Traveling comes with its own set of stress and headaches. Itineraries, fellow travellers, and being away from home will push your buttons and wear you down, even on vacation. The last thing you need is the added stress of worrying about the safety of your home.

That’s why the following list of easy actions is vital for any homeowner. Before heading out, take some no-nonsense steps to ensure your home is safe. Here are four practical ways to keep your home secure while you travel.

1. Be Smart About Security

Almost every electronic device is smart these days. And those that aren’t can be hooked up to a smart outlet to grant you complete control. Intelligent, automated systems are great for convenient use, energy savings, and security.

Smart home systems can be remotely monitored and controlled. Homeowners can set up cameras and sensors to track movement or sounds. All data can be saved in case you catch anyone in the act with cloud recording.

Set up lighting routines that mimic a standard daily schedule with smart lighting, including inside and outside lights. If nefarious actors don’t realize you’re gone, they’ll be more inclined to stay away.

Smart appliances can alert you if problems occur, such as a power failure or open doors. There are even smart systems for the entire house (like RAIZO Smart). These can control heating, water systems, and more, which can come in especially handy in the event of a power surge or burst pipe. You can stop calamities from a country away with integrated, automated systems.

2. Don’t Advertise Your Absence

Millions of homes are burglarized every year. While not a guarantee, keeping your plans to yourself is one of the best steps you can follow to avoid becoming a statistic.

Avoid creating unsafe scenarios that will alert others your house is empty. Ask your neighbours or a family member to pick up mail and packages. If you will be gone for an extended period, ask them to care for home maintenance, including lawn mowing or snow removal. Nothing says “empty” clearer than an overgrown lawn and dark windows.

If you’ve invested in home security before your trip, discreetly dispose of the packaging. Don’t advertise your recent upgrades on the curb. And be sure to keep all personal documents out of the trash. Shred anything with your name on it, from statements to utility bills.

Aside from the select few close friends and family, don’t tell anyone about your vacation. Avoid posting any details on social media; particularly specific dates, times, and locations that could create a schedule for burglars to follow.

Keep your pictures off the web until you’re home. You might think it fun to check in with a picture of you feeding a Dolphin feeding at Australia, but burglars will only see an empty home ripe for plunder.

3. Lend Out Your Driveway

A driveway in use, if you have one, is a major indicator that someone is at home. If you’re going to be traveling for an extended time period, you should consider either allowing someone to use your driveway to keep up appearances or even earning some cash by renting it out instead.

4. Make the Necessary Repairs

When you plan a vacation, always take some time to note what needs to be repaired around the house. Focus on safety and function above anything else. Replace any burned out bulbs inside and outside.

Automation can address many issues that homeowners face while away. Set up lighting routines and living schedules. Keep security systems running at all times with connected cameras and sensors. These systems will not only protect your home while you’re gone, but they can also make your life much easier when you return.

IT’S EASY TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HOME WHILE YOU’RE AWAY WITH “RAIZO SMART” JUST CONTACT OUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE TO KNOW MORE.