Protecting Your Home While On Vacation

Buckle-Down on Security

You would trust storage units in Los Angeles to protect your stuff while you're not around, so what are some security concepts that storage units use that you can take inspiration from?

Cameras

Install cameras by all entrances to your home, including the front door, back door and garage door. With technology developing and document management software can be used every day to help manage intruders at an affordable cost, you have many more options for security cameras than you used to.

Alarm Systems

Although the efficiency of alarm systems is hotly debated by people who own them, you still might consider having one installed. Why, if they don't immediately summon police officers? Well, if someone is trying to break into your home and trips a loud, obnoxious alarm, chances are it will scare them off and they will leave before any lasting damage can be done. Plus, neighbors are likely to call the police if they hear the house alarm going off.

Locks

Your deadbolt and door lock are safe and secure already, but think about added measures on areas with high-ticket items inside of them. If you're a professional mechanic and have a garage full of expensive tools, for example, you might think about adding an additional padlock to the inside of your garage door.

Ask Someone You Trust to Keep An Eye Out

Even if you don't hire a full-on housesitter, it's a good idea to give a house key to a loved one and ask them to check in on the place every so often and to pick up the mail. Seeing someone in and out of the house every day can give crooks less of a temptation to break in, not to mention having mail spilling out of the box is a good indicator that nobody is home. It's a much better idea to have someone at least check in every day, even if you don't ask them to stay the night.

Let the Neighbors Know

Even if you aren't very close with your neighbors, it's a good idea to at least be friendly with them; if nothing else, the neighborly thing to do is to keep an eye out for one another. Develop a good repertoire with the people you live closest to so that when you go on vacation, you feel comfortable informing them. Letting your neighbors know is a good idea in case they don't see you around or happen to notice any strange vehicles or goings-on nearby and helps to set them on their guard. Plus, they know that if someone other than your designated housesitter is there then they need to call the police immediately.

Leave a Few Lights On

You don't want to leave every light in the house on the entire time you're gone unless you want your energy bill to skyrocket, but a few here and there is not such a bad idea. A totally dark house is bait for potential thieves, and having a couple of lights on can give the illusion that someone is home even if nobody is there. If you have your lights synced with an app on your phone, all the better: Turn various lights on and off inside the house to throw off any potential bad guys.

When you're on your vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is what's happening on the home front. Take a few precautions before you hit the road to ensure that while you're gone, your home is protected and ready for you to return to safe and sound.