Leaving Town? These Easy Home Hacks Could Deter Burglars

There’s something about the hours leading up to a vacation that always hits me like a freight train: excitement, checklists, last-minute laundry, and—if you're like me—about a dozen panicked thoughts like "Did I lock the back door?" or "Should I have told my neighbor we’d be gone?"

After learning the hard way (yep, we once returned from a family trip to find our porch chairs mysteriously missing and our motion lights disconnected), I’ve built a bulletproof system to keep our home secure anytime we’re away. It’s a mix of practical prep, smart tech, and a little neighborhood teamwork.

So here it is—my go-to guide for safeguarding your home before you hit the road.

Pre-Departure Security Checklist

As stated in ADT's Home Burglary Statistics, a home burglary happens every 25.7 seconds in the United States. That’s a sobering thought, right? It’s exactly why I’ve gotten serious about my pre-travel security routine.

Before every trip, I run through this mental (and now written!) checklist like clockwork. It’s the kind of routine that’s saved me from more than one vacation-ruining surprise. Here’s everything I do to prep the inside and outside of our home before hitting the road:

Interior Preparations

Before locking the front door, take a quick tour inside. Start by securing any valuables (jewelry, cash, important documents) in a home safe or safety deposit box. I keep a fireproof folder in my closet just for passports and insurance info.

Set your lights on timers or use smart bulbs. I love using an app to randomly turn lights on and off—makes it feel like we’re still home. Don’t forget the thermostat! Adjust it to a cost-effective but safe level (I keep ours at 60°F in winter and 78°F in summer).

Next up: electronics. Unplug anything non-essential to prevent fire hazards or energy waste. And finally, pause your mail and package deliveries or ask a neighbor to collect them. Nothing says “nobody’s home” like an overflowing mailbox.

Exterior Fortifications

Now let’s head outside. Make sure all doors (including the garage and side gates) have secure locks—and use them. I swapped our old deadbolt for a smart lock last year, and it’s been a game-changer.

Check windows, especially those on the ground floor. Reinforce any weak points with locks or window pins. Sliding doors? Use a security bar or a sturdy wooden dowel in the track.

Trim back shrubs and trees that could hide someone from view. Install or test motion-sensor lights—especially near back doors and dark corners. And secure outdoor items like grills, bikes, or patio furniture. Wind isn’t the only thing that might move them.

Technology Solutions for Remote Monitoring

These days, keeping an eye on your house doesn’t mean bothering your neighbor every hour. With a few smart tools, you can monitor your space from anywhere—and make it look like you never left. Here’s how I use tech to stay connected and feel in control, even when I’m halfway across the globe:

Smart Home Security Systems

Security tech has come a long way—and trust me, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it. I installed a video doorbell last year, and even when I’m sipping a mojito 2,000 miles away, I can see who’s at our door.

Pair that with indoor and outdoor security cameras. Place them in visible spots—they’re a great deterrent. Smart locks let you control access from anywhere, and sensors on doors/windows will alert you if something’s opened.

Home Automation for Occupied Appearance

Want to make your home look alive while you’re not? Set your lights to turn on and off in a pattern that mimics your usual habits. Add smart blinds to open in the morning and close at night.

Some folks even set timers for TVs or radios. I’ve got our sprinklers scheduled to run every few days, which keeps the lawn looking maintained—and keeps up the illusion that someone’s home.

Creating the Illusion of Occupancy

A dark, silent house? That’s an open invite to trouble. But a few clever tricks can make your home seem busy and buzzing while you’re away. In this section, I’ll walk you through the little details that go a long way in making it look like someone’s always home.

Daily Activity Simulation

The trick here is subtlety. You don’t want to go full Home Alone and set up mannequins, but things like staggered lighting or a car parked in the driveway can make a difference. Our neighbor drives my car up and down the driveway once or twice a week while we’re gone—it’s small, but effective.

Keep your social media posts delayed. I post vacation pics after we return—otherwise, you’re advertising that no one’s home.

Trusted Network Management

Build a small circle of trust. Let a neighbor know you’ll be out and ask them to keep an eye out for anything unusual. We’ve also used house-sitting services and had friends stay over.

Share a spare key only with someone you absolutely trust. And give them emergency contacts and basic instructions (like where the water shut-off is). Routine visits for trash bins or basic upkeep help, too—it keeps the place looking lived-in.

