You’ve ticked off your to-do list at work, tripled-checked you’ve packed all the essentials for your long-awaited holiday, and you’re ready to hit the road. But don’t forget what you’re leaving behind – the last thing you want while you’re relaxing on holiday is to be feeling anxious about the security of your home and your personal belongings.
Here are eight quick and easy tips on how to leave your home safe and sound while you’re off on holiday.
1. Tidy Up – Inside and OutsideHow many times have you found yourself hurriedly washing dirty dishes just minutes before you leave on holiday? Taking time out to do a deep clean before you go is helpful, not only for avoiding that dreaded anticlimactic feeling when you return from a glorious break, but also for preventing an influx of ants, cockroaches and other pesky insects.
Also, ensure your rubbish is removed so as not to make it obvious you haven’t been home for more than a few days. If you have a trusted gardener or domestic helper, ask them to pop around at least once while you’re away to keep the lawn mowed and the house in tip-top shape – this will help to keep up the appearance of people and activity at your home.
2. Check Your Insurance PolicyRead the fine print of your home insurance policy and know exactly what you’re covered for in the event of fire or water damage. Turn off your geyser and unplug electronics that constantly draw power as well as small appliances – the added bonus here is you’ll save on electricity.
3. Do a Perimeter Check – Doors, Windows, Garage
This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget to close that small toilet window that you usually always keep open. If you have sliding doors, add extra locks, or go old school and put a strong rod on the back track so the door cannot be opened. Consider changing your front door lock to a smart lock – these are keyless and require either a pin code or smartcard to unlock, making them far more secure.
Don’t forget your garage – deactivate the electric roller and switch to manual mode, adding an extra lock for security. If you’re leaving a car parked in the garage, don’t leave your car or house keys or garage door opener inside the vehicle – this could provide an easy escape, in the event that buglers fall upon your home.
4. Add Lights, Camera, Action
Any sign of life, movement or surveillance is likely to put off potential burglars. Install motion sensor lights outside and consider setting a radio, TV or indoor light on a timer so that they switch on for a short period of time each evening.
Invest in a smart security camera system such as the one offered by Ring – this allows you to monitor activity in or outside your home via your smartphone.
5. Advertise and Upgrade Your Alarm SystemIf you already have an alarm system in place, make sure it’s adequately advertised at different access points around your property. Speak to your security company about any additional products or services they may have launched. For example, Fidelity ADT has introduced smart home services including SecureHome, which lets you arm or disarm your alarm system remotely, and SecureConnect, which includes a variety of tech advancements such as geo-location so that your alarm automatically arms when you’re five kilometres away.6. Lock Up Valuables
If all else fails and burglars do manage to gain access to your home, they’ll head straight to the bedroom to hunt for jewellery and other valuables. Buy a small safe and lock these belongings away – just make sure you’ve anchored it to the wall or floor so they can’t simply steal the entire box.
7. Censor Your Social Media
Believe it or not, but even thieves are social media savvy. Resist the urge to advertise the details of your holiday online, especially the dates that you’ll be away. If you do choose to post, make sure your profile is set to private and that only your close friends and relatives can see updates. Also go through old posts and delete anything that gives away your phone number and home address – this includes party invites and Facebook events. Also unplug your modem to prevent your Wi-Fi getting hacked.
8. Make Friends with Your NeighboursIf you haven’t already introduced yourself to your neighbours, now you have a reason to knock on their door. Ask if they wouldn’t mind you leaving a spare key with them, in case you need someone to check on your home while you’re away. If you show up with a basket of freshly chocolate chip cookies, they might even offer to collect your post while you’re out of town.
