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ZDNET’s essential takeaways emphasize the importance of turning your home into an unappealing target for would-be intruders. Integrating devices such as smart locks, automated sensors, and leak detectors can provide a profound sense of reassurance while you are away. Even relatively simple precautions can yield remarkably effective results when it comes to safeguarding your property and minimizing possible disruptions.
As someone who delights in traveling, I try to escape my everyday routine as often as possible. Later this summer, I will be venturing to Spain to witness the 2026 solar eclipse — an extraordinary celestial event that already fills me with eager anticipation. Yet, while this trip excites me, I am fully aware that leaving one’s home unattended can invite problems. Decades of pop-culture warnings, such as the chaotic lessons from *Home Alone*, remind us that an empty house can swiftly draw unwanted attention. Likewise, *The Money Pit* taught me that domestic disasters are rarely courteous enough to wait for your return — a burst pipe, faulty wiring, or unnoticed leak can escalate from a minor inconvenience into a full-blown catastrophe in your absence.
Keeping these realities in mind, I make it a personal mission to ensure all my smart-home systems are properly configured and working harmoniously before embarking on any journey. Everyone’s setup differs, of course, but my own strategies have proven dependable. I’ve adjusted and generalized these tips to better fit readers in the United States (I am based in the United Kingdom), aiming to make them as universally useful as possible. Below are the strategies I rely on — and the ones I encourage others to adopt as well.
1. **Smart plugs and lightbulbs on randomized schedules**
While *Home Alone* might highlight winter mischief, research consistently shows that most burglaries actually occur during the warmer months of June, July, and August. Strikingly, roughly one-third are committed in broad daylight, and nearly forty percent involve no signs of forced entry at all. Adding to those vulnerabilities, approximately three-quarters of break-ins happen when a property is completely unoccupied.
To counter this, I rely heavily on devices like TP-Link Tapo smart plugs and compatible smart lightbulbs, programming them to mimic natural patterns of occupancy. Lamps or even a television can flicker on and off at irregular intervals, giving the appearance of a lively household. The crucial detail here is subtlety — avoid rigid schedules such as automatically switching on at precisely 7 p.m. and off at 11 p.m. Such predictability can easily betray automation to anyone watching. By varying activation times, you foster the illusion of real human presence, which is often the simplest and most effective deterrent.
2. **Camera and doorbell checks**
Surveillance systems are only as useful as their uptime. Before departure, I always ensure that battery-powered cameras or smart doorbells are fully charged to prevent unexpected downtime. Wi-Fi connectivity is equally vital: devices should be configured to send real-time alerts directly to your smartphone or tablet, instead of relying solely on local storage. For those seeking a more permanent solution, consider installing solar panels on your cameras. This not only eliminates the need for manual recharging but also ensures continuous protection, even during prolonged absences.
3. **Smart lock management**
Replacing hidden keys with smart access control is both modern and secure. By setting up temporary passes or single-use codes for guests, neighbors, or pet sitters, you eliminate physical keys that could be lost or copied. Once you return, you can simply revoke those permissions. Should you need recommendations, brands such as Yale, Eufy, and TP-Link have established reputations for creating reliable smart locks that balance ease of use with robust digital encryption.
4. **Install leak sensors**
Few household crises are as destructive or as expensive as water damage. Statistically, claims for water-related repairs outnumber theft and fire incidents combined — often by a wide margin. Insurers scrutinize these claims very closely and may deny coverage if your negligence contributed in any way, such as shutting off winter heating or ignoring leaks. Leak sensors serve as early-warning guardians against such damage. Options range from simple floor-mounted pucks that detect pooling water to more advanced ultrasonic sensors attached to pipes to sense flow irregularities. For true peace of mind, pair these sensors with remotely controlled shut-off valves, such as those produced by Moen, allowing you to halt water supply instantly if a leak is detected. Strategically placing smaller sensors near potential hot spots—laundry machines, hot water tanks, and toilets—can prevent small drips from turning into major emergencies.
5. **Perform a router and network security audit**
Because so much of modern living depends on an uninterrupted internet connection, your router is effectively the central nervous system of your digital home. Before traveling, confirm that the router’s default password has been replaced with a strong, unique one; never rely on the credentials printed on the device itself. If others will occupy your home temporarily, set up a separate guest network to maintain privacy and ensure that your smart-home devices remain isolated from external interference. Additionally, if you own an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a portable backup battery, connect your router to it — this small step can preserve connectivity for critical systems during short power outages.
6. **Adjust thermostat to ‘away’ setting**
One of the most frequent reasons insurance providers reject water-damage claims is frozen pipes caused by completely deactivated heating systems. To prevent this, do not turn the thermostat off when traveling in cold months; instead, maintain a minimum temperature of approximately 55°F (12°C). This modest warmth is usually sufficient to prevent freezing and will save you from the financial and emotional consequences of avoidable damage.
7. **Attach trackers to valuable or mobile items**
For vehicles, lawn equipment, e-bikes, or even pets, small tracking devices such as Apple AirTags or Chipolo Loops provide a quiet but effective layer of reassurance. If someone else temporarily handles your property — for instance, a neighbor holding keys or a sitter managing household tasks — assigning a tracker to the shared keyring ensures you can quickly locate it if misplaced. This modern approach to safeguarding possessions complements older protections and helps maintain oversight even from thousands of miles away.
**Bonus: Disconnect unnecessary electronics**
Before leaving, unplug devices that remain on standby yet serve no essential purpose, such as chargers, batteries, and certain power tools. Beyond saving negligible electricity, unplugging reduces the risk of faulty circuits sparking a fire. Extension cords and surge protectors should likewise be disconnected when idle. These small acts collectively lower the probability of electrical hazards and give travelers additional peace of mind.
**Additional bonus: Secure every entry point**
Burglary statistics reveal that a significant number of incidents occur without signs of forced entry, meaning that doors, windows, or garage openings were simply left unsecured. To avoid becoming part of this troubling statistic, double-check all locks before you go. Include sheds and auxiliary structures in your inspection — any neglected latch or half-closed window can present an invitation to intruders.
By spending only a short time preparing your home through these comprehensive yet straightforward measures, you dramatically increase the likelihood that everything will remain exactly as you left it. With the right blend of reliable smart-home technology and mindful precaution, you can embark on your travels with the gratifying knowledge that both your home and your peace of mind are well protected until you return.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/7-home-security-checks-before-vacation/
