Top 11 Tips to Secure Your Home While Traveling

Picture this: you've planned the perfect getaway, packed your bags, and are ready for adventure. Then it hits you – who's watching your empty house while you're posting beach selfies? You're not alone. 74% of travelers worry about home security while away. But here's the thing – protecting your home doesn't require an elaborate security system that costs more than your vacation.

The key to home security while traveling lies in both tech solutions and good old-fashioned common sense. Smart locks, light timers, and trusted neighbors can all become part of your defense strategy.

Ready to enjoy your trip without constantly wondering if your home is safe? These 11 home security tips will give you the peace of mind you deserve. But which one prevents the most break-ins? The answer might surprise you.

Top 11 Expert-Backed Tips to Secure Your Home While Traveling

Going on a trip should be exciting, not stressful, because you’re worried about your home. At Trimatrik, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Bangladesh secure their properties with smart CCTV systems, alarm devices, and remote monitoring tools. These tips come straight from our security experts and real experiences on the ground.

For example, one of our clients in Dhanmondi used Trimatrik’s smart surveillance and door lock system while traveling abroad. With real-time alerts and remote access, they had full peace of mind the entire trip.

Whether you're heading to Cox's Bazar or flying overseas, these 11 expert tips will help keep your home safe while you're away.

1. Make It Look Like Someone's Home (The Illusion of Occupancy)

Nothing says "come rob me" like a house that's obviously empty. The trick? Make burglars think you never left. Set up smart lights on timers that switch on and off at random intervals. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally. Have someone collect your mail and packages daily – nothing screams "vacant home" like an overflowing mailbox.

Remember that outdoor maintenance matters too. Arrange for lawn care if you'll be gone more than a week. In winter, hire someone to shovel snow from your walkway. And don't forget to cancel regular deliveries.

2. Strengthen Your Doors & Windows (Burglars' Favorite Entry Points)

Most break-ins happen through the front door or a first-floor window. Before leaving, double-check that every entry point is secured. Replace flimsy door frames with solid ones, and consider installing deadbolts on all exterior doors. For windows, add security pins or bars for extra protection.

Sliding doors are particularly vulnerable – use a security bar or wooden dowel in the track. And don't hide keys around your property – burglars know all the common hiding spots (that rock isn't fooling anyone).

3. Invest in a Smart Security System (24/7 Surveillance)

Today's security systems do way more than just sound an alarm. Modern options connect to your smartphone, sending instant alerts if something's amiss. Many include motion-detecting cameras, doorbell cameras, and even two-way audio so you can speak to visitors (or pretend to be home).

The best part? You can monitor everything from your beach chair thousands of miles away. Many systems also connect directly to monitoring services that will dispatch police if needed.

4. Don't Advertise Your Travel Plans (Avoid Social Media Risks)

That Instagram post of you on the beach? It's basically a billboard saying, "My house is empty!" Save your vacation photos and posts until after you return home. Vague posts are risky too – even mentioning you're "away for the weekend" gives potential thieves useful info.

This applies to real-world advertising as well. Hold your mail, stop newspaper delivery, and be careful who you tell about your travel plans. The fewer people who know you're away, the safer your home will be.

5. Secure Your Wi-Fi & Smart Devices (Prevent Digital Break-Ins)

Your home's digital security matters as much as its physical locks. Before you leave, update all passwords on your Wi-Fi network and smart home devices. Consider setting up a guest network for your IoT devices to keep them separate from your main network.

For extra security, disable remote access features you won't need while away. And make sure your home automation system can't be easily hacked – a compromised smart lock does you no good.

6. Use Fake TV & Noise Simulators (Trick Burglars with Activity)

These clever devices mimic the flickering light of a television, making it look like someone's up watching late-night shows. Pair this with a radio on a timer, and you've created a pretty convincing illusion of occupancy.

Some smart home systems even let you randomly turn on different lights and play audio throughout the day. The key is unpredictability – if lights go on and off at the exact same times every day, observant thieves will notice the pattern.

7. Lock Down the Garage (An Overlooked Weak Spot)

Your garage often contains valuable items and provides direct access to your home. Before leaving, unplug your automatic garage door opener to prevent tech-savvy thieves from using universal remotes to gain entry. Secure the emergency release lever with a zip tie to prevent someone from fishing it through the door gap.

