How to Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, for many, travel. Whether you’re visiting family in another state or taking a well-deserved vacation, leaving your home unattended can be a source of stress. With a little preparation and some smart strategies, you can travel with peace of mind knowing your home is secure.

Here are some tips to help keep your Colorado home safe while you’re away this holiday season.

1. Secure All Entry Points

Before leaving, double-check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget less obvious entry points like garage doors, basement windows, and sliding patio doors. Installing deadbolts on exterior doors and adding security bars to sliding doors can provide an extra layer of protection.

If you have a smart lock system, make sure it’s functioning correctly, and consider setting up temporary access codes for trusted neighbors or house sitters instead of leaving a spare key under the mat.

2. Make Your Home Look Lived-In

An empty home is an easy target for burglars, so it’s essential to make it appear as though someone is still there.

Use Timers for Lights: Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights to turn them on and off at different times. Smart plugs or home automation systems can make this even easier.
Pause Deliveries: Nothing screams “no one’s home” like a pile of newspapers or packages on your doorstep. Pause your mail delivery with the USPS or ask a neighbor to collect your mail and packages while you’re gone.
Leave a Car in the Driveway: If possible, park a car in your driveway or ask a friend or neighbor to do so occasionally.

3. Invest in a Home Security System

If you don’t already have one, now’s a great time to invest in a home security system. Many modern systems are affordable, easy to install, and allow you to monitor your home remotely via a smartphone app. Look for features like:

Door and window sensors
Motion detectors
Security cameras (indoor and outdoor)
Alarms that notify local authorities

If you already have a security system, ensure it’s working properly before your trip.

4. Be Cautious on Social Media

It’s tempting to share photos of your holiday adventures in real-time, but doing so could inadvertently advertise that your home is unoccupied. Wait until you return to post about your trip, and adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your updates.

5. Enlist Trusted Neighbors or Friends

Let a trusted neighbor or friend know you’ll be out of town, and provide them with your contact information in case of an emergency. They can keep an eye on your property, bring in your trash bins, and notify you if anything looks amiss.

If you’ll be gone for an extended period, consider hiring a house sitter or asking a family member to stay at your home.

6. Unplug Non-Essential Electronics

Reduce the risk of electrical fires and save on energy costs by unplugging non-essential electronics like TVs, computers, and small kitchen appliances.

7. Protect Against Frozen Pipes

Colorado winters can be brutal, and frozen pipes are a common issue during the colder months. To prevent damage while you’re away:

Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain them to avoid freezing.

8. Add a Layer of Outdoor Security

Outdoor motion-sensor lights or smart floodlights with cameras can deter potential burglars. Clear away any overgrown shrubs or trees near entry points to eliminate hiding spots.

Travel Worry-Free

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your holiday travels knowing that your home is safe and secure. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your investment and ensuring you return to your Colorado home exactly as you left it—ready to start the new year with peace of mind.

Have any additional tips or questions about keeping your home safe? Share them in the comments or reach out to Colorado Mortgage Mama for more advice on protecting your biggest investment!