Leaving home for a vacation is exciting, but it also creates a temporary window of vulnerability. A careful pre-trip security checklist reduces the risk of burglary, package theft, or damage while you are away. This guide walks homeowners through practical, affordable steps to secure doors, windows, mail, systems, and appearance of occupancy so you return to a safe home. You will learn how to prepare physical locks, set up alarms and smart devices, manage deliveries and mail, coordinate with neighbors, and perform a final walk-through. Each step includes actionable instructions, helpful tips, and safety warnings so you can complete the checklist confidently. The plan balances DIY tasks with advice on when to call a professional.

Key Takeaways

Secure all entry points and reinforce weak spots like sliding doors and garage access.
Use timed lighting, alarm settings, and camera notifications to simulate occupancy.
Pause mail and deliveries and enlist a trusted neighbor to check on the house.
Test alarms, update passwords, and photograph valuables for insurance before leaving.

Tools Needed

Screwdriver set
Hammer and wooden dowel (for sliding doors)
Step ladder
Smartphone with apps for smart devices
Camera or smartphone for photos

Materials Needed

Battery replacements for alarms and cameras
Deadbolt or reinforced strike plate (if upgrading)
Door and window sensors (if adding)
Timed plugs or smart bulbs
Weatherproof exterior light bulbs

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Do not advertise trip details on social media until after returning.
Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious outdoor locations.
Turn off or unplug high-risk appliances to reduce fire risk.
When working at height (ladders), secure footing and have a spotter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create a Trip Security Plan and Timeline

Begin by writing a short plan listing travel dates, contact info for a trusted local contact, and any planned deliveries or service visits. Inventory high-value items in photos and video to help with insurance claims if necessary. Note who will have a key or access code while you are away and set expectations for checks and pickups. Add a timeline for tasks to complete in the 72, 48, and 24 hours before departure so tasks are not missed in last-minute packing.

💡 Tip: Store copies of your inventory and plan in cloud storage and provide access to a trusted friend or neighbor.

⚠️ Do not leave your trip plan or travel dates in plain view where burglars could find them.

Step 2: Secure Doors, Locks, and Garage

Check every exterior door and lock. Install or verify that deadbolts work smoothly; tighten hinge and strike plate screws with longer screws if needed to resist kick-ins. Reinforce sliding doors with a metal bar or a cut wooden dowel in the track and apply a secondary lock if available. Lock and secure garage doors, ensure the emergency release is disabled or secured with a zip tie if you use smart openers, and close door-to-house connections. Test all keyed entry points and keep a record of which locks use which keys or codes.

💡 Tip: Upgrade to a reinforced strike plate and 3-inch screws for a low-cost strength boost.

⚠️ If drilling or installing hardware, wear eye protection and follow manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3: Lock and Shield Windows and Secondary Entry Points

Walk the perimeter and test each window and basement or attic access for proper locking. Install or engage window locks and consider window security film or sensors for first-floor windows. Close blinds and curtains to hide valuables, but avoid an all-shut appearance that signals absence; combine with lighting timers. Secure vents, pet doors, and less obvious entrances like side gates. For sliding windows, place a dowel in the track and use keyed locks where available. Ensure screens are secured if they can be easily removed from outside.

💡 Tip: Mark which windows have sensors and make sure battery-powered sensors have fresh batteries before leaving.

⚠️ When applying security film or hardware, follow instructions to avoid damaging window seals or glass.

Step 4: Set Up and Test Alarm Systems and Cameras

Arm your alarm system and verify all sensors are online and reporting correctly to the monitoring service or app. Test door, window, motion, and glass-break sensors according to manufacturer procedures so you know alarms trigger. Update access codes and temporary user permissions for anyone needing entry while you are away. For cameras, ensure they record and that cloud backups are active if you rely on them. Confirm battery backups and power sources are stable so devices remain functional during outages.

💡 Tip: Enable mobile alerts and test a notification by triggering a sensor while at home so you understand how alerts arrive.

⚠️ Don’t disable alarms temporarily without a plan to re-enable before leaving; false reassurance is risky.

Step 5: Create the Appearance of Occupancy with Lighting and Timers

Use smart bulbs or mechanical timers to schedule indoor and outdoor lights on irregular patterns that mimic your normal use. Program porch and entry lights to activate at dusk and use motion-activated floodlights at the driveway and back yard for added deterrence. Randomized timers are more effective than fixed on/off cycles. If you have smart speakers or devices, avoid scheduling predictable audio routines that might sound repetitive. Coordinate with neighbors to park in your driveway occasionally if they are willing.

