Worrying about your home while you’re away on vacation is a feeling many travelers know all too well. Instead of relaxing at the beach or taking in the sights in a new city, you’re concerned about electronics being left on, your plants being unwatered, or even your home being broken into. If you can’t help but think about what’s going on at home while you’re away, try these clever tips to secure your home and bring you peace of mind on your next vacation.
Snap Pictures
Imagine you’ve just ordered your favorite in-flight beverage and are ready to begin a relaxing vacation when a thought springs into your head: Did I turn off the oven? Instead of letting worry seep in, consider taking pictures of any potentially hazardous items in your home before you leave.
First on your list of pictures to take should be heating elements, as they present the most significant threat while away. This includes photos of blown-out candles, unplugged curling irons, and turned-off ovens. Some people also like taking pictures of deadbolted doors, unplugged electronics, and other items specific to their home that need to be squared away before leaving. Not only will taking photos of every item force you to double-check them, but you’ll also have proof that you turned everything off if your anxiety begins to get the best of you. After all, no one wants to start a vacation worrying about how things are at home.
Set Light Timers
Making a home appear lived in, even while you’re away, dissuades would-be home intruders and mail thieves who prey on empty houses. One way to do this is to have lights on during the evenings. However, leaving your light switches turned on throughout your vacation isn’t recommended — it runs up the electric bill and also poses a safety hazard. Instead, set up a lamp or two with a programmable timer to turn on for a few hours every evening so that it looks like someone is home. These timers can be plugged into any outlet and used with any type of lamp, plus setup takes only a few minutes.
Smart lightbulbs are another way to make your home appear occupied. Technophiles love this option because it’s more fun than a simple timer — you can even change the bulb’s colors. These lightbulbs connect to an app on your phone, and you can control them from anywhere, allowing you to turn them off and on as you please.
Install Security Signs
You might be surprised at the power of suggestion a sign can have. Whether you have a home security system with video surveillance or not, placing home security signs near your doors or windows will help deter potential intruders. Some homeowners take this notion a step further by adding a “beware of dog” sign by the front door or another visible location to make the home less appealing, as burglars are usually less likely to break into a home if they think an aggressive dog lives there.
Automate Plant Watering
No traveler wants to return home to brown, drooping plants. If a trusted neighbor or family member can’t water for you, you’ll have to take matters into your own hands. For a cost-effective method that lasts a few days, consider a set of watering globes, which are a few dollars a piece and come in various fun colors. Fill the glass globes with water and push them into the soil, and the globes can slowly water your plants for around one week.
If you’re willing to make a bigger investment in your houseplants, another option is a digital indoor plant watering system, which is particularly useful if you’re traveling for more than a few days. These small irrigation systems ensure your plant is watered daily for extended periods.
Protect From Pests
Coming home to unwanted house guests is a surefire way to ruin your postvacation mood. While there are obvious ways to keep insects out, such as ensuring all doors and windows are closed tightly, there is one area you might have overlooked: your drains.
According to the pest removal professionals at Terminix, certain insects live in pipes, including cockroaches, fruit flies, drain flies, and phorid flies. They feed off of organic matter in drains and are usually nocturnal. Without water running constantly down drains while you’re away, they’re more likely to make it out of the pipes and into your home. Drain stoppers, covers, and metal screens can deter pests from entering your home. You can also set up “tape traps” by making an “X” with sticky tape over the drain to catch insects as they crawl out.
Skip Spare Key Holders
Under the doormat, inside a fake rock, behind a plant — home intruders know all the popular places to check for a spare key. Instead, leave a key with a trusted neighbor. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about losing a spare key or leaving it with a neighbor, consider installing a smart lock on your front door for easy digital access to your home. Be sure to pick a unique key code, and do not use your address or simple codes such as “00000” or “12345.” Choosing a unique code that is only familiar to you helps keep your home secure while you’re away.
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