Youâve packed the swimsuits and the sunscreen, the bug spray and the camera, but did you remember to properly lock up and secure your home? While making that long vacation âto-doâ list, donât forget to include the proper safeguarding of your home on your list before you head off on your summer getaway.
Consider a House Sitter
If youâll be away from your home for an extended amount of time, you might want to consider hiring a house sitter. Someone actually living in your home can help keep it safe from thieves, and your house sitter can also water your plants, retrieve your mail and newspapers, mow your lawn, or even take care of your pets while youâre away. And because your home will continue to look lived-in, it can hold less of an appeal to burglars. Hiring a house sitter is not the cheapest option for home security, but it can solve many problems at once and it is likely to be a solution that will give you the most peace of mind while you are away from home.
Hold Your Mail and Newspapers
Nothing says âIâm not homeâ more than yellowed newspapers on your doorstep and mail overcrowding your mailbox. If youâll be leaving your home for an lengthy holiday and if you donât have someone you can ask to retrieve your mail and newspapers each day, you can ask for a stop delivery on both. The United States Postal Service will stop delivery and will hold your mail for up to 30 days for free, and you can either cancel your newspaper subscription or choose a stop delivery on your newsprint for however long youâll be away. All you have to do is ask, whether in person or possibly even online.
Donât Advertise Online
With social media and online networking an ever-present entity in modern times, itâs easy to want to brag about your upcoming cruise or your month long road trip across America to all your online friends and family. But you may be unwittingly letting criminals know when your home will be an empty and easy target. Keep in mind that online information can be read by anyone, often even if your accounts are private, and you probably donât want the entire world knowing that your property and home will be unattended during your vacation.
Donât make your home a tempting target for possible criminals. Remembering to secure your home while youâre away can help keep your home and property safe, as well as help relieve any possible worries you might have so that you can actually relax and enjoy that much-needed vacation.
