As the holiday season approaches, many families travel to visit loved ones or take time off for a well-deserved break. Leaving your home unattended, even for a few days, can make it a target for theft or damage. Whether you are gone for a weekend or several weeks, a few simple precautions can help protect your property and give you peace of mind.

November is a great time to review your home security plan. With a little preparation, you can reduce the risk of break-ins, safeguard your valuables, and return to a home that is just as you left it. 

Before you leave, take a detailed inventory of your belongings. A home inventory not only helps you track what you own but also makes insurance claims easier if something is ever stolen or damaged.

Walk through your home and record valuable items, including electronics, jewelry, tools, firearms, and artwork. Write down model numbers, serial numbers, and purchase dates. Take photos or short videos of each room for visual reference. Store this information in a secure digital file that can be accessed remotely if needed.

Consider using an app or spreadsheet to organize the details. Share a copy with a trusted family member or keep it in a password-protected cloud account. Updating your inventory once a year keeps it accurate and useful. 

Criminals often look for signs that a home is empty. Taking a few visible precautions can make your house appear occupied and discourage unwanted attention.

Set indoor lights on timers to turn on and off at different intervals throughout the evening. Smart plugs and home automation systems make this easy to manage from your phone. Keep outdoor lights on at night, especially near doors, garages, and walkways.

Stop mail and newspaper delivery or ask a neighbor to collect them daily. Overflowing mailboxes and packages left on porches are clear indicators that no one is home. If you use online shopping during the holidays, schedule deliveries for when you are back or have them sent to a secure pickup location.

Before leaving, check that all windows and doors are locked, including those in the garage, basement, and second floor. A quick walk-around helps confirm everything is secure. 

While no system is foolproof, layered security can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in. Consider investing in a reliable alarm or smart security system. Many modern systems send real-time alerts to your phone if motion is detected or a door is opened.

Visible security cameras and alarm signs act as strong deterrents. Even basic video doorbells can help you monitor deliveries and unexpected visitors.

If you are leaving a vehicle parked in the driveway, keep it locked and remove all valuables. Some homeowners leave a car parked in a visible spot to make the property look occupied, but the key is ensuring nothing inside attracts attention. 

Before you travel, take a few minutes to secure items that are difficult or impossible to replace. Store jewelry, cash, passports, and important documents in a home safe that is fireproof, waterproof, and anchored to the floor or wall.

Secure all your firearms before leaving. Make sure they are unloaded and locked in a secure cabinet or safe, with ammunition stored separately. Never leave weapons accessible to visitors or cleaning services.

Consider moving especially valuable items, such as family heirlooms or collectible items, to an off-site location or a safe deposit box while you are away. 

Having someone check in on your home can provide both security and comfort. If possible, ask a trusted friend, relative, or professional house sitter to stay in your home while you are away. A regularly occupied home looks less inviting to potential intruders. Make sure for their safety that all firearms are secured so they don’t accidentally bump into one. If they are a trained and responsible gun owner, give them a safe place to secure their own while in the home.

If a full-time sitter is not an option, ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for anything unusual. Provide them with your travel dates and a way to contact you in an emergency. You can also give them permission to move garbage bins, collect mail, or occasionally park in your driveway to maintain the appearance of activity. 

Many local police departments offer vacation watch programs where officers or volunteers periodically drive by your home and check for signs of trouble. This service is often free and easy to request online or by phone.

When you submit your request, you can share travel dates, emergency contacts, and any keyholder information. Knowing that local authorities are aware of your absence adds another layer of protection and peace of mind. 

Safety is not only about preventing theft. Before leaving, unplug small appliances that do not need to stay on, such as toasters, coffee makers, and televisions. Turn off or lower the thermostat to save energy, but avoid setting it too low if cold weather is expected. If your home isn’t going to be occupied at all by a family member or friend, turn off your water main or leave a faucet dripping. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage.

If you use gas or wood-burning fireplaces, make sure everything is fully extinguished and the flue is closed. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to confirm they are working properly. 

It can be tempting to post about your trip on social media, but publicizing your travel plans can unintentionally alert others that your home is empty. Save your vacation photos and updates for after you return. If you want to share while you are away, limit visibility to trusted friends and avoid tagging your location in real time. 

When you get back, take a few minutes to walk through your home before unpacking. Check that doors and windows are still locked and that nothing seems out of place. Review any security camera footage or notifications for reassurance. Check that all your firearms are where they should be and have not been tampered with. Be careful when turning on your water again in case of a leak.

Restart appliances, adjust your thermostat, and enjoy the comfort of knowing that your planning paid off. 

Securing your home while you are away does not require complicated technology or expensive upgrades. It is about thoughtful planning, consistency, and awareness. By making security part of your travel routine, you protect not only your possessions but also your sense of peace.

This November, before you head out to visit family or enjoy a well-earned break, take the time to prepare your home. A few hours of effort now can save you from days or weeks of stress later.

Make your checklist, check it twice, and come home with the knowledge you did everything in your power to secure your home.