Vacation Mode Activated: Home Security Basics

Your Pre-Vacation Home Security Routine Starts Here

You’ve topped off your car’s tank or booked the flights if you’re flying. The bags are packed, your out-of-office reply is set, and it’s almost time to activate Vacation Mode in your head. Before you head out the door, take a few minutes to make sure your home is ready too.

When your house looks empty, it can attract the wrong kind of attention. A little preparation goes a long way toward making it look occupied and keeping it safe while you’re away. With a few smart habits and a bit of technology, you can relax knowing your home is protected and enjoy your trip without worrying about what’s happening back home.

Secure Your Doors and Locks

Start with the basics. Lock every exterior door, including side and basement entrances. Engage deadbolts and gently test each one to confirm it’s secure. If you use smart locks, check your app to make sure all doors show as locked. Never hide spare keys outside; instead, leave one with a trusted friend or neighbor.

Smart locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock make it easy to lock and check door status remotely, so you never have to wonder if you remembered.

Before leaving, take a final walkthrough and double-check each door. It’s easy to overlook one when you’re in a hurry.

Check Windows and the Garage

Windows are often overlooked but are common entry points. Close and lock all ground-level windows and sliding doors. Add a dowel or rod in sliding tracks for extra strength. Secure the garage door and disable remote openers you won’t be using. If your garage opener has an app, verify its status once you’re on the road.

A garage door controller like the myQ Smart Garage Hub lets you check and close your garage door from anywhere.

Smart Lighting and the Illusion of Occupancy

Lighting is one of the simplest and most effective deterrents. The goal is to make your home look occupied, even when it isn’t.

Use smart bulbs or smart plugs to create lighting schedules that turn on and off automatically. Set different times for different rooms to make it look natural, and avoid having every light turn on and off at the exact same time. Include a porch or exterior light on a timer or motion sensor for added visibility.

Popular options include the Philips Hue Starter Kit for full control or the Kasa Smart Plug Mini for simple lamp scheduling.

If you use Alexa, Google Home, or another smart platform, set up a “vacation” routine to randomize lights slightly. Small changes make your home appear active rather than automated.

Manage Mail and Deliveries

An overflowing mailbox or a pile of packages can signal no one is home. Pause your mail delivery online or ask a neighbor to collect it. Reschedule or redirect deliveries to a pickup locker. Bring garbage cans into the garage or have someone roll them out and back on collection day. Keeping up with small routines helps your home look lived in.

For an extra layer of convenience, you can install a smart video doorbell so you can see who comes to your door while you’re away.

Cameras, Alarms, and Smart Sensors

Visible cameras and alarms can stop most intruders before they try anything. Make sure all cameras are online, recording, and positioned correctly. Test your alarm system and confirm every sensor is working. Turn on push notifications for door or window alerts, and if you have professional monitoring, let them know you’ll be out of town. Before leaving, clean your camera lenses and test night vision to ensure a clear image.

The Ring Stick Up Cam or Blink Outdoor 4 Camera are all good options for affordable, reliable home monitoring.

Don’t Have an Alarm? No Problem

Not everyone has a full home security system, and that’s okay. There are easy ways to add protection or at least make your home look like it has one.

If you want something simple and reliable, consider a DIY system like SimpliSafe, which lets you set up cameras, entry sensors, and alarms yourself without professional installation or long-term contracts. It’s one of the easiest systems for beginners and works great in apartments or houses.

On a budget? You can still deter crooks with an alarm sign to make them think you have a system. A simple ADT Security Yard Sign can create the appearance of an active alarm setup for under $20 on Amazon.

Pair that with a visible camera or motion light near the front door, and most intruders will move on to an easier target.

Outdoor and Yard Prep

Trim bushes and trees near windows and doors to remove hiding spots. Put away ladders, tools, or anything that could help someone gain access. Use motion-sensor lights to illuminate dark corners and walkways.

A maintained yard tells people the home is being looked after, while an unkempt one can attract unwanted attention. Outdoor motion lights like the Ring Floodlight Cam combine lighting and home security in one.

Trusted Eyes and Local Help

Technology is helpful, but nothing beats a watchful neighbor. Let a trusted person know your travel dates and how to reach you. Ask them to check on your property occasionally, especially after storms or deliveries. Leave your emergency contact information with them just in case. If you’ll be gone for more than a week, consider a house sitter. A real presence is the best deterrent of all.

The Day Before You Leave

Give yourself fifteen minutes for a quick home security sweep. Walk through each room and check every lock. Confirm smart lighting schedules are active. Verify cameras and alarms are functioning properly. Take out trash, clear counters, and unplug anything unnecessary. Once everything is set, lock up, arm your system, and head out with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Good home security before a trip really comes down to a few smart habits and paying attention to the little things. A short prep routine can make the difference between relaxing on your vacation and constantly wondering what’s happening back home.

Once you build this into your routine, it only takes a few minutes and pays off every time. You leave knowing your home looks lived in, your doors and windows are secure, and your cameras and lights are doing their job while you’re away.

Bonus Resource:

If you want something you can quickly run through before every trip, you’ll find our ready-to-print Pre-Trip Security Checklist on our Resources page, or you can also access it directly here.

At that point, you’ve done what you can. Lock up, head out, and actually enjoy your time away.