If your garage has windows, cover or frost them so thieves can't peer in to see if your car is gone. And always lock the door between your garage and house – it's an important second line of defense.

8. Install Motion-Activated Lights & Alarms (Scare Off Intruders)

Burglars hate being in the spotlight – literally. Motion-activated flood lights around your property's perimeter will startle potential intruders and make them think twice. Place them near entry points and dark corners of your yard.

For even more protection, connect motion sensors to alarms or your security system. Some systems can even trigger recorded sounds like barking dogs or voices when motion is detected – enough to send most thieves running.

9. Keep Valuables Out of Sight (Reduce Temptation)

Before heading out, take a walk around your home and look through the windows. Can you spot laptops, jewelry, or cash? If you can, so can potential thieves. Move valuable items away from windows or store them in a safe.

For truly irreplaceable items, consider a safety deposit box at your bank. And don't forget about that spare key, checkbook, or important documents – lock them up or take them with you if you can.

10. Notify Trusted Neighbors or Police (Extra Eyes on Your Home)

Good neighbors are like free security guards. Tell trusted ones about your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Give them your contact info and the dates you'll be gone.

Many police departments offer vacation watch programs where officers will drive by your home during routine patrols. Take advantage of this free service – it's as simple as filling out a form at your local station.

11. Test Everything Before You Leave (Avoid Last-Minute Surprises)

The day before departure, run through a complete security check. Test every alarm, camera, motion detector, and smart device. Make sure notifications are coming through to your phone correctly.

Create a pre-travel checklist that includes checking all locks, timers, lights, and security features. Nothing's worse than being halfway to your destination and wondering if you remembered to arm the system or lock the back door.

Bonus: What to Do If You Suspect a Break-In While Away

It’s every traveler’s nightmare—getting a notification or gut feeling that something’s wrong back home. While rare, break-ins can happen, and knowing how to respond calmly and effectively is key. At Trimatrik, we’ve helped many clients across Bangladesh handle such situations using smart security tools like real-time CCTV monitoring, remote alarm systems, and smart locks.

In this section, we’ll walk you through what to do immediately—from checking your cameras to contacting the right people—so you stay in control, even from miles away.

Immediate Steps to Take Remotely

Ever felt that gut-wrenching feeling when you're away and suspect someone broke into your home? Don't panic. Here's what you can do right away:

• Check your security cameras - Pull up your smart home app immediately. Look for any unusual activity or unfamiliar faces.
• Don't rush home alone - This might seem like your first instinct, but it's potentially dangerous. You don't know if intruders are still there.
• Secure what you can remotely - If you have smart locks, change access codes. Turn on all lights remotely to give the impression that someone is home.
• Document everything - Take screenshots of any suspicious activity captured on your cameras. These will be crucial for insurance claims and police reports.
• Activate alarms - If you haven't already, trigger your alarm system remotely to scare off potential intruders.

Who to Contact for Emergency Assistance

When you suspect a break-in while traveling, who you gonna call? (And no, not Ghostbusters):

• Local police - Call the non-emergency police number for the area where your home is located. If you see active intruders, call 911.
• Trusted neighbor or family member - Ask them to drive by your house and report what they see (but advise them not to enter if they suspect trouble).
• Your security company - They can verify the alarm and dispatch authorities if needed.
• Insurance provider - Notify them early about potential claims. They'll guide you on documenting damages.
• Property manager - If you have one, they can be your eyes and ears on the ground.
  

Remember, your safety comes first. Don't confront intruders remotely through two-way audio unless absolutely necessary.

Final Thoughts: Travel with Peace of Mind

Protecting your home while away doesn't have to be complicated. By implementing these expert-recommended tips—from installing smart security systems to recruiting reliable neighbors—you can greatly minimize the chances of a break-in.

Bear in mind that using timed lights, stopping mail, and keeping up the yard are basic but functional techniques for deterring would-be criminals from leaving their attempts unattended.

Your vacation peace of mind is priceless. Take the time to implement these security measures prior to your next vacation, and have a plan in place in the event that you believe you've been broken into while away.

With advance planning, you are able to have a chance to enjoy your journeys instead of caring about what happens back home. Safe journeying and safer returning home.