Phê Vé
April 7, 2026 • 4 min read
How can you safeguard your home while you travel? Discover helpful tips that will give you peace of mind when leaving your cherished space behind.
Protecting Your Home While You Travel
When embarking on a journey, many of us worry about the security of our homes. Whether you’re a remote worker, a retiree, or just someone who loves exploring new destinations, the big question remains: What will happen to your home while you’re away? An empty house can quickly become a source of anxiety, from maintenance issues to security concerns. However, with the right preparations, you can leave with complete peace of mind.
Useful Tips for Home Protection
I reached out to experts to gather valuable advice for travel enthusiasts. Here are some tips, smart products, and noteworthy services you can utilize to keep your home safe during extended trips.
If you're still unsure about how to protect your haven, here are some essential steps to take:
- Prevent Common Accidents: Make sure to check everything before leaving home.
- Activate Vacation Mode: Adjust electrical devices to save energy.
- Manage Your Mail: Prevent a stuffed mailbox.
- Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Use remote-controlled devices.
- Invest in a Smart Security System: Not just locks, but also surveillance equipment.
- Prepare for Any Insurance Claims: Ensure you have documented the condition of your home.
- Plan for Plants and Pets: Don’t forget to arrange care for them before you leave.
- Prepare for a Smooth Return: Make sure everything is in order before you come back.
Prevent Common Accidents
“If a homeowner leaves their house empty for a long time without preparation, the biggest risk is not knowing the condition of the home upon return,” shares Kyshawn Lane, a home maintenance expert. Issues like water leaks or system failures can arise, leading to costly repairs. Therefore, protecting your home before you leave is not just about locking the doors.
Routine maintenance tasks, such as checking drains and air conditioning systems, are essential to minimize risks. Inspect and seal any small gaps to prevent animals from entering your home. Additionally, changing the batteries in smoke detectors is crucial.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
Lane suggests installing devices like the Moen Flo smart water valve, which helps you detect any leaks in your home and automatically shuts off the water to prevent flooding.
Activate Vacation Mode
To save electricity and protect your property, disconnect any unnecessary devices before heading out. For your air conditioning, adjust the temperature appropriately. “In winter, it’s important to avoid frozen water pipes,” Lane advises. “Conversely, in summer, high humidity can lead to mold formation.”
Consider using a smart thermostat like Google Nest, which allows you to adjust the temperature remotely and receive alerts in case of issues. Setting your home temperature to around 55°F in winter and 78°F in summer is ideal.
Manage Your Mail
A full mailbox is a clear sign that you’re not home. To avoid this, sign up for USPS’s mail hold service or request temporary mail forwarding if you’ll be away for an extended period. If you’re expecting something important, consider using a virtual mailbox service like iPostal1, which will receive your mail and send you photos through an app.
Create the Illusion of Occupancy
To deter burglars, create the illusion that someone is still living in the house. You can arrange for regular lawn care services or simply use timer-controlled lights to turn on automatically. These devices are not only easy to use but also quite effective.
Install a Smart Security System
Using smart locks, such as those from Schlage, is an ideal solution instead of leaving spare keys in obvious places. With the Schlage app, you can create temporary codes for pet sitters or neighbors. Additionally, security cameras from Ring and Nest are very useful for monitoring your home.
Prepare for Any Insurance Claims
Upon your return, if faced with unexpected surprises, you need to be aware that being away for an extended period can affect your insurance. Read your insurance policy carefully to check for any clauses related to leaving your home vacant. Document the condition of your home with photos and videos to provide necessary evidence if you need to file a claim.
Phê Vé
Phê Vé is a leading online flight booking platform in Vietnam, providing accurate and up-to-date travel information. We are committed to delivering wonderful travel experiences with the best prices on the market.