How can you secure your home before leaving on holiday?

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How can you secure your home before leaving on holiday?
Thanks for asking. Whether you're planning a short trip or a long haul adventure, you want to make sure your home is safe and sound while you're away. Here are some steps you can take to protect your property and prevent unwanted visitors. How can I avoid obvious signs of being away? If you have milk, newspapers or other items delivered to your door on a regular basis, make sure you cancel them before you go, otherwise they'll pile up and signal that your home is unoccupied. You can also ask a friend or a neighbour to remove any free post or junk mail that may be visible in your letterbox or on your doormat. Next, leave your curtains open. Drawing your curtains or blinds during the day can make it obvious that no one is at home. Instead, leave them open when you leave and make sure the lights are turned off. You could also invest in some smart lighting devices that allow you to control your lights remotely from your smartphone. This way, you can switch them on and off at different times of day to create the illusion of being at home. What security measures should I take? This may seem obvious, but it's very important to lock all your doors and windows before you leave, using locks that are approved by your home insurance provider.
Don't forget to check any garage, sheds or outbuildings as well, as they may contain valuable items or tools that can be used to break into your home.
Smart devices can offer various advantages for keeping your home safe while you're away. You can use video doorbells and smart cameras to see and talk to visitors, record events and get alerts. You can use smart locks and smart alarms to lock and unlock your doors, monitor entrances and exits and detect any intruders. These devices are a great option as they can help deter burglars, prevent damage and allow you to stay connected to your home from anywhere. What else can I do to ensure my home is safe while I'm away? Turn off water and heat in winter to avoid any potential damage from leaks or burst pipes. Keep your valuables out of sight and be sure to place bins or anything that could be used as a climbing aid far away. Finally, never post on social media that you're heading off on holiday. This is an easy way for burglars to know when a house is unoccupied.
These are some of the steps you can take to secure your home before you leave on holiday. Of course, there are many more things you can do depending on your situation and preferences. You could even consider hiring house sitters. The main thing is to plan ahead and be prepared for any eventuality. There you have it.
Now you know how to secure your home before leaving on holiday. In under three minutes we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.