It’s that time of year… those bags are packed, the family car has a full tank of gas and that beach house has your name on it! But since we know that even compared to the BEST summer vacation there is no place like home, we wanted to share 5 quick tips to help you protect it. We all know the drill about having someone pick up your mail and putting the lights on timers, but we also recommend these tricks to maximize your fun and minimize your worry:
#1: Triple Check Automatic Deliveries. Let’s face it, Amazon Subscribe n’ Save is the best thing ever – unless you go on vacation and forget about an automatic order… Be sure that you check for (and cancel) any consistent, timed or regularly scheduled deliveries to avoid big box pile-up during the day.
#2: Think Curb Appeal With A Cause. Trim bushes, trees and flowers away from doors and windows to maximize visibility to passer-byers if anyone is trying to sneak a peek or enter your home. Make sure that even while you are away, your lawn is still mowed and your plants are still watered so that dry, unkept landscaping doesn’t announce your departure. Don’t forget to install (and check the bulbs) in motion-activated lights near both front and back doors too.
#3: Consider Nest Protect. Not all home safety issues are related to theft; fire and carbon monoxide disasters can occur at any time, while you are anywhere. Nest Protect has been widely acclaimed as the detection system that literally speaks to you – in many ways. With sensory and battery tests that occur 400 times a day (yes it’s true!), this industrial grade smoke detection technology alerts those within your home, as well as those away via your smartphone (you can include multiple family contacts as well).
#4: Weigh Your Security Options. While home security systems have been available for decades, they weren’t always as cost-effective and user-friendly as they are today. More and more homeowners are opting for home security cameras that push notifications to your phone (instead of an anger-inducing, neighborhood-alerting alarms that wail when the wind blows). PC Mag recommends both Nest Cam and the iControl Networks Piper nv. Devices such as these may track motion, detect body heat and even double as home automation systems.
#5: Take Inventory. While the goal is ultimately to reduce your risk of a home invasion or disaster, there is no fool-proof, 100% guaranteed method to make sure it never happens – in this trip to the beach or your next trip to the grocery store. Keeping a detailed home inventory on-hand that includes valuables, date of purchase, serial numbers and receipts will be the best way to track and report any losses in the worst-case event that they occur. We know an amazing, top-rated insurance agent if you need one (and don’t forget to ask about a personal articles policy and how to tell if it makes sense for you!).
Last but not least… slather on the sunscreen, turn up the tunes in the car and take tons of pics! When you do find yourself home sweet home again, you’ll bring those amazing memories right back with you!
All our best,
Mark & Jason
Resources Used:
Best New Security Tips To Keep Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation
Home burglaries skyrocket in summer — here are some prevention tips