Heading out on vacation or even just leaving town for a weekend should feel exciting, not stressful. But for many people, the thought of leaving their home empty can bring some worry. Burglars are often quick and opportunistic — they look for easy targets and signs that no one is home.
The good news is that there are smart ways to make your home look occupied, even when you’re miles away. While a monitored home security system is an excellent first layer of protection, adding some simple tricks can make your home even less appealing to unwanted visitors.
These tips are about creating an illusion of activity so that burglars think twice before stepping foot on your property. Let’s dive into some creative and practical ways to keep your home looking lively when you’re away.
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Use Smart Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create the illusion that someone is home. Instead of leaving one lamp on for days (which can actually make it obvious that you’re gone), use smart plugs or timers to turn different lights on and off at various times.
Try setting timers so that lights in the living room turn on in the evening and bedroom lights switch on later, just like your usual routine. You can even add timers to TVs or radios to create some background noise that would make it seem like someone is moving around inside.
Keep Up With Yard Work
An unkempt lawn or a pile of uncollected leaves can be a dead giveaway that no one is around. If you’re leaving for more than a few days, arrange for someone to mow your lawn or clear your driveway.
In the winter, ask a neighbor or friend to shovel your sidewalk and driveway. During summer, have someone water your plants and pull a few weeds. A cared-for yard suggests an occupied home and makes your property look less like an easy mark.
Hold Your Mail and Packages
Nothing screams “nobody’s home” like an overflowing mailbox or a pile of packages on the front porch.
Before you leave, ask the post office to hold your mail. Most postal services offer this option for free. You can also pause newspaper deliveries if you still receive a physical paper.
For packages, ask a friend or neighbor to pick them up for you. You might also consider using a locker service if your area has one.
Use Cars As Decoys
If you usually park in your driveway, an empty space can signal that you’re away. If possible, leave a car parked there, or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally while you’re gone.
It might seem like a small detail, but seeing a car come and go can convince a potential burglar that someone is home and moving about.
Keep Curtains and Blinds Normal
A lot of people think they should close every curtain and blind when they leave. While it might seem safer, it can actually look suspicious if you don’t usually keep them all closed.
Instead, leave them how you normally would when you’re home. This way, your house looks lived-in and your routine appears normal.
If you’re using timers on your lights, leaving some blinds open also lets those lights be seen from outside, adding to the illusion of activity.
Rely on a Trusted Neighbor
Neighbors can be one of your best defenses. Let a trusted neighbor know you’ll be gone so they can keep an eye out for anything unusual.
They can also do simple things like take out your trash bins on collection day and bring them back in. This small action can make your home seem occupied and keep things looking normal from the street.
Leverage Your Monitored Home Security System
A monitored home security system not only helps protect your home but can also make it appear active. Some systems allow you to control lights, locks, and even cameras remotely.
Use your security app to turn lights on and off or to check on live camera feeds. If your system includes doorbell cameras, you can even respond to visitors or deliveries as if you were home.
Visible security signs and cameras can also act as deterrents, signaling to burglars that your home is watched and protected.
Don’t Announce Your Trip Online
It’s tempting to share vacation excitement on social media, but posting about your trip in real time tells the world you’re not home.
Save your photos and stories to share after you return. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts if you must share updates.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no way to completely prevent a break-in, making your home look occupied is a powerful way to reduce your chances of being targeted. Combining simple tricks like using smart lights, maintaining your yard, and involving neighbors with the extra protection of a monitored home security system can give you peace of mind.
Next time you head out of town, focus on enjoying your trip — not worrying about your home. With a little planning, you can close the door on burglars and open the door to stress-free travel.
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