Hassle-Free Vacation: Guidelines for Securing Your Home Ahead of Time
When embarking on a well-deserved holiday, the last thing you want is to worry about the safety and energy efficiency of your home. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your home for a vacation, especially in Germany, to ensure a hassle-free and secure trip.
Secure Doors and Windows
Lock all doors and windows, including side doors and garage access points. Consider installing smart locks that allow you to control access remotely, create temporary digital keys for trusted visitors, and monitor door access history from afar.
Smart Home Devices
Utilise smart home technology to control lights (both indoor and outdoor) on timers or remotely to simulate occupancy. Also, consider smart garage controllers for secure and monitored garage operation.
Activate Security Systems
Arm your home security system before leaving. This could include alarms, cameras, and motion detectors.
Manage Mail and Deliveries
Have a neighbour collect your mail or arrange a mail hold through the post office to prevent mail piling up, which signals absence to potential intruders.
Adjust Thermostat and Unplug Devices
Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature and unplug non-essential electronics to avoid fire hazards and save power. Unplugging devices like water heaters, microwaves, and coffee makers before leaving can help save electricity.
Avoid Publicly Sharing Vacation Plans
Avoid oversharing travel plans or current absence on social media to reduce the risk of break-ins.
Germany-Specific Considerations
- Given the recommendation by German authorities to exercise increased caution due to terrorism threats in public spaces, heightened vigilance and effective home security become more relevant even during your absence.
- Germany’s reliable public transport sometimes experiences strikes or delays, so plan and insure travel accordingly with travel delay and trip interruption coverage to avoid unexpected itinerary disruptions that could affect your return to your home.
By combining practical steps such as smart locks, timers, and mail management with activating your security system and moderating public information about your absence, you can minimise risk and keep your home secure during your vacation in Germany or elsewhere.
Additional Recommendations
- Securing loose items in the garden, such as furniture, before leaving can prevent accidents during bad weather.
- Checking the stability of small solar panels or "balcony power plants" before leaving is recommended.
- Taking a note of the electricity meter reading before leaving can help identify any power-hungry devices upon return.
- Checking the insurance policy to see if turning off the main water tap is a requirement for absences of more than 72 hours is recommended.
- Secure valuable items in a safe or rent a safety deposit box at a bank.
- Consider using a paid service from the German Post to have letters scanned and accessed online.
- Simulate presence by arranging for daily routines to continue as usual, using timers for lights and roller shutters.
- Inform landlords or property managers about the location of the spare key for the apartment.
- Suspend newspaper and magazine subscriptions during absence.
- Turning off the main water tap can help prevent water damage.
- Consumers can save electricity by emptying their refrigerators and defrosting freezers before a trip.
In adherence to a secure home environment during your vacation, keep your community informed by suspending newspaper and magazine subscriptions and notifying your landlord or property manager about the location of the spare key. Additionally, to maintain a lifestyle akin to a fully-occupied residence, arrange for daily routines to continue as usual by simulating presence with timers for lights and roller shutters.
