{"id":6162,"date":"2025-02-20T15:46:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T15:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/?p=6162"},"modified":"2025-02-20T15:51:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T15:51:28","slug":"leaving-town-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-youre-away","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/leaving-town-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-youre-away\/","title":{"rendered":"Leaving Town? Here\u2019s How to Keep Your Home Safe While You\u2019re Away"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, not a time to worry about whether someone\u2019s sneaking into your house or if your cat sitter actually showed up. Unfortunately, burglars like to target empty homes, so small mishaps\u2014like a leaky pipe or an unlocked window\u2014can quickly turn into expensive disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news? <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-working-from-home-keep-you-fit-heres-how-to-make-it-happen\/\">Keeping your home<\/a> secure while you\u2019re away doesn\u2019t require hiring an on-call security team. With the right mix of technology, planning, and a few smart strategies, you can more easily enjoy your time away without constantly checking in. Here\u2019s how to make sure your <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/should-you-remodel-sell-or-stay-unpacking-your-homes-potential\/\">home stays<\/a> safe, your pets are cared for, and your return isn\u2019t met with unwanted surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/leaving-town-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-youre-away\/#Why_Checking_In_on_Your_Feline_and_the_Sitter_Matters\" title=\"Why Checking In on Your Feline (and the Sitter) Matters\">Why Checking In on Your Feline (and the Sitter) Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/leaving-town-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-youre-away\/#Why_an_Indoor_Camera_is_Beneficial_While_Away\" title=\"Why an Indoor Camera is Beneficial While Away\">Why an Indoor Camera is Beneficial While Away<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/leaving-town-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-youre-away\/#Smart_Lighting_Tricks_Burglars\" title=\"Smart Lighting Tricks Burglars\">Smart Lighting Tricks Burglars<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/leaving-town-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-youre-away\/#An_Overflowing_Mailbox_is_an_Open_Invitation\" title=\"An Overflowing Mailbox is an Open Invitation\">An Overflowing Mailbox is an Open Invitation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/leaving-town-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-youre-away\/#The_Problem_with_Hiding_Spare_Keys\" title=\"The Problem with Hiding Spare Keys\">The Problem with Hiding Spare Keys<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Checking_In_on_Your_Feline_and_the_Sitter_Matters\"><\/span><strong>Why Checking In on Your Feline (and the Sitter) Matters<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s nothing worse than enjoying a well-earned break, only to be hit with the nagging thought: <em>Did the cat sitter actually show up?<\/em> If you have pets, especially the kind who rule the house while you\u2019re gone, making sure they\u2019re cared for is just as important as locking the doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/is-cat-care-really-simpler-now-discover-the-game-changing-innovations\/\">cat care is simpler<\/a> than ever, thanks to game-changing innovations that take some of the guesswork out of pet-sitting. Automated feeders, self-cleaning litter boxes, and even interactive pet cameras mean you can check in on your feline overlord with just a few taps on your phone. If you hire a sitter, setting up a system to ensure they arrive as scheduled\u2014whether through a keyless entry system or an in-home camera\u2014is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_an_Indoor_Camera_is_Beneficial_While_Away\"><\/span><strong>Why an Indoor Camera is Beneficial While Away<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re relying on a house sitter or pet sitter, trusting them isn\u2019t enough\u2014you need proof they\u2019re actually doing their job. That\u2019s where an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myq.com\/smart-indoor-camera\/p\/MYQ-C13AXXW\">indoor camera<\/a> comes in. Unlike traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/security-camera-systems-how-they-work-and-how-to-choose-one\/\">security systems<\/a> that focus on the outside of your home, these cameras allow you to check in on what\u2019s happening inside, in real-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t just about catching a forgetful sitter who didn\u2019t refill the water bowl. Indoor cameras give you the peace of mind of knowing if someone unexpected has entered your home while you\u2019re away. With remote access, you can check live footage from anywhere, ensuring that your house remains exactly as you left it. Some systems even offer motion alerts, sending notifications the moment something unusual happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But cameras aren\u2019t just for security\u2014they\u2019re also a great way to keep an eye on other risks, like a kitchen faucet accidentally left running or a curious pet getting into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Smart_Lighting_Tricks_Burglars\"><\/span><strong>Smart Lighting Tricks Burglars<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An empty home is easy to spot, especially when the lights stay off night after night or, even worse, stay on 24\/7 like a forgotten Halloween decoration. Smart lighting solves this problem by making it look like someone is home, even when you\u2019re miles away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key is unpredictability. Instead of relying on the classic timer that turns a lamp on and off at the same time every evening, smart lighting systems allow you to control different lights remotely, schedule them to switch on at varying times, and even adjust brightness levels throughout the day. This creates a more natural pattern that mimics actual household activity, making it far less obvious that no one is inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Overflowing_Mailbox_is_an_Open_Invitation\"><\/span><strong>An Overflowing Mailbox is an Open Invitation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Few things scream \u201cno one is home\u201d quite like a stuffed mailbox and a pile of packages on the doorstep. While it might not seem like a major issue, leaving mail unattended for too long signals to burglars that your house is sitting empty\u2014and easy to target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick fix is pausing your mail through your postal service, but if you\u2019re expecting packages, that won\u2019t always be enough. A better option is enlisting a trusted neighbor or friend to collect deliveries while you\u2019re gone. If that\u2019s not an option, <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/boost-your-business-potential-how-smart-lockers-are-revolutionizing-24-7-pickup-for-distributors\/\">smart parcel lockers<\/a> or package storage solutions can keep deliveries secure until you return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Problem_with_Hiding_Spare_Keys\"><\/span><strong>The Problem with Hiding Spare Keys<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone loves the idea of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rismedia.com\/2022\/06\/15\/why-you-shouldnt-hide-a-spare-key-outside-your-house\/\">hidden key<\/a>\u2014until they realize burglars know exactly where to look. The fake rock by the porch, the mat by the door, or the flowerpot in the corner? Those are all the first places someone will check if they want easy access to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of relying on outdated methods, upgrading to a smart lock system ensures that only the right people can enter while you\u2019re gone. These systems allow you to create temporary access codes for house sitters, pet sitters, or maintenance workers\u2014without worrying about lost keys falling into the wrong hands. Once you return, you can easily deactivate those codes, eliminating any security risks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, not a time to worry about whether someone\u2019s sneaking into your house or if your cat sitter actually showed up. Unfortunately, burglars like to target empty homes, so small&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":6170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[302],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6162","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-home-garden"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6162"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6174,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6162\/revisions\/6174"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}