How to Secure Your Home While on Vacation: Complete Safety Checklist

Heading off on vacation is something we all look forward to, but worrying about your house while you're away can cause unnecessary travel anxiety. An unattended residence is an attractive target for opportunistic burglars, making home security while on holiday a critical priority for any traveler.

Securing your home before a trip doesn't have to be complicated. By taking proactive steps—such as setting up smart security cameras, using light timers to simulate occupancy, and securing physical entry points—you can enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind.

In this guide, we break down the most effective strategies to protect your home and valuables while you are away.

Quick Answer: How to Secure Your Home While Away

• Smart Home Monitoring: Install outdoor security cameras and video doorbells to monitor entry points remotely via smartphone apps.

• Automated Lighting: Use smart plugs or timers to make your home look occupied after dark.

• Physical Barriers: Double-check window latches, deadbolt doors, and secure outdoor sheds or gates.

• Discreet Travel Plans: Avoid posting real-time vacation updates on social media until you return.

Why Home Security Matters When Traveling?

Securing your home before heading out on holiday is more than a precaution—it is a data-backed necessity. Unattended homes are disproportionately targeted by opportunistic intruders, and the financial and emotional toll of a break-in can be devastating.

Here is why proactive home security matters when you travel, supported by real-world data:

1. Unattended Homes Face Higher Burglary Rates

Vacation periods see significant spikes in residential break-ins because empty properties signal low risk to intruders.

• The 300% Spike: According to FBI burglary statistics, homes without an active security system are up to 300% more likely to be burglarized than homes with visible security measures.

• Speed of Intrusion: The average burglary lasts between 8 to 12 minutes. Intruders look for fast, easy entry points like unlocked ground-floor windows or hidden spare keys.

• Peak Times: While many assume break-ins occur at night, over 60% of home burglaries happen during daytime hours (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM) when neighbors are typically at work.

2. Financial Impact of a Break-In

Property loss is only a fraction of the total expense following an unauthorized entry.

• Average Loss: According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the average victim of a home burglary suffers a direct financial loss of approximately $2,660 per incident.

• Property Damage Costs: Beyond stolen valuables, repair costs for broken window frames, kicked-in deadbolts, or ransacked interiors often add another $500 to $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses before insurance deductibles kick in.

• Deterrent ROI: Basic preventive measures—such as smart outdoor security cameras, deadbolt reinforcement, and automated light timers—typically cost under $200 to $300 total, providing a massive return on investment compared to recovery costs.

3. Psychological Relief and Peace of Mind

Travel stress often stems from the uncertainty of what is happening back home.

• Remote Verification: Research in consumer security adoption shows that over 78% of smart home security camera owners check their live video feeds while traveling to reduce vacation anxiety.

• Real-Time Detection: Modern AI smart cameras with motion-detection alerts allow homeowners to catch intrusions or parcel deliveries in real time, enabling immediate contact with local law enforcement or neighbors.

To sum it all up, effective holiday home security offers safety, peace of mind, and even cost efficiency when you are away, thereby allowing you to maximize your vacation without being worried.

Home Security Checklist Before Leaving

Before heading out on vacation, completing a systematic sweep of your property is the single most effective way to prevent burglaries and property damage. Use this 7-step checklist to secure your home before you travel:

1. Install a Security Camera System

A visible outdoor security camera system acts as both a primary psychological deterrent and a real-time monitoring tool.

• Key Features to Look for: Opt for outdoor cameras equipped with motion-activated spotlighting, AI person/vehicle detection, two-way audio, and remote smartphone app access.

• Smart Doorbell Cameras: Position a video doorbell at your main entrance to verify package deliveries, screen unexpected visitors, and receive real-time push notifications while away.

2. Lock Doors and Windows

Over 30% of burglars enter homes through unlocked doors or windows. A complete perimeter lock-down is your first line of physical defense.

• Inspect All Apertures: Check all exterior doors, sliding glass patio doors, basement windows, and upper-story windows (which burglars can reach using ladders or trees).

• Reinforce Deadbolts: Upgrade standard locks to Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts with 3-inch strike plate screws to prevent door-kicking.

• Window Latches & Pins: Install secondary window locks or sash jams on ground-floor sliding windows.

3. Secure Garage and Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces contain valuable tools that intruders can use to force entry into your main residence.

• Garage Entry Doors: Lock all interior doors connecting the garage to the house, and disable automatic garage door openers (or use a physical garage door lock) to prevent "fishing" entry hacks.

