You’ve packed your bags, checked your list twice, and you’re ready to head out for the holidays. But before you hit the road, that little voice in your head asks: “Did I lock the back door?”
We’ve all been there: the mix of excitement and worry that comes with leaving home during the busiest travel season of the year. The good news? A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your home safe, secure, and energy-efficient while you’re away.
And if the movie Home Alone taught us anything, it’s that a well-prepared homeowner can outsmart even the sneakiest situations. Let’s make sure your house is ready for a peaceful (and burglar-free) holiday.
1. Do a Quick Security Walk-Through
Before you leave, take a few minutes to walk through your home with a checklist. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, even the ones you rarely use. Test your alarm system, and if you have motion lights, check that the bulbs are working.
Let a trusted neighbor know your travel dates and how to reach you. They can keep an eye out for deliveries or anything unusual.
You can even create a pre-travel home security checklist in HomeZada, so it’s ready to reuse for every trip.
2. Use Smart Tech to Keep Watch
Unlike Kevin McCallister, you don’t need elaborate booby traps to protect your home; smart home tech can handle that for you.
- ⬥ Smart lights and timers can make it look like someone’s home by turning on lamps at set intervals.
- ⬥ Video doorbells and cameras let you check in anytime.
- ⬥ Smart locks allow you to control access remotely or let in a house sitter if needed.
These tools are easy to manage from your phone and can be tracked in HomeZada under your home systems and devices. Add reminders for battery changes or software updates to keep everything running smoothly.
3. Stop the Mail and Packages
One of the easiest ways to signal “no one’s home” is an overflowing mailbox or packages sitting on your porch. Before leaving, pause your mail delivery through the USPS Hold Mail service or ask a friend to pick things up.
If you’re expecting packages, redirect them to an Amazon Locker or local pickup point. A simple step that makes your home look occupied and keeps those gifts safe until you return.
4. Save Energy (and Prevent Problems)
A few pre-travel tweaks can help you save energy and protect your home from winter mishaps:
- ⬥ Lower your thermostat to around 55°F in cold climates to prevent frozen pipes.
- ⬥ Unplug non-essential electronics and small appliances.
- ⬥ Turn off the main water valve if you’ll be gone more than a week.
- If you use smart plugs or thermostats, set them to “away” mode.
5. Keep Your Data (and Home) Safe
While you’re sharing photos of your holiday fun, avoid posting your travel plans in real time; you don’t want to advertise that your home is empty.
Take a moment to:
- ⬥ Update passwords for Wi-Fi and smart devices.
- ⬥ Store digital copies of important home and insurance documents in HomeZada’s digital file cabinet, so you can access them from anywhere.
- ⬥ Ensure your security system app is up to date before you leave.
These small steps keep both your digital and physical home secure, no need for Home Alone-style chaos to remind you of what you forgot!
6. Create a Return-Home Routine
When you get back, resist the urge to drop everything and dive straight into the laundry pile. A quick home check will help you spot any issues early:
- ⬥ Turn your water back on gradually and check for leaks.
- ⬥ Reset your thermostat and smoke detectors.
- ⬥ Walk through each room to confirm everything looks and feels normal.
- ⬥ Open HomeZada and check off your travel checklist, then schedule your next trip with confidence.
Enjoy the Holidays, and Your Peace of Mind
Traveling during the holidays should feel joyful, not stressful. So before you grab your suitcase, take a few minutes to open your HomeZada account and create your “Holiday Travel Prep” checklist. Then you’ll have the peace of mind to fully enjoy your trip, whether you’re visiting family across town or flying across the country. And unlike Kevin, you won’t have to fend off burglars with paint cans or holiday ornaments; just smart planning, simple tools, and a few handy HomeZada reminders.
Home Security Solutions for Travel: Keeping Your Property Safe While You’re Away