💡 Tip: Set different rooms on separate timers to recreate real household routines like evening and bathroom lighting.

⚠️ Avoid leaving interior lights on 24/7 as it indicates absence and wastes energy; use realistic schedules instead.

Step 6: Manage Mail, Packages, and Deliveries

Request a USPS hold or pause mail through your postal service and reschedule deliveries to a later date or to a neighbor you trust. For scheduled deliveries during your absence, provide specific delivery instructions to leave packages in a secure or less-visible spot, or use a pickup locker service. Sign up for delivery notifications and enable camera alerts so you can act if a package is left insecure. If a neighbor collects mail or packages, give them your contact info and a simple checklist for what to do if something looks off.

💡 Tip: Use a delivery app to reroute or reschedule packages in the days before you leave.

⚠️ Do not instruct carriers to leave high-value packages unattended without an alternative collection plan.

Step 7: Communicate With Neighbors and Set Emergency Instructions

Tell a trusted neighbor or nearby friend your travel dates and provide contact info for emergencies. Ask them to keep an eye out for unusual activity, collect packages or deliveries, and park in your driveway once in a while to simulate presence. Provide clear instructions about who has a key or code and how to reach you. Leave emergency contact numbers and any alarm or pet care instructions. If you have plants or pets, outline watering and feeding routines and provide spare keys to the caregiver rather than hiding them.

💡 Tip: Introduce your caregiver to your home routine and test the alarm disarm procedure with them in advance.

⚠️ Do not give keys to people you do not trust; verify identification before sharing access.

Step 8: Final Walk-Through, Power Down, and Documentation

Complete a final walk-through 24 hours before leaving. Confirm all doors and windows are locked, alarms are armed and tested, lights and timers are set, and deliveries are handled. Unplug non-essential electronics to prevent fires and reduce energy use, but leave refrigerator and critical systems powered. Photograph or video your home and valuables for insurance records, and leave copies of important documents and emergency plans with a trusted person. Double-check that contact info and key access permissions are correct in your phone and on paper.

💡 Tip: Create a short departure checklist and tick each item; keep it on the fridge until you return so household members can reference it.

⚠️ When unplugging appliances, ensure refrigeration items are handled appropriately to avoid spoilage or waste.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you plan hardware upgrades beyond simple deadbolt replacement, such as reinforcing door frames, installing a professionally monitored alarm system, wiring hardwired sensors, or upgrading exterior lighting circuits. A licensed locksmith can assess and install high-security locks and reinforce doors properly. An electrician should handle any hardwired lighting, camera power, or UPS installations to ensure code compliance and safety. Also engage a security consultant or alarm company if you want monitored response, integrated smart-home security, or an evaluation of blind spots and vulnerabilities. If you discover evidence of prior forced entry or suspicious activity while prepping, contact local law enforcement and a professional security firm to assess risks before you depart.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I do security checks before a trip?

Start basic checks and notifications at least a week before departure so you can schedule holds for mail and deliveries. Complete door, window, and alarm tests within 24–48 hours of leaving, and perform a final walk-through the day before you go. Allow extra time for any hardware installations or professional appointments.

Is it safe to rely on smart locks and cameras alone?

Smart devices add convenience and useful remote monitoring, but they should complement physical security measures. Ensure smart locks have strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and firmware updates. Cameras are deterrents and help evidence collection, but do not replace solid locks, reinforced doors, and neighbors who can check on your property.

Should I stop posting trip photos on social media?

Yes. Avoid announcing travel plans publicly or posting real-time updates to social media until you return. Public posts can signal absence to opportunistic criminals. Consider adjusting privacy settings or sharing photos after your trip rather than while you are away.

What should I do with spare keys?

Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors in predictable spots. Give spares only to trusted neighbors, friends, or a professional pet sitter. If you must provide short-term access, use a smart lock or a lockbox with an access code and change or revoke codes after your return.

Can I pause my home security monitoring while on vacation to avoid false alarms?

Pausing monitoring is not recommended because it removes the protective response if an actual event occurs. Instead, adjust sensor sensitivity, add temporary user codes, or notify the monitoring company that you are away so they can verify alarms with your designated contacts.

Home Security Checklist Vacation