• Lock Outbuildings: Secure garden sheds, workshops, and side gates with heavy-duty weather-resistant padlocks.

• Remove Climbing Aids: Store away ladders, patio chairs, heavy garden tools, and trash cans that could be used to climb into second-story windows or break glass.

• Collect Hide-a-Keys: Never leave spare keys outdoors under doormats or potted plants—burglars know all the common hiding spots. Leave emergency keys with a trusted contact instead.

4. Set Up Smart Lighting

An unlit, dark home for several consecutive nights is a clear signal that a property is vacant.

• Simulate Occupancy: Use smart plugs or automated light timers to turn interior lamps on and off on a realistic schedule (e.g., living room lights on until 10:00 PM, bedroom lights on until 11:00 PM).

• Randomized Lighting: Enable "vacation mode" or randomized schedules in your smart home app so lights don't switch on at the exact same minute every night.

• Motion-Activated Floodlights: Install motion sensor floodlights near outdoor entryways, driveways, and dark side yards to eliminate hiding spots.

5. Stop Mail and Deliveries

Overflowing mailboxes, piled-up newspapers, and unattended Amazon packages on the porch instantly broadcast that no one is home.

• USPS Hold Mail: Request a free USPS Hold Mail service online to pause all postal deliveries for up to 30 days.

• Pause Subscriptions: Temporarily pause newspaper subscriptions and schedule package deliveries to arrive after your return date (or redirect them to an Amazon Locker/FedEx pickup point).

6. Protect Against Power Issues

Electrical surges and unattended electronics present severe risks of appliance damage or electrical fires while you are away.

• Unplug Non-Essential Electronics: Unplug TVs, desktop computers, gaming consoles, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances to protect them from voltage spikes.

• Surge Protectors: Ensure essential plugged-in equipment (like your Wi-Fi router and security camera base station) is connected to a certified surge protector with battery backup capability.

• Test Alarms: Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, replacing old batteries to ensure 24/7 fire and gas safety while away.

7. Ask Someone to Check Your Home

Digital security works best when paired with trusted real-world presence.

• Trusted Neighbor / House-Sitter: Ask a neighbor or friend to periodically check on the property, retrieve unexpected packages, park their car in your driveway occasionally, and bring trash bins to and from the curb.

• Emergency Contacts: Leave your travel itinerary, contact number, and a set of spare keys with a trusted contact in case an emergency maintenance issue (like a plumbing leak) arises.

• Social Media Silence: Remind household members not to post real-time vacation updates or check-ins on social media until after returning home, as public posts alert potential thieves to an empty residence.

How to Monitor Your Home Remotely While Traveling?

The best way to monitor your home while traveling is to combine remote security tools with smart alerts and trusted support. A connected security system allows you to check your property, receive important notifications, and respond quickly to unexpected events—even when you are far away.

1. Check live camera feeds from anywhere

A security camera system with remote access lets you view your home in real time through a smartphone app. Instead of wondering what is happening while you are away, you can quickly check important areas such as entrances, driveways, and outdoor spaces.

Look for cameras with features like:

• Live view from your phone
• Motion detection alerts
• Person and vehicle detection
• Night vision
• Two-way audio

These features help you verify activity and decide whether further action is needed.

2. Respond quickly to security alerts

Smart security cameras and sensors can send instant notifications when unusual activity is detected. For example, you may receive an alert if someone approaches your front door, enters a monitored area, or if a sensor detects a potential problem.

When you receive an alert, you can:

• Check live footage to confirm what happened
• Contact a neighbor or local contact if needed
• Report suspicious activity to authorities

3. Monitor deliveries and visitors remotely

Unexpected packages left outside can attract attention while you are away. A video doorbell or outdoor camera allows you to check deliveries, identify visitors, and communicate with people at your doorstep without opening the door.

If possible, ask a trusted person to collect packages or handle urgent deliveries during your trip.

4. Stay connected with trusted contacts

Technology provides visibility, but having someone nearby adds an extra layer of protection. Share emergency contact information with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member who can check your home if needed.

They can help with situations that cameras cannot solve, such as:

• Severe weather damage
• Water leaks
• Power outages
• Unexpected maintenance issues

5. Review activity after an alert

If your security system records footage, you can review past events to understand what happened while you were away. Local storage or cloud recording options allow you to check important moments without needing to monitor your home constantly.

With remote monitoring tools and a reliable response plan, you can enjoy your vacation while staying connected to your home’s security.

