Vacation Must-Do’s To Keep Your Home Safe and Secure

Vacation mode is officially on — bags are packed, plans are set, and you are

As a trusted real estate agent, I see firsthand how much people invest in their homes — financially and emotionally. The last thing you want is to come back from a relaxing trip to find something went wrong. The good news? A little prep goes a long way. Here’s everything you should do before you leave.

Make Your Home Look Lived In

An empty-looking home is an open invitation for trouble. Here are some easy ways to keep up the appearance that someone’s around:

Set timers on your interior lights — even better, use smart plugs or switches (Lutron makes great ones) so you can adjust them remotely from your phone. Program lights and even the TV to turn on in the evenings for a few hours. Add exterior motion-sensor lights in the front and back of your home so any nighttime activity gets noticed fast.

One thing people forget: make sure all your bulbs are actually working before you leave!

Don’t Let the Outside Give You Away

A perfectly manicured yard suddenly gone wild, an overflowing mailbox, or a driveway that’s been empty for two weeks are all dead giveaways that no one is home. Here’s how to handle it:

• Ask a neighbor to pull your trash and recycling bins out on trash day — and bring them back in.
• Hire someone to mow the lawn if you’ll be gone more than a week.
• Set up automatic watering for your lawn and planters (Dig makes a solid irrigation system that’s easy to install).
• If you’re traveling in the fall, make sure storm drains near your home are clear of leaves and debris.
• Park a car in the driveway, or ask a neighbor with an extra vehicle if they’d be willing to park there.

Lean on Your Neighbors

A good neighbor is genuinely one of the best home security tools you have. Let someone nearby know you’re leaving and:

• Share your contact info (and a backup contact) in case of emergencies.
• Have them collect packages and pause mail or newspaper delivery.
• Give them a key or door code so they can do a quick walk-through every few days — especially if you’re gone for an extended stretch. Burst pipes and other issues can get out of hand fast when no one’s around to catch them early.

Prep the Inside of Your Home

This is where most people skip steps — and where the most costly damage can happen. Before you leave:

Shut off your main water valve to protect against a burst pipe. If someone will be coming in to water plants, skip the main shutoff and just turn off the individual valves to your washing machine, dishwasher, and sinks instead.

Unplug small appliances — toasters, coffee makers, modems, TVs, and anything else that doesn’t need to be on.

Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature: 60–65°F in winter to prevent pipes from freezing, and about 76–80°F in summer to avoid mold and mildew buildup. A smart thermostat like Ecobee or Nest lets you monitor and adjust this from your phone while you’re away.

Lock every window and door. Remove any hidden spare keys from outside.

Adjust your blinds so no one can peek in, but avoid making the home look completely shuttered and empty.

And before you walk out — do a quick sweep of the kitchen. Toss perishables, take out the trash (trust me on this one), run the dishwasher, check the garbage disposal, and sweep for crumbs. Nobody wants to come home to ants or a mystery smell.

Consider a Home Security System

There are some really user-friendly options out there right now — Ring, Arlo, and SimpliSafe are popular choices that all connect to your smartphone. You can monitor cameras, get alerts if someone rings your doorbell, and even unlock your door remotely. If you travel frequently, a smart security system is absolutely worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my home look occupied while I’m on vacation?

Use smart light timers on interior lamps and your TV so they turn on automatically each evening. Add motion-sensor lights outside, keep a car in the driveway, and have a neighbor grab your trash bins and any packages. Small details like these make a big difference.

Should I turn off my water before going on vacation?

Yes — if no one is checking on your home, shut off the main water valve. If a neighbor or friend will be coming in to water plants, just turn off the individual valves to your washing machine, dishwasher, and sinks instead. Water damage is one of the most expensive things that can happen to a home while you’re away.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to when on vacation?

In winter, keep it at 60–65°F to prevent pipes from freezing. In summer, aim for 76–80°F to avoid mold and mildew buildup. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and adjust this from your phone while you’re away.

What should I unplug before leaving for vacation?

Unplug anything that doesn’t need to run while you’re gone — toasters, coffee makers, modems, TVs, and small appliances. It reduces fire risk and cuts down on your energy bill while you’re out.

What’s the best home security system for vacation monitoring?

Ring, Arlo, and SimpliSafe are all solid, user-friendly options. They connect to your smartphone so you can watch live camera feeds, get motion alerts, and even remotely lock or unlock your door. The right system really depends on your home’s layout and your budget.

Is it safe to post vacation photos on social media while I’m away?

It’s best to wait until you’re back. Sharing your location in real time — especially to a public or semi-public audience — can signal that your home is empty. Save the photo dumps for when you’re safely home.

How can I protect my home from water damage while on vacation?

Shut off the main water valve, check for any dripping faucets or slow leaks before you leave, and make sure your gutters and storm drains are clear. A smart water sensor near appliances like your washing machine or water heater can also alert you to a problem before it becomes a disaster.

Thinking About Buying or Selling? Let’s Talk.

If you’re gearing up for a vacation, you’re probably also thinking about the bigger picture — where you want to be living a year from now, what your home is worth, or whether now is a good time to make a move.

I’d love to help. Whether you’re curious about the market, thinking about buying your next home, or considering selling, reach out and let’s have a conversation. No pressure — just good information so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Have an amazing trip — and come home to exactly the house you left. ✈️