Vacation Home Safety: 10 Ways to Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Whether you’re planning a long-awaited family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a visit with friends, leaving home should be exciting, not stressful. A little preparation before you leave can help reduce the risk of theft, water damage, and other unexpected problems while you’re away. Let’s tackle vacation home safety.

Many homeowners spend time packing suitcases and planning activities, but forget to prepare their home before heading out the door. Taking a few simple steps before you leave can help protect your property and provide greater peace of mind throughout your trip.

Here are ten vacation home safety tips every homeowner should consider before traveling.

1. Lock Every Door and Window

It sounds simple, but it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to walk through your home before leaving.

Check every exterior door, first-floor window, basement window, garage door, and sliding patio door. Don’t forget smaller access points like pet doors or detached garages.

A final walk-through helps ensure nothing is left unsecured by accident.

2. Make Your Home Look Occupied for Added Safety

An empty home can become more noticeable if the lights stay off and packages pile up.

Consider using programmable timers or smart lighting to turn lights on and off during the evening. If possible, vary the schedule so your home appears naturally occupied.

You can also leave a vehicle in the driveway if another family member isn’t traveling.

Small details can make a vacation home feel lived in, even when you’re away.

3. Hold Your Mail and Deliveries

Overflowing mailboxes and packages sitting on the front porch quickly signal that no one is home.

Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to collect deliveries, or place a temporary hold on your mail before you leave.

If you’re expecting online orders, consider delaying shipment until after you return.

4. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

One of the most expensive problems homeowners face while traveling is unexpected water damage.

A burst pipe, leaking washing machine hose, or failed water heater can cause significant damage if no one is home to notice it.

If appropriate for your home, consider shutting off the main water supply before leaving for an extended trip. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, consult a qualified plumber.

5. Adjust Your Thermostat

Even if your home will be empty, maintaining a reasonable indoor temperature remains important.

During the summer, avoid turning your air conditioning completely off if excessive heat or humidity could affect your home.

During colder months, keep enough heat running to help protect plumbing and other household systems.

A programmable or smart thermostat makes these adjustments simple, helping you protect your home while traveling.

6. Avoid Sharing Travel Plans on Social Media

It’s tempting to post vacation photos in real time, but doing so may unintentionally let others know your home is unoccupied.

Consider waiting until you return home before sharing photos from your trip.

Protecting your privacy online is another simple way to improve vacation home safety.

7. Check your Home’s Smoke and Security Systems

Before leaving, test smoke detectors and verify that any home security systems are functioning properly.

Replace batteries if needed and confirm that security cameras, motion sensors, and smart home alerts are working as expected.

If your system includes professional monitoring, verify that the emergency contact information is up to date.

8. Secure Outdoor Items

Outdoor furniture, grills, bicycles, lawn equipment, and other valuable items should be stored or secured before you leave.

If severe weather develops while you’re away, loose outdoor items can become damaged or create additional hazards.

Taking a few minutes to secure your yard also helps improve your home’s appearance while it’s unattended.

9. Tell Someone You Trust

Let a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor know you’ll be away.

Provide your contact information and ask them to periodically check your home.

If they notice anything unusual, such as a broken window, a water leak, or packages accumulating, they can notify you quickly.

Having someone nearby provides an extra layer of reassurance.

10. Create a Pre-Trip Vacation Home Safety Checklist

The easiest way to avoid forgetting something important is to create a checklist you can use before every trip.

Include tasks such as:

• Lock doors and windows
• Adjust the thermostat
• Hold mail and deliveries
• Shut off water if appropriate
• Test security systems
• Secure outdoor furniture
• Notify a trusted neighbor
• Take out the trash
• Unplug unnecessary electronics

Over time, this checklist becomes a simple routine that helps you leave home with confidence.

Enjoying These Vacation Home Security Tips?

Vacation is meant to be relaxing.

Spending a little time preparing your home before you leave can help reduce the chances of returning to an unexpected problem. While no checklist can eliminate every risk, these simple habits can help protect your property and allow you to focus on making memories with family and friends.

Preparation is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your time away, knowing you’ve done what you can to help keep your home safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my home look occupied while on vacation?

Use programmable lights, ask someone to collect your mail and packages, and have a trusted neighbor occasionally check your property.

Should I turn off my water before leaving for vacation?

If you’re leaving for an extended period, shutting off the main water supply may help reduce the risk of water damage from unexpected leaks. If you’re unsure, consult a qualified plumber.

Is it safe to post vacation photos on social media?

Consider waiting until you return home before posting vacation photos, as real-time updates may indicate your home is unoccupied.

Should I tell my neighbors I’m going on vacation?

Yes. A trusted neighbor can watch for unusual activity, pick up packages, and notify you if they notice anything concerning.

What should I check to protect my home before traveling?

Lock doors and windows, adjust the thermostat, secure outdoor items, hold mail, test security systems, and review a pre-trip checklist before leaving.

Helping Families and Businesses Stay Protected

Safety Northeast Insurance is proud to serve homeowners, drivers, families, and businesses across New England. We believe the right insurance starts with understanding your unique needs and providing coverage that gives you confidence for whatever comes next. Contact our team today to learn how we can help protect what matters most.

About Safety Northeast Insurance

At Safety Northeast Insurance, we believe preparation is one of the best ways to protect what matters most. We regularly share practical home, auto, business, and personal safety tips to help individuals and families throughout New England reduce everyday risks and feel more confident, no matter where life takes them. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, a little planning today can help provide peace of mind tomorrow.