Protecting Your Home When You’re On Vacation

The weather is nice, school is out for real, no more looking at laptops, and the province has begun to re-open. With all of thi going on, people are eager to get outdoors, get away, and finally unwind after a very long year and a half of rolling lockdowns. While we may not be crossing the border quite yet, trips to cottages and weekend getaways are in high demand right now. What better way to decompress from it all than to turn our phones and computers off and enjoy a little rest and relaxation near a lake, winery, or wherever makes you happy!

Since we all haven’t gone away in a while, don’t forget the importance of protecting your home while you are gone. We’ve got 10 great ways you can make sure your home is exactly as it was when you left upon returning home from a little getaway.

Get A Home Security System
- It seems obvious, but we’ve discussed in the past how even simple systems can be a great deterrent and security.
Social Media
- Try not to announce your intentions of leaving and minimize your exposure while away.
Keep Your Yard Maintained
- If you are going to be away for a longer period of time, have someone keep up your yard. Growing grass and weeds can indicate no one has been home to maintain the yard and tip off possible intruders.
Hold Mail and Deliveries
- Have the post office hold mail until you return or have someone pick-up mail daily, a full mailbox is another tell-tale sign to potential criminals. Packages should also be redirected to pick-up points if possible.
Exterior Lighting
- Exterior lights on a timer and motion sensors will keep your home illuminated, no one is breaking into a lit-up home.
Interior Lights
- See above, set that timer for the lights to kick on and stay on for a set period of time. You can even add TV’s to your timers.
Have Someone Watch Your Home
- The best way to keep your home safe is to have someone literally live in the home. A trusted friend or family member can keep an eye on things and make sure everything is safe and secure
Garage Door
- Secure and lock your garage door before leaving, people will try openers to see what doors they can get to open or manually lift them.
Lock Sliding Doors and Windows
- If you have sliding doors or windows, make sure they are locked and secure before leaving. Don’t forget those second level and basement windows if you have them.
Keep Your Blinds In The Usual Position
- If you normally keep them open, leave them. If you normally keep them closed, don’t open them.

Here is a handy tips sheet you can use to make sure your home is safe and secure when you’re enjoying some well deserved R and R.

Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Tecumseh, Kingsville, and Chatham, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!