Vacation Home Security Tips for a Worry-Free Getaway

Summer trips are meant for relaxation, not for fretting over what you’ve left behind. With the right precautions and Guardian’s 24/7 professional home monitoring, you can lock the door on stress and truly unwind. Let’s discuss actionable vacation home security tips designed to protect your property and give you peace of mind from departure to return.

Understand Vacation Security Risks 

Flight delays, lost luggage, and unpredictable weather can sour any trip—but the biggest worry for many is what they leave behind. Bureau of Justice Statistics data shows that household burglaries spike 11% during summer, and empty homes broadcast on social media only amplify the risk. The good news: visible security measures work. Homes with cameras, timed lights, and monitored alarms are far less likely to be targeted. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports the average loss per residential burglary tops $2,799, not including higher insurance premiums. 

Below, you’ll find simple, proven steps that let you lock the door on stress and focus on the fun.

Take Back Your Vacation

Rather than imagining worst-case scenarios, picture a home that practically watches itself. Door locks confirm they’re secure, lights follow a schedule, and cameras send clips to your phone—letting you focus on zip-lining, not mail piling up. According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics report, household burglaries rise about 11 percent in summer, but homes displaying visible security measures are far less likely to be targeted. By combining a professionally monitored alarm with the simple steps below, you take that worry off the packing list.

Prepare Your Home for Vacation

Use this ten-point checklist before every trip. Save or print it so nothing slips through the cracks.

Vacation Security Checklist

Below, each tip is formatted as its own Heading 3 so you can apply the Heading 3 style in Google Docs or Word with one click.

• Test Your Security System – Call Guardian, run a full system test, and give any house-sitter a temporary user code.
• Buddy System – Ask a trusted neighbor to park in your driveway and rotate trash cans. Consider joining a Neighborhood Watch group so local volunteers can help keep an eye on your home. Share a smart-lock code instead of leaving out a spare key.
• Mail & Packages – Pause mail delivery through the USPS Hold Mail Service or rely on a video doorbell to watch for parcels. An overflowing mailbox screams “nobody home.”
• Lights & Smart Plugs – Schedule interior lights to mimic normal activity. Motion-activated,  programmable lighting is one of the most effective burglary deterrents. Use randomized on/off patterns via smart plugs to avoid predictable schedules.
• Doors, Windows, Blinds – Lock all doors and windows, keep blinds half-open to look lived-in, and store valuables out of sight to prevent “window shopping.”
• Garage & Vehicles – Unplug the garage-door opener, lock the interior garage door, and remove any GPS devices from cars you leave behind.
• Thermostat & Appliances – Raise the thermostat a few degrees and unplug small electronics to trim energy use and prevent surge damage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting back your thermostat by 7–10°F for eight hours can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs annually, remote adjustments ensure comfort before you return.
• Landscaping & Yard Signs – Mow the lawn, trim hedges below head height, and display your Guardian yard sign as a clear deterrent. Thoughtful landscaping makes your property look occupied and discourages intruders.
• Pets & Plants – Confirm pet-care sitters have clear instructions, and secure doggy doors so wildlife (and burglars) stay out.
• Social Media Pause – Share those beach photos after you return; real-time posts tell strangers your house is empty.

Why Professional Monitoring Completes Your Plan

Checklists deter intruders, but a 24/7 monitoring team closes the loop. Guardian’s professional monitoring center verifies alarms and dispatches help even if you miss a call or lose cell service overseas. Pair that with on-demand video, smart locks, and mobile control, and you have a layered defense that keeps working long after the suitcase is packed.

Ready to Secure Your Home Before You Go?

Protect your home and your peace of mind before the next trip. Call 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328) or explore our smart-home packages to customize security that travels with you—no matter how far you roam.