Travelling is fun and exciting because it occupies your mind with flights, packing lists, and things to do when you arrive at your destination. But take a few minutes to think about the security of your home before you lock the door and head to the airport.
An empty home may be an open invitation to trouble, and little things may go awry in your absence. A basic checklist will minimise risk and provide you with a sense of relief so that you can even enjoy your holiday.
- Check your doors and windows
Advice to check doors may sound like a cliché, but sometimes people forget this very step. Make a tour of the home, and close and lock all doors and windows. Pay particular attention to the back doors, side doors, and windows on the first floor, which are not so noticeable on the street.
If you have old locks in your home, consider asking the landlord to upgrade them to more secure lock models. The use of modern deadbolts and multi-point locking systems is far more reliable, and it will keep burglars away.
- Secure your outdoor areas
It can be easy to sometimes forget to lock gardens, sheds, and garages. By doing so, you increase the risk of burglars entering your residence. Sheds and garages, for example, have tools that burglars can use to access your home.
So, before travelling, make sure to:
- Lock sheds and garage doors
- Store ladders or tools where no one can see them
- Close and lock garden gates
- Avoid posting that you’re travelling
It may seem harmless to post travel updates online, but unintentional announcements that you’re away unwillingly tell others that your home is empty.
It’s best to wait to post photos and updates about your trip until you come back. To be on the safe side, you can turn privacy controls on social media on and avoid using location tags in the present moment.
- Set timers for lights
Leaving your home completely dark before you head to the airport is a bad idea. If you travel for more than one week, a dark property clearly says no one’s home.
You can use light timers as an easy method of making your house look like someone’s still inside. Program them to switch on and off lights in various rooms at night.
You can also remotely turn on and off smart lighting systems using mobile apps, which is an added advantage since you can adjust schedules even when you’re on the road.
- Manage smart home devices
Smart home systems can simplify security, but only if you manage them correctly.
Before leaving, check that:
- Smart cameras are functioning
- Motion sensors are active
- Alarm systems are armed
- Mobile notifications are turned on
Change passwords of your devices and ensure your apps are secured. In case you want to check on your home remotely, you must have a good connection. For example, for travellers coming to Britain, switching to an eSIM plan for the UK prior to arrival can give them a stable data connection to access smart home apps.
- Ask a neighbour or a friend to keep an eye on things
One of the best measures you can take for the security of your home is to have somebody around who can occasionally check on it.
You can ask a reliable friend, relative, or neighbour to do that for you. They can:
- Collect post
- Move bins on collection day
- Check doors and windows
- Park a car in the driveway occasionally
Such a small favour will give you peace of mind, and your house will look like someone lives in it.
- Hold or manage your mail deliveries
The fact that there is a stack of letters at the front door is a clear indication that no one is at home. You can have Royal Mail retain deliveries or have someone pick up your post regularly before you depart. Your entrance will look ordinary and won’t attract unwanted attention.
- Unplug your appliances
Plugged electrical appliances pose fire hazards as well as unnecessary power usage.
Prior to travelling, unplug appliances like:
- Toasters
- Coffee machines
- TV and entertainment systems
- Electronics and chargers
You can leave a large appliance like your refrigerator active, but it’s always good to minimise unnecessary electrical consumption.
- Check security systems and smoke alarms
Your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems should all be in good order before you leave.
Check and test your smoke alarms and ensure batteries are changed if necessary. If your property has a monitored alarm system, ensure it’s on, and contact details are up to date.
Most modern systems allow you to monitor your home remotely via mobile applications, offering instant alerts about suspicious behaviour.
- Regulate your heating and water settings
Leaving heating systems on unnecessarily wastes energy, but it’s also likely that leaving everything off can create a cold environment in your home, especially during winter.
Turn down your thermostat to the level that conserves energy and doesn’t cause the pipes to freeze. You could also think about switching off the main water supply, especially when travelling over a long distance, to minimise the chances of leakages.
- Store valuables safely
If you travel with valuables, ensure they’re safely stored and within your reach. For the valuables you’ve left at home, like jewellery, cash, or other important documents, you need to store them in a secure place.
Options include:
- A home safe
- A locked drawer or cabinet
- A secure storage away from windows
Don’t leave valuable items visible from outside the property.
- Get ready to communicate remotely when travelling
Being connected from a foreign country is always a perk. It allows you to respond quickly in case of an emergency at home.
Good internet connectivity on your phone will enable you to monitor security, talk to your neighbours, or monitor your smart apps. You can switch on an eSIM for your destination to perform these tasks without using public Wi-Fi or figuring out where to get a local SIM card.
- Check your home insurance coverage
You should look over your home insurance policy before going on a longer trip. Some insurance companies have rules about how long a property can remain unoccupied. You might want to let your provider know if your journey is more than a few weeks long.
Just to be sure, check your insurance to see what it covers while you’re away. If something goes wrong on your trip, knowing the specifics can help you escape unpleasant surprises.
Having your insurance company’s phone number handy while you travel can also be helpful if you need to get in touch with them quickly.
A little preparation goes a long way
Being away from your home for travelling should never be a burden to think about. It should feel like you’re taking a breather. A little pre-planning can be the difference between having a wonderful holiday and being filled with worry.
Just consider it a part of your travel life, like packing your suitcase or putting your passport in your bag. After you’ve checked all the things listed above, you can close the door and start concentrating on the journey you are about to take instead of what could be happening back home.
