Keeping Homes Safe While Traveling

Travel plans are often filled with time with loved ones, new experiences, and a welcome change of scenery. Whether you are leaving town for an extended trip or only a few days, it is important to give your home some attention before you go.

A vacant home may face risks such as unauthorized entry, unnoticed plumbing leaks, and electrical issues. The good news is that a few straightforward steps can make a meaningful difference. Preparing in advance can help you leave with greater confidence and focus on enjoying your time away.

Secure Doors, Windows, and Other Access Points

Before departing, make a point of checking every way someone could enter your home. It is easy to lock the front door and still forget a side entrance, garage door, gate, or window that is not used every day.

Walk around the property before you leave and confirm that all first-floor windows are closed and locked. Check exterior doors, garage access points, and gates as well. This brief final inspection can reduce opportunities for someone to gain easy access while the house is empty.

Take Steps to Avoid Water Damage

Home security is often the first concern when people travel, but water damage can create equally serious problems. Even a small leak can cause substantial damage when it is left undetected for several days.

If you will be gone for an extended period, consider turning off the main water supply before leaving. When that is not a practical option, disconnecting water lines to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker can still help limit the chance of a leak.

A few minutes spent preparing your plumbing may help you avoid returning to water damage and an expensive cleanup.

Create the Appearance That Someone Is Home

A home that stays dark night after night can make its vacancy more noticeable. Making the property look lived in is a simple way to discourage unwanted attention.

Use timers for indoor lamps and porch lights to create a normal-looking lighting routine in the evening. Timed lighting is an affordable option that can give the appearance of activity without requiring someone to be inside the home.

This small preparation can provide additional reassurance while you are away.

Ask a Neighbor You Trust to Check In

Home technology can alert you to certain concerns, but it cannot bring packages inside, move a trash bin, or personally inspect something that seems out of place.

Let a trusted neighbor know about your travel plans before you leave. They may be able to gather deliveries, return trash bins after collection day, and watch for concerns such as storm damage or a light that has been left on unexpectedly.

Having a reliable person nearby who knows you are away adds another layer of protection if an issue develops.

Keep Mail and Deliveries From Building Up

Mail overflowing from a mailbox or packages left on a porch can quickly indicate that no one has been home for several days.

Before your trip, arrange for mail to be held through the USPS Hold Mail service. If you are expecting deliveries, ask a friend or neighbor to bring them in until you return.

Managing mail and packages helps your home continue to look occupied throughout your time away.

Unplug Unneeded Electronics and Appliances

It is also wise to unplug electronics and appliances that do not need power while you are gone. This is a simple precaution that can help reduce potential electrical concerns.

Countertop appliances, hair tools, chargers, and portable heaters are among the items worth unplugging before departure. Removing them from power can lower the likelihood of an electrical problem and eliminate one more worry from your travel checklist.

Include a quick electrical walkthrough in your final routine before locking up the house.

Preparation Can Bring Peace of Mind

Time away from home should be spent relaxing and enjoying the people and places that matter to you, rather than worrying about what may be happening at your property. By taking practical steps before you leave, you can reduce exposure to common household risks and travel with added peace of mind.

Even a careful checklist cannot prevent every unexpected event. That is why it is helpful to understand how your homeowners insurance may respond if something goes wrong. If you would like to review your current policy before an upcoming trip, the team at Wikstrom Insurance Agency is ready to help you better understand your home insurance coverage.