Here’s How To Prepare Your House For An Extended Vacation
Going out of town? Try these tips to prep your home and unwind with peace of mind.
Going out of town? Try these tips to prep your home and unwind with peace of mind.
Long trips should be about having fun and making memories, not worrying about your home. When you’re in vacation mode, any concerns should be out of your mind. But, we all know that’s not how it works.
While you’re swimming in the blue Caribbean Sea, worries might well find their way into your thoughts. Some questions may unfortunately linger on your mind until you return home. (“Did I forget to turn off the water?” “Did I leave wet clothes in the washing machine?”)
How you prepare your home for an extended vacation is essential. For more critical security concerns, there’s actually a lot you can do.
Leaving your house for a vacation requires careful planning. If you’re going out of town, proper preparation can make you feel more secure—no matter the amount of time.
Do some household chores before leaving. Think about “future you.” They won’t be too thrilled to return to an untidy house after a long flight or layover. From changing your sheets to cleaning the kitchen, try out some of these tricks before leaving:
Taking the right preparations can keep criminals at a distance. Let’s explore 7 tips for protecting yourself against home invasion.
Security cameras have become more accessible and affordable than ever. Installing them around your property allows you to keep a watchful eye on your home, both inside and out.
Options like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential XL Outdoor Wireless Security Camera are perfect for an extended vacation. This model boasts four times the battery life of traditional security cameras. If that’s not enough, you have the option to plug in a solar panel charger. It also features Color Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, and a motion-activated spotlight.
You can also consider a video doorbell camera to always know who is approaching the front door. Options like the Arlo 2nd Generation Video Doorbell feature 2-Way Audio. This allows you to speak to visitors while you’re half the world away to make it look like you’re home. It’s available with an HD or 2K camera, and comes with Night Vision and Motion Detection.
Don’t forget to put your mail and newspaper on hold while you’re away. Options like a USPS Hold Mail® service can hold your mail safely at your local Post Office™ facility for up to 30 days until you return. To hold your mail longer or to reroute your mail, you can sign up for a mail forwarding service. Pro tip: Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your mailbox or porch for any undelivered packages.
One of the most effective ways to ensure peace of mind while you’re away is to find a trustworthy house sitter. You can ask a friend or a neighbor to help you, or consider hiring a professional house-sitting service. Having someone stay in your home can keep it safe from intruders and any other unexpected issues. It may seem obvious, but it’s worth noting that if you have pets, a house sitter is a must.
Consider investing in a home security system. These systems usually include features like door and window sensors or motion detectors. Options like the Arlo Home Security System go the extra mile adding detection for water leaks, light, temperature, and more. It can even double as a smoke alarm detector. Plus, with remote monitoring, you’ll be able to check your home right from your smartphone, wherever you are.
With the included Arlo Secure Subscription Plan trial, you get extra features like 24/7 Professional Monitoring and One Tap Emergency Response. Plus, with cellular and battery backup, it ensures your security remains active even during power outages and Wi-Fi disruptions. Why not take advantage of the free trial while you’re away?
Smart home devices can be powerful tools for deterring potential criminals. Use them to create the illusion of an occupied home. Set timers for lights, TVs, or radios to mimic your daily routines, making it seem like someone is at home. You can also use smart locks to remotely secure doors and grant temporary access to your house sitters. Hiding a spare key is great when you’re home frequently but be sure to take spare keys inside when gone for an extended period of time to minimize unwanted discovery and break-ins.
Pro tip: Resist the temptation to mention your trip on social media. Consider posting any pictures publicly once you’re back home.
With Arlo, you can leave home for a vacation without worrying about it being safe. Secure your house with Arlo security cameras, video doorbells, and home security systems. You will truly enjoy the dream vacation—and the peace of mind—you were looking for.