Best Security Devices for Vacation Home Protection

Best Security Devices for Vacation Home Protection

While general safety habits establish a solid baseline, deploying smart home security hardware provides automated, real-time protection while you travel. Here are the most essential gadgets to secure your property:

1. Smart Video Doorbells

Front doors remain the primary entry point for over 34% of burglars. A smart video doorbell gives you immediate visual and vocal control over your entryway.

Featured Recommendation — Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi: This 2K+ 5MP video doorbell features an expansive square aspect ratio, capturing visitors and packages sitting on the doorstep in a single frame.

2. High-Resolution Outdoor Security Cameras

Outdoor cameras act as primary visual deterrents around vulnerable perimeters, driveways, and backyards.

• AI Smart Detection: Choose cameras that distinguish between humans, vehicles, and pets to reduce false alerts.

• Flexible Power Options: Use solar-powered or battery-operated outdoor cameras for remote properties or areas without nearby electrical outlets.

3. Contact Sensors & Environmental Alarms

Surveillance cameras track visual activity, but environmental and contact sensors detect physical breaches and hazards instantly.

• Door/Window Contact Sensors: Send immediate push notifications if a door or window is opened while the system is armed.

• Glass Break Sensors: Detect the specific frequency of breaking glass, alerting you before an intruder steps inside.

• Smart Water Leak Detectors: Placed under sinks or near water heaters, these sensors alert your phone to plumbing leaks before catastrophic water damage occurs.

• Connected Smoke & CO Alarms: Send real-time mobile alerts during fire or carbon monoxide emergencies so you can dispatch local emergency services from anywhere in the world.

4. Motion-Activated Floodlights

Dark yards and hidden side paths invite unwanted trespassing.

• Illumination Deterrence: High-lumen, motion-activated floodlights instantly expose intruders, eliminating shadows and triggering clearer night-vision recording on nearby security cameras.

5. Smart Thermostats

Environmental control is essential for long-term vacation home safety.

• Freeze Protection: Monitor interior temperatures remotely during winter trips to ensure pipes don't freeze and burst.

• Energy Management: Adjust temperature baselines remotely to minimize energy bills while maintaining a safe climate for electronics.

Best Security Cameras for Homes While Away

The best security system for your vacation home is to consider it as one structure instead of treating it as a series of devices and alarms. Bundled kits such as Reolink RLK8-800B4 allow owners to optimize maximum protection for their homes.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra+Solar Panel

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a wire-free 4K security cameras that enable you to wirelessly equip your home, office, pet house, or any property.

Monitoring your vacation home or your loved one's home all day long, night and day, all year round is now a reality using the built-in spotlights, color night vision, two-way audio, solar charge capabilities, and local storage in the hub’s microSD card right from your mobile app.

Reolink RLK16-800B8

If you’re looking for an 16-channel 4K security system for large vacation homes, the Reolink RLK16-800B8 is perfect with an included NVR and 2TB of storage pre-installed to record continuously.

You can add up to 16 Reolink security cameras to cover multiple areas of your property. Intelligent features like person detection, email alerts, and remote access via mobile app or client software provide robust monitoring and notifications even when away for extended periods.

FAQ

How do I secure my home while on vacation?

To secure your home while on vacation, lock all doors and windows, set up a security system, stop deliveries, automate lights, and ask a trusted person to check your property. Combining physical protection with smart monitoring helps reduce risks and gives you peace of mind while you are away.

Can security cameras protect my home while traveling?

Yes, security cameras can help protect your home while traveling by providing remote access, motion alerts, and recorded footage. With a smartphone app, you can check live views, monitor suspicious activity, and respond quickly if something unexpected happens.

What should I turn off before leaving my house?

Before leaving your house, unplug unnecessary electronics, turn off appliances you do not need, and check for potential safety risks. However, keep essential devices like your Wi-Fi router and security cameras powered on if you need remote monitoring during your trip.

How can I make my house look occupied?

You can make your house look occupied by using smart lights, keeping normal routines, and asking someone to collect mail or packages. Avoid sharing real-time travel updates online, and use automated devices to create the appearance that someone is still at home.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t worry about the safety of your unattended home while you go on vacation. Going on vacation should be relaxing and fun. By installing surveillance systems, you can be sure your property is well guarded when you’re away.

Do you have any other tips you implement, or what security systems do you trust to keep your home safe while you’re on holiday? To help more homeowners know how to protect their house while on vacation, share your thoughts and experience.