With warmer weather, Christmas and a string of public holidays coming up it’s a popular time of year to pack-up and ship out for a well-deserved break.
However, leaving behind a dark, empty house and an over-stuffed letterbox can invite unwanted attention. Here are five easy and cost effective tips for securing your home, so you can rest easy and enjoy your summer break.
1. Timed lights and motion detectors
Light timers can be purchased easily and are a cost effective addition to your household security, not just for when you’re on holidays. Attach the timer to a lamp in a front room to avoid lighting up the whole house and to conserve energy.
Motion detectors can also be installed to your porch light to deter any unwanted guests and draw attention for your neighborhood watch.
2. Tidy up the garden before you leave
If you want to tick off any chores before you leave on holiday, make it this one. Unruly gardens can make a house appear vacant, especially if you are away for longer than a week or two. Simple but effective tasks include:
- Mowing the lawn.
- Trimming back bushes that may obstruct your neighbour’s view from the house.
- Cutting down branches that allow easy access for intruders.
Be sure to keep clutter at a minimum as well and pack away furniture or equipment that can aid someone when breaking into a house. Additionally, avoid leaving packaging for big ticket items outside, such as TVs, which advertise what’s inside your
home.
3. Ask a friend or neighbour to pick up your mail
Full mailboxes are an obvious telltale sign that your house is vacant. Don’t forget to ask a friend or family member to collect your mail while you’re away or organise your mail to be placed on hold with Australia Post until your return.
4. Keep it on the down-low
As much as you want to post that airport photo on Instagram or a braggy farewell post on Facebook, try to refrain from advertising that you will be vacating your home for a lengthy period of time. You never know who your post will be seen by.
5. Check-in
If you can, arrange for someone you trust to check on your house not just for security, but also for any maintenance issues.
If you’re renting it’s a good idea to let your REIWA property manager know that you will be away, in case any unexpected issues occur.
By taking these small, cost effective measures you can put your best foot forward and enjoy your well-earned break.
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