Flying South? Keep Your Nest Safe with These Home Protection Tips

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Maybe not this year! If you’re like many North Americans, you might think winter is the perfect time to trade frosty mornings for sunny skies. As reported in Forbes, 34% of Americans are exploring or committing to the snowbird lifestyle, with 38% choosing destinations in the south. Whether you're basking in Florida's sunshine or enjoying a tropical retreat in the Caribbean, safeguarding your home while you're away is essential for a worry-free getaway. 

Here's your go-to guide for home protection, so your only worry is making it to the airport on time.

Install Smart Security Solutions

Investing in smart security systems is one of the easiest ways to monitor your home, whether you're curled up on the couch or halfway around the world. Devices like doorbell cameras, motion detectors, and window sensors keep you in the loop and send instant alerts if anything seems off.

And let's face it, now's the time to step up your home security. A Global News article from spring 2024 highlights just how much break-and-enter crimes have spiked in Toronto. By mid-March, the Toronto Police Service had already reported 1,721 incidents—a 31.5% jump from the same time last year. Even more alarming, home invasions and break-ins tied to auto theft shot up by a jaw-dropping 400% in 2023.  

Add Timed Lights

If you live in a house or an apartment with street access, timed lights are an effective strategy for the interior of your home. You can program them to turn on and off at random intervals to create the illusion that someone is home.

For example, let the lights mimic your daily routine—such as having a lamp in the living room turn on at dusk or a bedroom light turn off around bedtime. This simple approach helps deter potential intruders by making it seem like someone is always present.

Timed lights also promote energy efficiency. For example, you can program your hallway lights to turn off during the day or set the porch light to come on only in the evening.

And when you're back home, they still offer benefits. You can program them to automatically shut off your Christmas lights before bedtime or dim your accent lighting for a cozy atmosphere without lifting a finger.

Don't Close All the Curtains

A completely shuttered house can attract unwanted attention and raise suspicions among neighbors or passersby. Consider leaving a few curtains slightly open to create the impression that your home is occupied. This allows glimpses of activity or light inside, which can deter potential intruders.  

Manage Your Mail and Packages

A stack of unopened mail or packages on your porch is a sure sign to everyone—especially the wrong people—that you're not home. Before you leave, take a few minutes to redirect your mail to a P.O. box or put it on hold through your local post office. If you have subscription deliveries, like meal kits or monthly boxes, pause them ahead of time to avoid a build-up while you're away.

Team up with a neighbor you trust and ask them to keep an eye out. They can grab your mail, collect flyers, and even move packages out of sight so nothing accumulates or draws unwanted attention.

Porch pirates are an issue even when you're home, so don't take any chances. Invest in a secure delivery box for your porch or take advantage of delivery services that offer locker pickups or rerouting options to a nearby store. By planning ahead, you'll keep your home looking occupied and your packages safe, whether you're on a quick getaway or just running errands.

Don't Advertise Your Absence

Posting on social media can be tempting when you've swapped dark mornings for stunning beach sunrises, but sharing your vacation plans in real-time is risky. After all, broadcasting you're away could tip off the wrong crowd. Instead, share updates with trusted friends through a quick email or private message so your inner circle stays in the loop. For extra security, adjust your social media privacy settings before leaving. Ensure only trusted contacts can see your posts, and avoid tagging your location until after you've returned. These simple steps help you enjoy your trip without worrying about what's happening back home.

Winterize Your Home for Long-Term Travel

When preparing your home for an extended absence of weeks or months, it’s essential to take the following steps to ensure it can withstand the season:

• Turn off the water supply to prevent pipe bursts.
• Regulate the temperature to avoid freezing pipes and to prevent your home from becoming too cold, which can invite mold or pests.
• Arrange for snow removal services to avoid clear signs of an empty driveway.

Secure First-Floor Windows and Doors

Intruders frequently target first-floor windows and sliding doors as primary home entry points. To enhance security and deter potential break-ins, consider reinforcing these vulnerable areas. You can install additional locks that provide an extra layer of protection or use security bars that make it physically more difficult for an intruder to gain access.

Clean Up Before You Leave

The last thing you want after a relaxing vacation is to return to pests or unpleasant odors. Before you go:
 

• Dispose of all perishables in the fridge
• Empty the dishwasher and trash bins
• Leave your home clean and tidy

Enlist Help From Your Village

Having a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member to help monitor your home can be invaluable. People in your network may know someone with a flexible schedule willing to take on an extra side gig or stay temporarily in the city where you live. Whether it's watering your plants or ensuring everything runs smoothly, having someone physically visit your home can help prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems.

Prepare Your Return

Coming home after an extended time away can feel overwhelming—long travel, time zone adjustments, and settling back into your routine can take a toll. To ease the transition, here are a few tips to make your homecoming smoother:
 

• Book a Light Cleaning Service: Arrive at a dust-free home with fresh bed linens and a welcoming, tidy space.
• Plan Grocery Deliveries: Schedule essentials like milk, eggs, and bread to be delivered shortly before you return.
• Opt for a Meal Kit Subscription: Save yourself the hassle of meal planning and enjoy pre-prepped ingredients for easy, delicious dinners.

Coming home doesn’t have to feel like just another task to check off. With a few simple steps, like tidying up before you leave or setting up a cozy corner to welcome you, coming home can feel like a reset instead of a chore, after incorporating these safety tips and hacks to make your homecoming smoother.

For more tips on homeownership and making the most of your living space, visit Zoocasa’s blog.