Pre-Travel Planning
Proper preparation before vacation ensures your home remains secure and you can relax without worry about access issues.
A thorough pre-departure checklist covers all doors, locks, keys, and access points, preventing oversight in the rush to leave.
Taking 30 minutes to properly secure your home pays dividends in peace of mind throughout your trip.
Pre-Departure Checklist
✓ Check All Locks
Test every exterior door lock to ensure proper function. Address any sticking or difficulty before leaving—problems worsen when unattended.
✓ Verify Door Closure
Confirm all doors close completely and latch properly. Swollen doors or misalignment issues should be fixed before departure.
✓ Secure Secondary Entries
Don't forget garage doors, basement entries, sliding doors, and any other access points. These often-overlooked entries need attention.
✓ Window Checks
Verify all windows near doors are closed and locked, especially ground-level and accessible windows.
✓ Key Accounting
Know where all house keys are located. Retrieve any keys from unexpected places and secure them properly.
✓ Spare Key Review
If you've hidden spare keys outside, consider temporarily moving them to more secure locations during extended absences.
Trusted Contact Arrangements
Provide a house key to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member who can check on your home periodically during your absence.
Brief this person on alarm codes, lock operation, and what to check. Clear instructions prevent confusion if they need to enter.
Arrange specific check-in times rather than vague "stop by sometime" requests. Scheduled visits are more reliable.
Access During Travel
Mail & Package Management
Arrange mail hold or collection. Accumulated mail signals vacancy. Either pause deliveries or have someone collect regularly.
Service Provider Access
If maintenance services visit while you're away, coordinate key access in advance. Never leave keys in obvious locations.
Emergency Contacts
Ensure your trusted contact has numbers for locksmiths, alarm companies, and emergency services in case issues arise.
Communication Plan
Establish how you'll stay in touch with whoever has house access. Plan for international travel where phone service differs.
Return Procedures
When arriving home, approach carefully and check for signs of disturbance before entering. If anything seems wrong, don't enter—call authorities.
Once inside, verify all doors and windows remain properly secured. Check that locks weren't damaged or tampered with.
Retrieve any keys you distributed and return them to proper storage. Update systems if any issues occurred during your absence.
Extended Absence Considerations
Lock Maintenance
For absences over a month, consider having someone operate locks periodically to keep mechanisms from stiffening.
Weather Protection
If traveling during seasonal transitions, ensure weatherproofing is adequate to prevent moisture damage to locks and doors.
Documentation
Take photos of your secured doors before leaving. This provides reference if questions arise about how you left things.
Insurance Review
Verify your insurance covers extended vacancy periods. Some policies have limitations on unoccupied homes.