When you are out and about on your summer holiday keep these things in mind to make sure you return to your home just as you left it.
Take action to make your home look lived in while you are gone - don't let an opportunistic thief know you're not home.
- House sitter If you have someone who can stay at your place while you're gone, not only can they water your plants, but they can keep an eye on things.
- Flyer collector If you don't have someone house sitting, ask a friend or neighbor to check out your front door periodically to make sure flyers or other marketing materials aren't showing off that you're not home. Some criminals will use fake service flyers to help determine who is away on vacation.
- Cut the grass Do you cut your grass every week? Ask a friend or hire a lawn service to come in the weekend you're gone to make sure it gets done.
- Use a timer Putting some lamps on an automatic timer is a very effective and inexpensive way to make your home appear occupied. Simple ones do the trick too! Timers are great for exterior lighting as well!
- Hold the mail Reach out to your local post office and ask them to hold your mail. The service is free and can last for up to 30 days. Along these lines you also want to stop all automatic deliveries - newspapers sitting on your front stoop (or other packages) are a huge give away that you are out of town. Put a hold on your Loot Crate or Birch Box or whatever things you have sent to you automatically.
- Free parking Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway/spot to give the impression that someone is home.
- Unplug any electronics that won't be used. This will save electricity and remind you that you did NOT leave the coffee pot on... you unplugged it.
- Be careful with social media If you are not sure about every single person on your friends list, or if you have any doubts about your privacy settings, err on the side of safety and don't tell the world you're away.
