Going on vacation is one of the best parts of the year. A change of scenery, some time off, and a break from everyday responsibilities can do wonders. But before you leave your rental behind, you should make sure to take some precautions before you head out.
Apartments can be vulnerable when left empty for days or weeks. Break-ins, water damage, and other unexpected issues can happen while you’re out of town. The good news? You can still protect your home while on vacation and enjoy making new memories without worrying about your place and belongings.
Let’s explore some easy ways to keep your apartment safe when you leave town.
Make your place look lived-in
One of the biggest risks while you’re away is burglary. Thieves easily target homes that look empty. Here’s how to protect your home while on vacation by making it look occupied:
- Use light timers: Plug lamps or a TV into timers to mimic daily activity while you’re away: on at night, off during the day.
- Pause your mail and newspaper delivery: A pile of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox may indicate that nobody’s home to pick them up. You can submit a hold mail request with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for free, and they’ll keep your mail until you return.
- Ask a friend for help: If you have someone you trust, ask them to swing by every few days and pick up any flyers or packages. It’s even better if they can stay over occasionally.
- Skip the social media updates: It’s tempting to post vacation photos while you’re out of town. But it may be better to wait until you’re back so you’re not informing internet sleuths you’re away from home. Posting in real time is like advertising that your home is empty.
Secure doors and windows
A little extra attention to your doors and windows can go a long way when you want to know how to protect your home while on vacation. Here’s what to check before you leave:
- Inspect all windows for broken seals, loose latches, or cracks. If you live in an area prone to storms, consider adding window film to make glass harder to break.
- Use window pins or locks on sliding or double-hung windows.
- Reinforce your front and back doors with sturdy deadbolts. If your lock seems weak or loose, talk to your landlord about getting it replaced.
- Install a basic alarm system. Even a simple, affordable alarm setup can be a strong deterrent to break-ins. Plus, it can notify you or local authorities in case anything goes wrong.
Prevent water damage
One of the best ways to protect your home while you’re away on vacation is to prevent water disasters before they occur. Even small water issues can lead to mold or costly damage, so it’s worth doing a quick check before you go.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Check for existing leaks: Report any faucet drips, loose pipes, or water spots to your landlord or property manager.
- Turn off the main water valve if you’re gone for more than a few days. This is especially important if your apartment has older plumbing.
- Make sure your sump pump is working if you live in a basement unit or an area that floods easily.
Reduce fire hazards
You’ll want to come home to a safe, damage-free space. Luckily, it’s easy to reduce fire risks with a few simple steps and more thorough electrical safety prevention:
- Unplug small appliances and electronics like toasters, coffee makers, chargers, and TVs. Many of these devices use electricity even when they’re off.
- Don’t leave any candles, incense, or space heaters plugged in.
- Check your smoke detectors to make sure they’re working before you head out.
Bonus tip: Double-check that your renters insurance policy is up to date and still covers what you need. Most policies cover theft, water and fire damage, or other incidents caused by natural disasters. Contact your insurance provider to make sure everything is in order before you leave. With a ResidentShield policy, you can relax knowing your belongings are protected even when you’re away from home.
Final checklist before you go
Here’s a quick rundown of what to do before you lock the door and head out:
Set timers for lights or electronics
Pause mail and newspaper delivery
Secure all windows and doors
Unplug nonessential electronics
Shut off the water if you leave home for a long time
Ask a friend to check in occasionally
Review your renters insurance policy
Store valuables securely
Hold off on vacation posts until you’re back
Vacations are meant for relaxing. You shouldn’t have to worry about what’s going on back home. Making a few smart moves before you leave can make all the difference. When you know how to protect your home while on vacation, you can truly enjoy the time away.
So, the next time you pack your bags and are off for a well-deserved break from your daily routine, don’t forget to prepare your apartment, too. You’ll thank yourself for that later.
