’s tempting to post beach photos the moment you arrive, but doing so tells everyone—including strangers—that your house is empty.
Instead:
- Wait until you return home before posting vacation photos.
- Avoid announcing travel dates publicly.
- Ask family members to avoid tagging your location in real time.
Sharing memories later is much safer than broadcasting your absence.
4. Hold Your Mail and Package Deliveries
An overflowing mailbox or packages stacked on your porch are obvious clues that no one is home.
Before leaving:
- Pause mail delivery through USPS.
- Delay online orders.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to collect newspapers and packages.
Keeping your front porch clear makes your home appear occupied.
5. Check Your Security System
If your home has an alarm or security cameras:
- Test every sensor.
- Replace weak batteries.
- Confirm camera angles.
- Make sure mobile notifications are enabled.
- Verify remote access before leaving.
Visible cameras and alarm signs alone can discourage many would-be burglars.
6. Secure Your Garage
Many homeowners forget that the garage often contains expensive tools, bicycles, lawn equipment, and even provides access to the home.
Before leaving:
- Lock the overhead garage door.
- Lock the door between the garage and house.
- Unplug the emergency release if appropriate.
- Never leave garage door remotes visible inside parked vehicles.
7. Let Someone You Trust Know
Ask a trusted neighbor, family member, or close friend to:
- Walk around your property occasionally.
- Move trash cans if needed.
- Park in your driveway occasionally.
- Contact you if anything seems unusual.
A watchful neighbor is one of the best security systems available.
8. Protect Your Valuables
Store important documents, jewelry, cash, and firearms in a quality safe that is securely bolted to the floor whenever possible.
Consider keeping:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Firearm paperwork
- Backup hard drives
- Family heirlooms
protected from both theft and fire.
9. Inspect Your Home Before You Leave
A quick inspection can prevent expensive surprises.
Check:
- Water faucets
- Toilets
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
If you’ll be away for an extended period, consider shutting off your home’s main water supply to help prevent costly water damage.
10. Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t seem right before you leave, take care of it.
Whether it’s replacing a burned-out porch light, trimming shrubs that block visibility, or installing a new lock, small improvements can make a big difference.
Home security isn’t about making your house impossible to break into—it’s about making it a far less attractive target.
Peace of Mind Is the Best Souvenir
Vacations should be about relaxing with the people who matter most—not worrying about what’s happening back home.
By taking a few simple precautions before you leave, you’ll greatly improve your home’s security while giving yourself one less thing to worry about.
Enjoy your vacation, make unforgettable memories, and return home knowing you’ve done everything possible to keep your family and your home safe.
Safe travels!