Most of us love traveling and the excitement of a trip. Getting out the luggage, looking through maps, checking what is needed, and finding your passport. Maybe buying new clothes and books. Traveling can be wonderful, but coming home to find your house has been damaged or broken into would wreck everything you had enjoyed. 

You might think that if you are only away for a weekend, it does not matter, but a quick burglar, a burst tap (especially in the colder months), a lightning strike, or heavy wind and rain could spoil your relaxing break. So whether you are packing your bags for a cruise to Mexico or visiting Europe this fall, it is well worth thinking about how you could have a happy vacation and a good return to your home.

Keeping Your Home Safe

The first thing to do is check your house insurance. Don’t leave it until the night before. Make sure it is current and that you have full cover for burglary, flood, strong winds, and anything else needed. If necessary, ask for assistance from your insurance company before you go. Some companies will need to know how long you are away and who will look after the house. 

If you are going away for only a day or two, there is probably no need to ask your Mail Service to keep the post, unless you are expecting something fragile or a parcel (consider asking for a delayed delivery). But for any more than that, letters or parcels on the doorstep would be a sign of an empty home. So arrange with the Mail Service to hold your post and parcels. Remember to cancel the newspapers and milk! 

If you have animals or other pets who need to be looked after, why not ask a relative, neighbor, or friend to do so or find out about any professional house and dog sitters? Make sure they have the right credentials.

No animals or birds that need to be looked after? Then tell your closest neighbors you are away and give them your traveling telephone number in case it is needed. Even if they cannot help, they can get on to the police if anything strange is happening. It might be useful if they would pass by your house once or twice a week.  

Arrange for a key holder to be appointed and give your alarm company the details. 

Put all valuable items in a safe, if you have one. It is well worth it. If not, put them in a secret place. Remember that valuable things are not just jewelry. It could be bits of silver you love, important documents, your wills perhaps, and if you are not using your car for your travel, the paperwork and keys for that.

Assuming you have a house alarm, make sure it is in a good state and set a security light on a timer. 

Switch off the computer, television, and electric appliances to reduce the risk of fire. Turn off your heating and hot water but, in cold weather, reduce the thermostat to a low temperature.

If you keep your car in the drive, not a garage, ask a neighbor to move it around once every week, so it gives the impression of being used. Close and lock the garage as well. 

Make sure all outside and inside doors and windows are closed with any kind of keys out of sight. Even the one for the bathroom!

Securing your house properly before setting off on a trip is a vital part of preparing for any vacation. With everything locked up tight at home, you can enjoy your adventures free of worry, stress, or anxiety!