How to Protect Your Home While on Vacation: Must-Know Tips

Whenever I pack my bags for a vacation, one thought always nags me: “What if someone breaks into my house while I’m gone?” Vacant homes are prime targets for burglars, and even a short trip can make your property vulnerable. I’ve seen friends come back to empty mailboxes overflowing, blinds mysteriously moved, or worse—signs that someone had been snooping around.

That’s why I’ve made it a rule to plan my home security before every trip. Over the years, I’ve learned practical ways to keep a house safe, from high-tech solutions to simple everyday tricks that make burglars think twice. In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 essential home security tips for vacation, so you can leave worry behind and actually enjoy your getaway.

By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to protect your home, deter intruders, and even monitor your property remotely—all without turning your vacation into a stress test.

Install Home Security Cameras

The first thing I do before any trip is make sure my home is covered by security cameras. Honestly, it’s not just about recording—it’s about creating a strong deterrent. Burglars don’t want to be on camera, and a visible system alone can stop most attempts before they even start.

For me, the peace of mind comes from being able to check in from anywhere. With a simple app on my phone, I can see who’s at the door, monitor my driveway, or keep an eye on the backyard. If anything suspicious happens, I get instant alerts—so I can call for help right away instead of discovering a problem too late.

Here’s a tip I’ve learned over time: place cameras at all main entry points—front and back doors, side gates, even windows that are easy to reach. Combining them with motion-activated lights adds another layer of security. You don’t need to make your house look like Fort Knox, but small strategic steps can make a huge difference.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive step-by-step approach to securing your entire property, you can check out this guide for new homeowners that covers everything from cameras to locks.

Leave Blinds Partially Open

When I first thought about leaving my house, I used to close every blind tight. But I quickly learned that can actually signal “nobody’s home” to a burglar.

Instead, I started leaving blinds halfway open. It creates a lived-in look without revealing your valuables.

If you want to take it a step further, consider electric blinds. You can program them to open and close automatically, so it looks like someone’s moving around inside.

Even small touches like this make a huge difference in deterring opportunistic thieves.

Use Indoor Lights on Timers

I’ve found that lights on timers are a surprisingly powerful tool. When you set lights to turn on and off at different times, it mimics normal activity in the house.

Walk past a home that’s empty, but the lights keep changing—you’re likely to assume someone’s inside.

A key thing I learned: don’t leave lights on in rooms where blinds are open. That actually draws attention to valuables.

Stick to the living room or hallways where it looks natural. The combination of blinds partially open and lights on timers is subtle but very effective.

Enlist a House Watcher

I always ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on my place while I’m away. Even a quick drive-by or picking up the mail makes your home less of a target.

They can also spot unusual signs, like small markings or objects left near the house, that you might miss.

If you don’t have someone nearby, see if a family member can visit occasionally. I promise, having another set of eyes on your home is worth every effort.

Some homeowners even use group chats to coordinate with neighbors or friends—like a dedicated WhatsApp group—to quickly share updates while away, so everyone knows the house is being watched.

Lock All Windows and Doors

I can’t stress this enough: lock everything. Windows, doors, even the ones you rarely use. Almost half of burglars enter through unlocked windows, and you don’t want to give them an easy way in.

For single-glazed or easily accessible windows, consider adding extra locks or reinforcements. If you’re in a remote area, this becomes even more critical.

I always double-check before leaving, and you should too—locking up properly is the simplest way to prevent an avoidable break-in.

Understanding how burglars typically gain entry can help you prioritize which windows and doors to secure first—here’s a detailed breakdown of common break-in tactics.

Empty Mailboxes & Manage Deliveries

Nothing screams “nobody’s home” like a mailbox stuffed with letters and packages. Before I leave, I make sure my mailbox is empty.

For longer trips, I ask a neighbor to collect mail or temporarily redirect it to a friend or family member.

If you get deliveries while you’re away, consider scheduling them to arrive after your return. Even small steps like this prevent giving burglars easy clues about your absence.

Have you ever tried a clever trick to make your home look lived-in while on vacation? Share your tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

Activate Security System Alerts & Vacation Modes

Before I leave, I always make sure my security system is fully armed and that alerts are turned on. Most modern systems have a “vacation mode” that lets you get notifications for any movement or door/window activity while you’re away.

I can check my phone anytime, whether I’m on the beach or on a flight. If something seems off, I can call a neighbor or the authorities immediately.

Setting up these alerts isn’t complicated, but it gives a huge sense of control.

Knowing how burglars plan their moves can make alert systems even more effective—this article highlights shocking facts about burglar behavior and how to stay one step ahead.

Maintain Lawn and Shrubbery

I know the last thing you want before a trip is yard work, but trust me—keeping your lawn trimmed and shrubs tidy is important.

Overgrown yards signal that no one is around, and they give burglars hiding spots.

If you’re going away for weeks, I ask a neighbor to mow the lawn or hire a landscaper.

Even small steps, like trimming shrubs near windows, can make your house appear occupied.

Remove Hidden Spare Keys

I used to hide a spare key under the doormat, like many of us do. But over time, I realized this could be risky—burglars often know these common hiding spots.

Now, I either remove hidden keys entirely or place them in a secure, lockable key safe with a pin code.

If someone needs access while I’m away, I give it to a trusted neighbor or house watcher.

Additional Vacation Security Tips

Here are a few things I’ve picked up along the way that make a real difference:

• Smart door locks: You can lock or unlock remotely, and track who enters.
• Neighborhood apps: Tools like Nextdoor or Ring Neighborhood Watch let you see suspicious activity in real time.
• Social media caution: I never post real-time vacation updates. You don’t want strangers tracking your movements online.

Even small steps like these complement cameras, lights, and house watchers, giving you multiple layers of protection.

Final Thoughts

Over the years, I’ve learned that protecting your home while on vacation isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about layering small, smart steps that work together.

From cameras and timers to house watchers and yard maintenance, each action adds a layer of security. If you plan ahead, you can leave with peace of mind and actually enjoy your trip, knowing your home is safe.

Before you go, ask yourself: Have I checked all the entry points? Are my alerts active? Is someone keeping an eye on the place? Taking a few extra minutes now can save a lot of stress later.

For more expert tips on securing your property, visit our Home Security section to explore step-by-step guides.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional security advice. Home security needs vary by property and location. Always consider consulting a certified security expert for personalized recommendations.