5 Things to Lock Down Before Your Weekend Trip Starts

You know that feeling when you’re all packed up and excited to leave for a weekend trip, but a tiny voice in your head keeps asking, “Is my home going to be safe while I’m gone?” I’ve been there too. Leaving your house unattended, even for a couple of days, can be nerve-wracking. But here’s the good news — with a few smart, easy steps, you can actually protect your home and enjoy your trip without constantly worrying.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through five essential things to do before you head out for the weekend. These aren’t complicated or expensive fixes — just practical tips that work, backed by experts and real-life experience. Because honestly, your peace of mind matters.

1. Create the Appearance of Occupancy

Look, one of the easiest ways to protect your home while you’re away for the weekend is to make it look like someone’s actually there. Burglars usually avoid houses that seem lived-in because the risk of getting caught goes way up. So, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up your mail and newspapers and maybe even park their car in your driveway now and then.

You can also use smart timers or apps to turn your lights, TV, or radio on and off at random intervals. This small trick goes a long way in fooling anyone watching your house. According to ADT, a leading security company, these simple steps can significantly lower the chances of a break-in.

I always recommend this because it’s practical and affordable, plus it gives you peace of mind before you leave. Have you ever noticed how just a few lights blinking on a dark street make a house feel “alive”? That’s exactly what you want to create.

2. Secure All Entry Points and Conceal Valuables

You’d be surprised how many break-ins happen because someone forgot to lock a door or window properly. Before you leave, take a few minutes to double-check every entry point—doors, windows, garage, even the basement if you have one. Don’t forget your garage — it’s often one of the weakest entry points. If you haven’t reinforced it yet, here are 7 smart ways to protect your garage from burglars that are simple but seriously effective. Reinforce weak locks if you can, or at least make sure everything is securely latched.

Also, don’t leave valuables like jewelry, cash, or important documents lying around in obvious places. Burglars know where to look first. I suggest stashing these items in a safe or a hidden spot only you know about.

Reddit’s home defense community is full of real people sharing practical advice on locking down homes. One tip I liked was removing spare keys from outside areas — it sounds small but can save you a lot of trouble.

Taking these precautions might feel like a hassle, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. After all, no vacation vibe is complete if you come back to an empty, ransacked home.

3. Unplug Risky Electronics—but Keep Essentials On

Before you head out, unplug any appliances and electronics that aren’t needed while you’re away. This lowers the risk of electrical fires and helps save energy. Think about things like your coffee maker, TV, gaming consoles, and space heaters. Not sure what to unplug and what to leave on? Here’s a handy list of 10 devices you should always unplug before a trip to save energy and avoid electrical risks.

But don’t unplug everything blindly. Some devices, like your refrigerator or security system, need to stay on. According to People.com, unplugging unnecessary gadgets not only prevents accidents but can also reduce your electric bill.

It’s a simple step that can save you from major headaches later. I always do a quick “walkthrough unplug” before leaving—it’s a habit that pays off.

4. Manage Pipes, Water, and HVAC for Safety

Before you leave for the weekend, protecting your home’s plumbing and HVAC system is crucial. Water damage from burst pipes or HVAC issues can turn a relaxing trip into a nightmare. Here’s what I recommend:

• Turn off the main water valve: This simple step prevents leaks or bursts while you’re away. Even a small drip can cause big damage if left unchecked.
• Drain your pipes if possible: Especially in colder weather, draining pipes reduces the risk of freezing and bursting. Better Homes & Gardens points out that this can save you from costly repairs.
• Adjust your thermostat: Don’t shut off your heating or cooling completely. Set it to a temperature that prevents pipes from freezing but doesn’t waste energy—typically around 55°F (13°C).
• Use a smart thermostat: If you have one, you can monitor and control the temperature remotely. This is great if your plans change or if there’s a sudden cold snap.
• Check your HVAC filters: A clean filter means your system runs efficiently and reduces the chance of unexpected breakdowns.
• Consider shutting off irrigation systems: Avoid watering your garden unnecessarily when you’re not home to monitor it.

Taking these precautions is a small effort that can save you a lot of hassle and expense. It’s one less thing to worry about so you can truly relax.

5. Use Smart Security Tools and Stay Connected Remotely

Technology today gives us amazing ways to keep an eye on our homes even when we’re miles away. If you haven’t already, investing in a smart security system can be a game changer for your peace of mind. If you’re looking to take things a step further, check out these 10 pro-level security moves every homeowner should make — especially if you’re gone often or live in a high-risk area.

• Arm your security system: Make sure it’s fully activated before you leave.
• Set up cameras you can monitor from your phone: This way, you get real-time alerts if something unusual happens.
• Use smart doorbells: They let you see and talk to anyone who comes to your door, even when you’re not home.
• Automate lights and alarms: Schedule them to mimic daily routines, keeping your home looking lived-in.
• Share access wisely: Give trusted neighbors or family members temporary control if needed, but avoid oversharing access broadly.

Spectrum Asset Management highlights that remote monitoring and instant alerts can drastically reduce burglary risks. I personally find that knowing I can check in anytime makes leaving home less stressful.

Bonus: Your Weekend Home Safety Checklist — Keep It Handy

Let’s be honest — when you’re heading out for a short trip, it’s easy to overlook small tasks that matter. A back window left unlocked. A phone charger still plugged in. The thermostat left too high. These aren’t major errors, but they can lead to costly or stressful surprises when you return.

That’s exactly why I’ve created a simple Weekend Home Safety Checklist — something you can quickly glance through before locking up. Whether you save it on your phone, print it out, or pin it to your fridge, it’s meant to take the guesswork out of preparing your home.

This list isn’t about perfection — it’s about peace of mind.

What the checklist covers:

• Home security basics — door and window locks, alarms, and outdoor lights
• Electronics and fire safety — unplugging high-risk devices
• Plumbing and thermostat settings — avoid leaks or frozen pipes
• Communication — informing a trusted friend or neighbor you’re away
• Smart tech — reviewing camera settings, alerts, and timers
• Social media awareness — avoiding real-time location sharing while traveling

Keeping this list close by means less last-minute stress and a smoother departure. When your home is set up safely, you enjoy your time away more — and return with less to worry about.

Wrapping It Up: Travel Easy, Stay Safe

Taking these five simple steps before you head out for the weekend isn’t just about protecting your home—it’s about protecting your peace of mind. When you know your place looks occupied, your doors are locked tight, risky devices are unplugged, plumbing is safe, and your smart security is watching over everything, you can finally relax and enjoy your trip.

Now, I want to hear from you—what’s your go-to home safety tip before traveling? Or maybe you’ve tried one of these already? Drop a comment or share your experience. Let’s make sure everyone feels confident leaving home, no matter where they’re headed.

Safe travels!

If you found these tips helpful, visit Build Like More for more practical advice on keeping your home safe and sound. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend getaway!

Disclaimer: The tips in this article are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional security advice. Always consult a licensed expert for personalized recommendations.