Whether you're heading out for a long weekend, traveling for business, or spending several months away for the winter, preparing your home before you leave is one of the best ways to protect your property.
An empty home can attract unwanted attention, but many security concerns can be reduced with a little planning. From securing entry points to managing deliveries and using smart home technology, a few simple steps can make a meaningful difference.
At DCN Property Management, we believe home protection goes beyond locking the front door. It's about knowing your home is secure, keeping an eye on potential problems, and having a plan in place if something unexpected happens.
DCN’s Vacation Departure Checklist
Here are seven things every homeowner should consider before leaving home for an extended period.
1. Check Every Door, Window, and Entry Point
It sounds obvious, but it's easy to overlook an entry point when you're rushing to leave.
Before heading out, take a walk around your home and check:
All exterior doors, including side and basement entrances.
First-floor windows and accessible upper-level windows.
Sliding glass doors and patio entrances.
Garage doors and the door connecting the garage to the house.
Bulkhead doors, basement windows, and other less frequently used access points.
Make sure locks are functioning properly. Consider reinforcing sliding doors with security bars or additional locking devices.
Don't forget the garage. An unsecured garage can provide access to tools, equipment, and sometimes the interior of your home.
2. Make Your Home Look Occupied
An empty-looking home can be an invitation for unwanted attention. The goal isn't to make your house look busy; it's to avoid obvious signs that nobody is home.
Consider these simple steps:
Use timers or smart plugs to operate interior lights at different times.
Install motion-activated exterior lighting near entrances and darker areas.
Keep landscaping trimmed so doors and windows remain visible.
Arrange for lawn care and snow removal while you're away.
Ask someone to collect flyers, newspapers, and anything left at your front door.
In New England, seasonal maintenance matters, too. A driveway that hasn't been cleared after a snowfall or an overflowing mailbox can quickly signal that a property is unattended.
3. Consider Cameras, Sensors, and Smart Home Alerts
Smart home technology has made it easier than ever to keep an eye on your property from almost anywhere.
Depending on your needs, consider:
Outdoor cameras to monitor driveways, entrances, and other vulnerable areas.
Video doorbells to see visitors and receive activity notifications.
Door and window sensors that alert you when an entry point is opened.
Motion sensors for interior spaces.
Smart lighting that can be controlled remotely.
The key is choosing technology that serves a purpose. You don't necessarily need a camera on every corner of your home. Focus on the areas that matter most.
Before leaving, test your devices, confirm they're connected to Wi-Fi, check notification settings, and make sure any required subscriptions or cloud storage plans are active.
Remember, cameras and sensors provide information, but they don't physically check your home or respond to every situation. Technology works best when paired with a reliable person who can follow up if something seems wrong.
4. Manage Mail, Packages, and Deliveries
Nothing says "we're not home" quite like a pile of packages on the front porch.
Before leaving:
Place a hold on your mail through USPS or arrange for someone to collect it.
Pause recurring deliveries or subscriptions when possible.
Reschedule packages to arrive after your return.
Arrange for someone to retrieve unexpected deliveries.
Check that trash and recycling bins are brought back in after collection.
These small details help keep your property looking cared for and reduce opportunities for package theft.
5. Be Careful About What You Share Online
It's tempting to post vacation photos while you're still enjoying your trip. But public posts can also reveal that your home is empty.
A few simple precautions:
Avoid announcing exact travel dates on public social media accounts.
Consider sharing vacation photos after you return.
Review who can see your posts and location information.
Remind family members to be mindful of what they share, too.
You don't have to keep your vacation a secret. Just be thoughtful about how much information you make public and when.
6. Have a Trusted Local Contact
Even with the best preparation and smart technology, things can happen while you're away.
A power outage, water leak, storm, heating issue, or unexpected visitor may require someone to physically check the property.
Before leaving, identify a trusted local contact who can:
Access the property in an emergency.
Check on the home if an alert or concern arises.
Contact the appropriate service provider.
Help coordinate repairs or maintenance.
Notify you if something needs attention.
Make sure your contact has the necessary access information and knows how to reach you. If your home has an alarm system, provide any relevant instructions and emergency contact information.
Having someone nearby who knows your property can make all the difference when something unexpected happens.
DCN’s Home-Away Protection Plan
7. Schedule Regular Home Watch Visits
For homeowners who travel frequently or leave their homes for extended periods, regular home watch visits provide an additional layer of protection.
A home watch visit involves physically checking the property for visible signs of problems or unusual activity.
At DCN Property Management, our home watch visits include a 21-point checklist designed to help identify concerns such as:
Signs of water leaks or moisture.
Unusual changes in temperature.
Evidence of storm or weather-related damage.
Doors, windows, and entry points that need attention.
Unusual odors or other visible concerns.
General changes in the condition of the property.
We provide updates following visits so homeowners know what we've observed.
Smart devices can tell you that a sensor has detected something. A home watch visit provides an opportunity to actually see what's happening and determine whether further attention is needed.
It's an extra set of eyes on your home when you can't be there yourself.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Leaving home shouldn't mean worrying about it the entire time you're gone.
A combination of good security habits, smart technology, regular maintenance, and a reliable local contact can help reduce risks and give you greater peace of mind.
Whether you're away for a week or an entire season, taking the time to prepare your home is an investment in protecting one of your most valuable assets.
Need someone to keep an eye on your home while you're away?
DCN Property Management provides professional home watch services throughout Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Westford, Massachusetts.
Our goal is simple: help you feel confident that your home is being looked after, even when you're miles away.
Learn more about DCN Home Watch Services
DCN Property Management, LLC | Professional Home Watch & Property Management | MetroWest Massachusetts