Insurance and Documentation Strategies

Let’s talk paperwork—not glamorous, but so, so important. Over the years, I’ve learned how much smoother things go when your insurance is solid and your documents are in order before you take off. This part is all about getting your ducks in a row so you’re not scrambling later.

Pre-Travel Documentation

Take a walk through your house with your phone camera. Snap or film everything—furniture, electronics, valuables. It’s not paranoia, it’s smart prep. I store mine on the cloud, just in case.

Review your homeowner’s policy. Are you covered for theft or natural disasters while away? If you’ve made home upgrades or big purchases, make sure your coverage reflects that.

Keep your insurance papers and emergency info somewhere secure—like a waterproof safe or a cloud folder only you and a trusted person can access.

Coverage Verification

Most policies have vacancy clauses—meaning if you’re gone too long without notice, coverage might lapse. Call your provider and clarify the terms, especially if your trip is longer than two weeks.

You might want temporary extra coverage. We added a rider for a trip last year after installing a new deck and hot tub. Also, let your agent know about any new security measures—that could reduce your premium or help your case if you ever file a claim.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans

Even with all the best prep, things can still go sideways. That’s why I always put together a plan for what ifs. Here’s what we do to make sure our house—and our sanity—can handle any surprise that might pop up while we’re away:

Utility Management

Turn off the water at the main valve to avoid coming home to a leak disaster. Our basement flooded once—lesson learned. Unplug appliances, especially if they’re not surge-protected.

"Even the best plans can hit bumps—so I prepare for the ‘what ifs’ with smart utility management and a clear crisis communication strategy to protect my home and peace of mind while away."

Set your HVAC to run at a protective temp, and make sure it’s recently serviced. Consider a backup power source like a generator or battery backup for sump pumps and fridges.

Crisis Communication

Have a contact tree in case of emergencies—who gets called first, second, third? Make sure your neighbor or sitter knows how to reach you (and vice versa).

You can also register your home with local authorities in some areas. That way, if there’s an incident, the police know the home should be vacant.

And if your security system sends an alert? Don’t panic. Have a plan. We set ours to notify us and our neighbor—plus it auto-calls emergency responders if needed.

Budget-Friendly Security Alternatives

You don’t need to spend thousands to keep your place secure. Over the years, I’ve discovered that a little creativity and community go a long way. Whether you’re on a budget or just love a good DIY, these are my favorite low-cost (and sometimes no-cost) ways to protect your space.

DIY Security Measures

You don’t have to break the bank to stay safe. Simple timer plugs for lamps cost less than $15. Window security film and wooden dowels for sliders? Cheap and effective.

Get creative—place “Beware of Dog” signs (even if you don’t have one), leave boots at the door, or hang wind chimes near entry points to make noise.

Community watch groups are free and effective. We joined ours last summer and instantly had ten extra sets of eyes on our block.

Professional vs. Self-Managed Options

Professional security companies offer packages, but they come at a cost. If you’re not away often, seasonal rentals might make more sense.

Or, coordinate with neighbors or hire someone local—students or retirees often welcome the extra income for house-checking. Bonus: they know your area and can spot anything off.

Post-Vacation Security Assessment

Coming home should feel great—not stressful. I’ve made it a habit to do a quick security check as soon as we walk through the door. It’s the best way to spot anything off—and make the next trip even smoother. Here’s how I handle it:

Return Home Protocols

When you get back, don’t just collapse into bed. Do a quick walkthrough—check doors, windows, and your security system logs.

Take note of anything strange or out of place, and make improvements based on what worked or didn’t. After one trip, we realized our side gate latch needed reinforcement. Now it’s on the pre-trip checklist.

Keep evolving your security plan. Each trip teaches you something new—and builds a stronger safety net for the next one.

The Briefing Room

1. Set the Stage: Secure interiors, exteriors, and tech systems before leaving.
2. Simulate Activity: Use lights, blinds, and help from neighbors to make the house look lived-in.
3. Check Your Coverage: Know your insurance terms—especially vacancy rules.
4. Document Everything: Create a visual home inventory and update important papers.
5. Think Smart, Not Expensive: DIY security can be just as effective as pro services.
6. Post-Trip Review: Use each return home to refine and strengthen your future plans.

Here’s to Worry-Free Fun

At the end of the day, home safety isn’t just about locks and cameras—it’s about knowing you’ve got things handled so you can fully unplug. Whether you’re gone for a weekend or a month, just a little preparation now can save you a lot of headaches later. And hey, your future self will thank you.