How to Protect Your Home While Traveling This Summer

At some point during the packing and the planning for your summer trip, that nagging feeling that you’re forgetting something important creeps in. Did you call someone to grab the mail? Is the back door actually locked? Did you leave the oven on (even though you checked a hundred times)? What happens if a pipe decides to act up while you’re four states away? 

For most homeowners, that low-grade anxiety is just part of leaving for a trip. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong, though. It just means you care about your home and want to know it’ll be okay while you’re gone. 

Well, let’s find a way to put that anxiety to bed. Here’s a quick guide to help you protect your home this summer so you can focus on the trip once you’re out the door.

Make Your Home Look Lived In

A home that looks empty might attract unwanted attention, so a few small adjustments can be worthwhile while you’re away. 

• Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to collect your mail and any packages. A full mailbox or stack of deliveries on the porch is a visible signal that no one is home. 

• Use smart plugs or basic timers to turn indoor lights on and off at different times throughout the day and evening. Lights on the same schedule every night can actually look more suspicious than random variation. 

• If you have a lawn, arrange for someone to mow or water while you’re gone. An overgrown yard is another tell-tale sign that a home has been sitting empty. 

• Hold your newspaper delivery if you still receive one, or ask a neighbor to grab it daily.

Do a Walk-Through Before You Leave

When you go about your methodical walk-through of your home before leaving, you’ll want to check for some of these things:  

• Lock all doors and windows, including ones on upper floors or in the back of the house that you may not use regularly. 

• Unplug non-essential appliances and electronics. This may reduce the risk of an electrical issue while you’re away and might help with energy costs. 

• Check that your garage door is closed and the garage entry door into the house is locked.  

• Set your thermostat to an appropriate temperature for the season. In summer, somewhere around 78–85°F is generally reasonable to prevent heat and humidity buildup without running the AC constantly. 

For those of you who deal with lingering anxiety about whether you turned the oven off or actually locked your doors, it may help to take some pictures for peace of mind.

Consider Basic Security Measures

You don’t need to invest in a full home security system if you don’t already have one. There are other options worth considering depending on how long you’ll be away. 

• Motion-activated outdoor lighting can deter people from approaching entry points at night and can be relatively inexpensive to install. 

• A video doorbell or a couple of outdoor cameras can give you visibility into what’s happening at your home while you’re away. Many options now allow you to check in from your phone. 

• Reinforce entry points where possible. A door reinforcement kit or a simple security bar for sliding doors can make a difference without a large investment. 

• If you have a home security system, make sure it’s armed before you leave and that your monitoring service has your updated contact information and travel dates.

Don’t Forget These Easy-to-Miss Details

A few items tend to fall through the cracks in the excitement of getting ready to leave. Add these to your pre-trip checklist: 

• Double-check that your homeowners insurance policy is current and that you know how to reach your insurer if something happens while you’re away. 

• Secure any valuables or important documents. A fireproof safe is a worthwhile investment if you don’t already have one. 

• If you have a pet sitter coming in, leave clear instructions and emergency contacts. 

• See if a trusted neighbor or friend wouldn’t mind getting in touch with your home emergency contacts—plumber, electrician, your insurer, if something comes up.

Key Takeaways

• Make your home look occupied: Use timers on lights, arrange for mail pickup, and keep up with lawn care. 

• Do a complete walk-through: Lock up thoroughly, unplug appliances, and shut off the water if you’ll be gone for an extended period. 

• Add basic security where you can: Motion lighting, a video doorbell, and reinforced entry points are practical and relatively affordable. 

• Don’t overlook the details: Confirm your insurance is current, secure valuables, and make sure someone you trust has your emergency contacts.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your home while traveling doesn’t require a big budget. It’s really about taking a few intentional steps before you leave, so you’re not worrying about it the entire time you’re away, especially for newer homeowners who may be taking their first trip since buying.  

For many of us, your home is likely the biggest investment you’ll make. A little preparation goes a long way toward making sure it’s in the same condition when you return as when you left it, so you can spend your trip actually relaxing. 

Safe travels!