Travel should be a time to relax, reconnect, and enjoy a change of scenery—not a time spent worrying about your home. Whether you are leaving town for a few days or taking a longer holiday trip, a little preparation can help protect your property while it is unoccupied.
Vacant homes can be more exposed to break-ins, unnoticed leaks, and other unexpected issues. Fortunately, a few practical steps before departure can reduce common risks and help you leave with greater peace of mind.
Secure Doors, Windows, and Other Access Points
Before heading out, make a final check of every way someone could enter your home. It is easy to remember the main entrance but overlook a side door, garage door, gate, or window that is not used every day.
Walk around the outside of your property and confirm that doors are locked, first-floor windows are secured, and garage access is closed. Taking a few extra minutes for this inspection can remove simple opportunities for unwanted entry while you are away.
Take Steps to Avoid Water Damage
Home security is important, but theft is not the only concern when a house is empty. A small plumbing leak can continue unnoticed for days and lead to extensive damage by the time you return.
If your trip will last more than a few days, consider turning off the main water supply before you leave. If that is not workable for your household, disconnecting water lines to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker may still help limit the possibility of a leak.
Addressing plumbing concerns before departure can make the difference between returning home comfortably and coming home to an expensive cleanup.
Give the Appearance That Someone Is Home
A home that stays dark night after night may make it clear that no one is there. Creating a lived-in appearance is a straightforward way to discourage unwanted attention.
Set timers for interior lamps and exterior porch lights so they turn on during the evening. A regular lighting schedule can make the home appear occupied without asking someone to stay at the property.
This modest step can provide added reassurance while you are traveling.
Ask a Neighbor You Trust to Check In
Smart devices and security alerts can be useful, but they cannot bring packages inside, move a trash bin, or look over the property after a storm. A trusted neighbor can provide the personal attention that technology cannot.
Let a reliable neighbor know when you will be gone and ask whether they can keep an eye on your home. They may be able to collect deliveries, return bins after collection day, and alert you to anything out of the ordinary, such as visible storm damage or a light left on unexpectedly.
Knowing that someone nearby is familiar with your plans can be especially helpful if a problem develops while you are away.
Keep Mail and Deliveries From Accumulating
Mail spilling from a mailbox or packages sitting on a porch can quickly indicate that a property has been vacant. Managing deliveries is an important part of making your home look attended to.
Before your trip, place your mail on hold through the USPS Hold Mail service. If you expect packages while you are gone, arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick them up until you return.
These small arrangements help maintain the appearance of an occupied home throughout your time away.
Unplug Unneeded Electronics and Appliances
Another worthwhile item on your departure checklist is unplugging devices that do not need power while you are away. This can help reduce electrical concerns and leave you with one fewer issue to think about during your trip.
Countertop appliances, hair tools, chargers, and portable heaters should be unplugged before you lock up. A final walkthrough of your home can help you make sure unnecessary items are powered down safely.
For homeowners in Kingsport and throughout the Tri-Cities, this is a simple way to prepare the home before travel.
Prepare With Confidence Before You Go
Time away should be focused on the people and experiences that matter to you, not concerns about what may be happening at home. Securing entry points, addressing water risks, managing mail, and asking a trusted person to check in can go a long way toward reducing everyday exposures.
Even with careful planning, however, unforeseen events can occur. Understanding your homeowners insurance, including the protection available for your dwelling and personal liability, is an important part of being prepared.
Edwards Tipton Witt Agency helps homeowners in Kingsport, Tennessee, and across the Tri-Cities review their home insurance options with confidence. As an independent insurance agency, we can help you understand your current coverage and discuss options from multiple insurance carriers. Contact Edwards Tipton Witt Agency before your next trip to review your homeowners insurance and make sure your home is prepared for the unexpected.