Home Owners
10. Make it seem like you’re still home!
Grab a light timer and set it up to one, or more than one light in your home. You can set it up to turn on when it’s dark out so that it seems like you are still home. To take it a step further, you can also set up your TV and radio on a timer to add to that. Also, think about leaving a car in your driveway while away. Even if you kindly allow your neighbour to park in your driveway while you’re gone – it’s a win win!
Also, arrange to have your home maintenance such as snow removal, or lawn care taken care of while gone.
9. Ladders
Make sure that you don’t have any ladders around the side of your house. This is where people typically keep their ladders in a city where space is so hard to come by, however it’s a great and easy way for a thief to climb into your second story.
8. Love thy neighbour
If you have a neighbour who you trust, make sure you leave them with your travel plans, contact info and a key to your home should something arise.
7. Alarm
If you have an alarm system, ensure you set it up before you leave and let the provider know you will be away.
6. Hide your hidden keys
You won’t have to worry about getting locked out of your house while you’re away, so grab any hidden keys you have around the house so no one can find them.
5. Hold your mail
If you’re going for more than a week or so, you might want to consider holding your mail and newspaper. A pile of mail building up on your doorstep would be a dead giveaway to thieves that you aren’t at home.
4. Unplug
Unplug any appliances that don’t need to be running while you’re away to prevent any electrical fires while you are away.
3. Hide the goods
If you have a safe, use it! Put away any valuables – electronics, jewellery, cash etc. If you don’t have a safe, at least put things where they would be hard to find.
2. Consider a house sitter
It may be worth your while to consider having someone you trust stay in your house while you are away. We all know that young adult who still lives at home and would love an opportunity to do this for $50 and some time away from home.
AND MY ALL TIME FAVORITE WAY TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS:
1. Keep your trip on the down low
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t tell friends and family what your plans are however I AM saying that you shouldn’t be posting things on social media pertaining to you being away from your home. Although privacy settings are getting better and better, they aren’t perfect and you can’t be sure that your status updates aren’t being made public somehow. By all means, when you get back from your trip you can brag all about it with photo albums and videos .. It’s almost expected!