As warmer weather returns and travel plans pick up, many homeowners begin spending more time away—whether it’s a weekend at the lake, a spring break vacation, or the annual migration to a summer home. Unfortunately, empty homes can become easy targets for break-ins, water damage, and weather-related issues if left unchecked.
If you’re planning to be away this spring, taking a few proactive steps now can protect your home and give you peace of mind. Here are seven essential ways to secure your property before you lock the door and hit the road.
1. Reinforce Entry Points
Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars, and spring is a prime time for break-ins. Inspect all exterior doors to ensure they have solid cores, strong deadbolts, and strike plates secured with long screws. For windows, check locks and consider adding security film or window sensors for an extra layer of protection.
Don’t forget garage doors—make sure they’re secure and can’t be manually opened from the outside. Lock any internal doors connecting the garage to your home.
Pro Tip: Place a wooden dowel or security bar in the track of sliding doors to prevent forced entry.
2. Use Smart Lighting & Timers
A dark, inactive house signals to potential intruders that no one is home. Set interior and exterior lights on timers to simulate occupancy. Smart lighting systems allow you to program lights to turn on and off at varying times, making your home look lived-in.
Also, ensure your exterior lights—especially those by entry points—are in working order. Motion-sensor floodlights around driveways and backyards are excellent deterrents.
3. Secure Deliveries and Mail
Nothing shouts “We’re not home!” like an overflowing mailbox or packages piling up at the front door. If you’re going to be away for more than a couple of days, pause your mail and package deliveries through the USPS Hold Mail service or have a trusted neighbor collect them.
Alternatively, using a home watch service like Homestead Property Watch ensures your mail, packages, and even local newspaper deliveries are checked and managed regularly.
4. Protect Against Spring Weather Hazards
Spring brings unpredictable weather, from heavy rains to late frosts. Before leaving, make sure gutters are clear of debris, sump pumps are functioning, and drainage is directing water away from your foundation.
Inside, adjust the thermostat to maintain a safe temperature and avoid condensation or mold growth. If your area is prone to power outages, consider a backup battery system for your sump pump and security system.
A professional home watch service will inspect your home after storms and notify you immediately if there’s any weather-related damage.
5. Don’t Announce Your Absence on Social Media
It’s tempting to share vacation photos in real time, but public posts can inadvertently alert burglars that your home is empty. Save the highlights for when you return, and tighten your social media privacy settings before you go.
Let a few trusted neighbors or family members know you’ll be gone and provide emergency contact information. A local home watch professional can act as your on-the-ground resource for anything that arises while you’re away.
6. Inspect and Secure Outdoor Areas
Yards, porches, and patios can all show signs of vacancy if not maintained. Secure any tools, ladders, or outdoor furniture that could be used to access your home. Make sure fences and gates are locked, and check that security cameras (if installed) cover key outdoor zones.
If you’re away for more than a few days, consider scheduling light landscaping or hiring a home watch service that offers exterior checks as part of their routine.
7. Partner with a Home Watch Service
Perhaps the most valuable step you can take is hiring a professional home watch service to inspect and monitor your property while you’re away. These trained professionals conduct routine checks inside and outside your home to catch problems early—before they become disasters.
At Homestead Property Watch and Management Services, we do more than just a quick drive-by. We provide detailed reports, photo documentation, and immediate alerts if something’s wrong. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, suspicious activity, or a fallen tree branch after a storm, you’ll have eyes and ears on the ground while you’re away.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your home unattended for even a short time can come with risks, but with a few smart preparations—and the support of a trusted home watch provider—you can relax and enjoy your spring travels.
Take the time now to run through this checklist. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to travel with peace of mind?
Contact Homestead Property Watch and Management Services today to schedule your customized home watch plan for spring and beyond.
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