Planning a vacation should be exciting, not something that adds more stress to your to-do list. But before you get caught up in packing and setting your out-of-office reply, take a moment to think about what you’re leaving behind: your home. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend road trip or a two-week international getaway, your empty house can become a target.
Locking your doors and asking a neighbor to grab your mail is helpful, but it’s not always enough. Experienced burglars know how to spot the signs of an unoccupied home. That’s why investing in a hardwired CCTV system and installation is one of the smartest ways to protect your space. Unlike basic setups, hardwired systems are reliable and give you real-time peace of mind while you’re away. Knowing your home is being watched over allows you to let your worries go and relax, just as you hoped.
Do: Install a Home Security Camera System Before You Leave
If you haven’t tackled security camera installation yet, now’s the perfect time. Visible cameras are one of the best ways to keep burglars at bay. When someone sees cameras above your garage or on the front porch, they know they’re being watched, and most of the time, they’ll think twice and move on to an easier target.
But it’s not just about deterring crime. Today’s security camera systems give you remote access, so you can check in on your home anytime, anywhere, right from your phone or laptop. Whether you want to confirm a package was delivered or double-check that the garage door’s closed, it’s all just a tap away.
Don’t: Leave Obvious Signs That You’re Away
Nothing screams “empty house” louder than an overflowing mailbox or a completely dark home night after night. You don’t want to make it easy for someone to figure out that nobody’s home.
Some ways to keep your home from looking empty may be:
Use Smart Lighting
Set interior and exterior lights on timers or use smart bulbs you can control from your phone. Vary the schedule to mimic real life, like lights on in the evening and off late at night.
Keep Your Mailbox Empty
Ask a neighbor to pick up mail and packages, or consider putting a hold on your mail until you return.
Don’t Close All the Blinds
If you normally open and close curtains daily, make sure they remain in a natural position so nothing feels out of the ordinary.
Hire a Lawn Service
Pay someone to mow your lawn and weed your garden to keep your home looking well-cared for.
Keep Up With the Garbage Collection
Ask a neighbor to pull your trash bins in and out on trash day.
Also, be cautious about what you post on social media. Announcing your travel plans publicly can tip off people who are watching. Save the vacation photo dump for after you’re back home.
Do: Strategically Place Cameras for Full Coverage
When it comes to security cameras, where you put them matters. You’ll want to keep an eye on the most important spots. Watch your front and back doors, side gates, garage, and any windows someone could get through. Use a mix of indoor and outdoor cameras to give you better coverage all around. For example, having one inside your entryway adds an extra layer of protection in case someone makes it inside.
Some systems even let you set up custom alert zones, so you’re only notified when there’s movement in the areas of caution. That way, you’re not getting pinged every time a squirrel runs by, but if someone heads toward your back door, you’ll know right away.
Don’t: Skip System Testing Before You Go
One common mistake is setting up a security camera system and assuming it’s ready to go. Before you leave, you should test everything. Make sure all cameras are online and properly angled. Confirm that your app notifications work and that any backup storage is functioning.
Also, ensure your internet connection is stable. A security system is only as good as its ability to communicate with you. A brief checkup now could save you a massive headache later.
Do: Pair Cameras with Other Security Measures
A solid home security setup is about more than just cameras. Sure, surveillance gives you eyes and ears on your property, but it works even better when paired with other tools. Things like motion-activated lights and window sensors add extra layers of protection. Smart locks, in particular, are a great investment. They let you lock and unlock doors remotely or grant temporary access to someone you trust. No spare key under the mat required.
If you’re using a professional monitoring service, be sure to let them know you’ll be out of town so they can respond faster if something happens. And don’t forget to loop in a trusted neighbor or friend. Giving someone access to your home in case of an emergency can make a big difference, especially if your alarm goes off while you’re away.
Don’t: Rely on DIY Cameras Alone
It’s tempting to go for inexpensive, do-it-yourself camera kits. And while these can offer basic monitoring features, they often lack the quality and durability of professionally installed systems. DIY setups can also be limited in storage capacity or suffer from connectivity issues.
When it comes to protecting your home during a trip, you want a system you can count on. Investing in a professionally installed camera system ensures that cameras are strategically optimized and weather-proofed for continuous monitoring. You’ll sleep better knowing your system was designed to keep your property safe.
Do: Review Footage and Alerts While You’re Away
Keeping an eye on your camera system while you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your phone all day. Just checking in once a day or catching alerts during quiet moments, like over breakfast or before bed, is enough to stay connected. If you get a motion alert and something doesn’t feel right, you can jump into action right away, whether that’s calling the police or asking a neighbor to take a look.
Some systems even have two-way audio, so you can talk through the camera. That means if someone shows up at your door pretending to be a delivery person, you can let them know they’re on camera and being watched in real time.
Don’t: Wait Until the Last Minute to Plan
If you’re planning to leave town, don’t put off securing your home until the night before. Installing and syncing your devices takes time, and rushing through it can lead to critical errors or oversights.
Give yourself time to get everything up and running. If you’re hiring a professional, book your installation several days in advance. That way, you’ll have time to get comfortable with the system and make adjustments as needed.
Do: Come Home to Peace of Mind
You’re heading off on vacation to unwind, not to stress about what’s happening at home. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can seriously lower the chances of any trouble and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. A good security camera system isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your best ally in protecting your home and your sense of security.
So, before you zip up your suitcase and lock that front door, take a few extra minutes to make sure your home is just as ready for your time away as you are. That way, when you get back, everything will be safe, sound, and exactly as you left it.