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10 Smart Ways to Secure Your Home While You’re on Holiday

Heading off on holiday? Don’t let home security worries ruin your trip. This guide shares 10 smart, practical tips to keep your home safe while you’re away—from securing entry points and sing smart lighting to managing deliveries and protecting against fire or water damage. A must-read for stress-free travel peace of mind.

Planning a holiday should be exciting—not stressful. But for many homeowners, the thought of leaving their home unattended for days or weeks can be a major source of anxiety. Whether it’s concerns about burglaries, water damage, or unexpected power issues, home security during a holiday is a genuine worry—and rightly so.

The good news is, with the right precautions, it’s easy to safeguard your property so you can truly unwind. This guide breaks down 10 smart, practical, and easy-to-implement ways to secure your home before heading off on your next adventure.

1. Install a Modern Home Security System

A comprehensive home security system is one of the most effective deterrents against intruders. Today’s systems go beyond simple alarms—they often include:

  • Motion-activated cameras
  • Door and window sensors
  • Mobile alerts
  • Smart doorbells
  • 24/7 surveillance integrations

Many burglars will skip homes that clearly have active security systems. Even visible signs and external cameras can be enough to discourage entry.

2. Perform a Full Lock and Entry Point Check

Before heading out, perform a full walkthrough to ensure every entry point is secure. This includes:

  • Doors (front, back, garage, and side)
  • All ground-floor windows
  • Pet doors or ventilation spaces
  • Sliding doors (consider a dowel rod or lock bar)

Double-check that deadbolts engage properly and consider reinforcing weak frames if needed. A single overlooked window can be an easy access point.

3. Make Your Home Appear Occupied

An empty-looking home can quickly attract attention from the wrong people. Here are some smart ways to create the illusion of occupancy:

  • Set interior lights on timers
  • Leave curtains and blinds in their normal positions
  • Keep a car parked in the driveway
  • Ask a friend or neighbour to stop by occasionally
  • Use smart home devices to control lighting, music, or even TV

The goal is to mimic everyday life so that nothing appears unusual from the outside.

4. Pause Deliveries or Have Mail Collected

A stuffed mailbox, uncollected packages, or flyers piling up at your door are dead giveaways that nobody is home.

Before you leave:

  • Place a temporary hold on mail through the postal service
  • Suspend newspaper or regular deliveries
  • Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect any parcels or leaflets

Keeping the exterior of your home tidy helps maintain the illusion that someone’s around.

5. Turn Off the Water Supply

Water damage is one of the most common and costly types of home damage, especially when no one’s there to spot it early.

If you’ll be away for more than a few days:

  • Shut off the water at the main valve
  • Drain pipes if you live in a cold climate
  • Install water leak detectors in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries

This simple step can prevent catastrophic damage from undetected leaks or burst pipes.

6. Unplug Appliances and Electronics

Leaving appliances plugged in poses several risks:

  • Fire hazards from faulty devices
  • Power surges that damage electronics
  • Wasted energy use while you’re away

Unplug non-essential items like TVs, microwaves, computers, coffee machines, and chargers. Leave only vital devices like fridges or freezers plugged in.

7. Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Don’t give prying eyes a reason to target your home. Make it harder for anyone to see—or steal—valuable items.

  • Store cash, jewellery, and important documents in a home safe
  • Avoid leaving expensive electronics visible through windows
  • Lock away tools or ladders that could assist a break-in

If possible, use blinds or curtains to limit visibility into your living areas.

8. Limit What You Post Online

While it might be tempting to share beach selfies and check-ins in real time, it’s smarter to wait until you’re back.

Avoid:

  • Posting exact travel dates
  • Tagging your location
  • Sharing countdowns or travel plans publicly

Even if your account is private, information can spread. Save the holiday album for when you return—it’s worth the wait.

9. Check Your Home Insurance Policy

Before leaving, review your home insurance to make sure you’re covered in case something goes wrong. Look for:

  • Coverage for theft or break-ins
  • Protection against fire and flood
  • Clauses about how long the home can be unoccupied
  • Required conditions for claims (e.g., locks, alarms, etc.)

Understanding what’s covered (and what isn’t) gives peace of mind—and helps you avoid claim issues later.

10. Notify a Trusted Neighbour or Friend

Having someone nearby who knows you’re away can be invaluable. Ask a neighbour, friend, or relative to:

  • Keep an eye on your property
  • Water your plants or feed pets
  • Bring bins in/out on collection days
  • Contact you if anything looks off

Even occasional visits create activity around the house, which can be a strong deterrent to opportunists.

Final Thoughts: Security is a State of Preparation

When it comes to securing your home during a holiday, peace of mind comes from preparation—not luck. By combining technology, common sense, and a bit of forward planning, you can make your home a much harder target for both burglars and natural mishaps.

These 10 smart tips are easy to implement and go a long way toward protecting your home, belongings, and peace of mind while you're away.

Contact UR Protection Security Services today for a free security consultation or explore our residential packages to suit your budget and lifestyle.

Because nothing should come between you and a stress-free holiday—not even home security.

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