How to Protect Your Home When Traveling in Massachusetts

A Practical Guide for Homeowners in Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, and Acton

Many homeowners throughout Massachusetts travel for extended periods of time—whether for business, seasonal relocation, or simply taking advantage of warmer climates during the winter months.

While travel can be exciting, leaving your home unattended for weeks or months requires careful preparation. Homes are complex systems that continue to operate even when no one is there to monitor them.

At DCN Property Management, we regularly help homeowners in Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Acton, and surrounding communities prepare their homes before extended travel. Over the years we’ve seen firsthand how simple preventative steps can protect a home from costly issues.

Here are several important steps homeowners can take before leaving their property.

Adjust and Monitor Your Thermostat
During colder months, maintaining a safe indoor temperature is essential to prevent frozen pipes.
We generally recommend homeowners keep their thermostat set no lower than 55°F when away for extended periods.

Many homeowners now install smart thermostats such as the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or Google Nest Thermostat, which allow them to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely. These devices can also send alerts if indoor temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Install Water Leak Detectors
Water leaks are one of the most common problems discovered in homes that sit empty. Even a small leak can cause significant damage if it continues unnoticed. Small leak sensors placed near plumbing fixtures can notify homeowners immediately if moisture is detected.

Homeowners often consider devices such as:

• Govee WiFi Water Leak Detector
• Moen Smart Leak Detector
• YoLink Leak Detection System

These sensors are typically placed near sinks, washing machines, water heaters, and sump pumps.

Check Your Basement and Sump Pump
Basements are particularly vulnerable to water issues during seasonal transitions in New England.
Before traveling, homeowners should:

• test the sump pump
• inspect basement areas for moisture
• consider installing a sump pump alarm

Monitoring tools like the Basement Watchdog Sump Pump Alarm or a Govee WiFi Hygrometer Thermometer can help alert homeowners to changes in moisture levels.

Use Smart Cameras for Remote Visibility
Security cameras allow homeowners to quickly check on their property from a smartphone.
Outdoor cameras placed near driveways, entryways, or garages provide helpful visibility while homeowners are away.

Common systems homeowners use include:

• Blink Outdoor Camera System
• Ring Spotlight Camera
• Arlo Essential Security Camera

These devices provide motion alerts and live video access.

Arrange Regular Property Checks
While smart devices provide helpful alerts, they cannot replace regular physical inspections.
Unexpected issues such as storm damage, heating system failures, or small leaks may still require someone to visit the property to address them quickly. Regular property checks help ensure that homes remain safe and well maintained even when homeowners are away.

Final Thoughts
Traveling for extended periods is common for many homeowners throughout Massachusetts. Taking a few preventative steps before leaving can greatly reduce the risk of unexpected issues while your home is unattended.

By combining simple preparation, remote monitoring technology, and regular property visits, homeowners can travel with greater peace of mind knowing their home is protected.
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About the Author
David Nicholson is the owner of DCN Property Management and has spent more than a decade helping homeowners monitor and maintain their properties throughout Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Acton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.