Home Security On Holiday

Your holiday safety checklist

Passport? Check. Boarding pass? Check. Keys? Check. Next time you’re getting ready to head off on a holiday adventure, you should have a checklist of home security measures too. Here’s what we recommend to keep your home secure while you’re away:

• Tell trusted neighbours when you’ll be away
• Arrange for trusted neighbours to look after your bins and post
• Move valuables out of sight
• Switch off the water supply at the mains
• Unplug all non-essential electrical items
• Set up timer lights and smart home security devices
• Leave curtains open to deter thieves

How to secure your home before going on holiday

When you’re in the holiday headspace, it can be easy to forget basic home security measures as you rush to get the suitcases packed and the kids in the car, but they’ll help you enjoy peace of mind as you jet off. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of why you should follow our safety measures before leaving for your holiday:

Inform your neighbours

You might not be able to keep an eye on your stuff while you’re away, but Steve over the road can. If you’re planning a holiday, make sure to let people you trust nearby know. They’ll be able to report anything suspicious back to you, watching over your property for any signs of trouble while you’re having fun on holiday.

Keep valuables out of sight

Thieves love to window shop, so don’t put your most prized possessions out on display. If an intruder catches a glimpse of something valuable that’s easy to take, like an ornament on a windowsill, they’re more likely to attempt a break-in. To be on the safe side, move your valuables away from your windows to stop them from tempting potential intruders.

Use smart home devices

There are plenty of devices on the market that help you control your home away from home. From video doorbells and indoor security cameras to smart speakers, you can keep an eye on any activity on your property while you’re away. Take a look at your options before leaving, and consider setting up some smart home devices that can report telltale signs of a break-in (e.g. movement, loud noises, unrecognised faces at the door)

Check your insurance policy

Different insurers will have their own terms when it comes to protecting your belongings while you’re away from home. Before leaving, check the limits of your policy and declare any high-value items that may be at risk. The more familiar you are with your insurance details, the easier it will be to make a claim once you’re home. Log into your Sheilas’ Wheels account to check your cover.

Holiday home safety FAQs

When it comes to holiday security, there are plenty of disagreements and urban myths about the dos and don’ts. Rather than leaving you second-guessing yourself, we’ve put together some of the most frequently asked holiday home security questions to help you get the facts straight.

Should I leave my curtains open or closed when I’m away?

Thieves are likely to notice curtains that have been closed for long periods of time, especially if they remain shut during the day. Because of this, you should always have your curtains at least partially open when you leave for a holiday.

Should I unplug my electricals and turn off my water?

You should unplug non-essential electricals before you leave the house for an extended period of time. This is because “vampire energy” - the small amounts of electricity used to keep something running when it’s not in use - can add to your bills. Unattended plug sockets also put you at risk of electrical fires, so it’s worth being prepared before you leave.

Switching your water off at the mains can also help reduce plumbing issues while you’re gone, so before you head off, make sure to head to the stopcock (usually found under your sink).

Are timer lights worth it?

Yes! Timer lights can fool thieves into thinking you’re still at home by brightening up your rooms in the evenings. They’re available at a low cost, so consider investing in some when preparing for a holiday.

How can I make my house look occupied?

We’ve already mentioned that timer lights are great for making a home appear occupied, but there are other ways to create a fake routine that can help keep thieves at bay. You can make arrangements with someone you trust to look after the bins while you’re away, or take care of your post. If you have two vehicles, you can also trick thieves by leaving one of your cars in the driveway, making it seem as though you’re still parked up for your next trip. If possible, you could even ask a neighbour to occasionally park their car on your driveway while you’re away.

How long am I covered for while I’m away?

Your insurance policy will come with an ‘unoccupancy clause’, which describes how long you must be away for your home to be considered unoccupied. This may vary depending on your provider, but for Sheilas’ Wheels policies, we consider a property to be unoccupied if no one has lived there for more than 30 days in a row. By "lived in", we mean someone staying overnight for at least three consecutive nights each week.

For shorter holidays, this gives you plenty of room to enjoy your trip without worrying about your home’s security, but if you’re likely to be travelling for extended periods of time, speak to your insurance company for more information on your policy.

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