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  1. Home
  2. Better Life

5 things you need to do before leaving the house for a holiday

Keep your home safe. - by Laura Barry
  • 12 Aug 2019
5 things you need to do before leaving the house for a holiday
Getty

Going on holiday is a wonderful thing. A few blissful days or weeks free from all responsibilities. However, when you go on holiday, you leave your home empty and vulnerable to break-ins; that’s just a fact. However, Natasha Morgan, Founder of home security service My Home Watch, shares 5 things people should always do before leaving the house to go on holiday, to ensure that you have a stress free getaway.

#1 Should you leave curtains open or closed?

 Natasha says the best thing to do is leave everything as your normally would if you were just heading out for the day.
“Leave your curtains exactly as you usually keep them when you’re home, since noticeable changes could hint that you’re not around anymore, especially if your curtains are uncharacteristically left closed for two weeks,” says Natasha. “Move expensive items, like jewellery or computers, out of sight if they’re visible from the window.”

#2 Don’t leave your lights on

Rather, set timers on your lights. “Your electric bill will end up more costly than your mortgage, and house lights blazing throughout the night might look a bit suspicious,” says Natasha. “Instead, purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule. Criminals keeping an eye on your house will notice lights flipping on and off, and will probably assume someone is doing the flipping.”

night house with lights on

Leaving the lights on isn't a bright idea.

Getty

#3 Turn the water off

“Turning off the water to your household appliances will prevent pipe breakages and leaks. This is the key to not coming home to a flooded house,” says Natasha.

#4 Pull the plug

Similarly, Natasha advises reducing the risk of electrical faults and issues by unplugging appliances and gadgets.
“Unplug your television, computer, toaster oven, and other appliances to protect them from power surges. This will help you save power as well; many appliances draw energy even when they’re turned off.”

power cable
Getty

 #5 Keep your travel plans offline

“If you are planning to travel, be sure to keep your travel plans off your social media networks. Never post where you are going, when you are leaving, or when you will be back. This is prime information for a thief because he will know when your house will be empty. Even if you have the highest level of security on your Facebook or social accounts, posting this personal information is never recommended.”

You might also like:

How to keep your home secure this holiday season 

This is the biggest home security mistake, according to an ex-thief

Want to improve the security in your home? Watch this video on installing window locks. 

Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Graham visits Cowra Japanese garden

Graham visits Cowra Japanese garden

Johanna and Graham take a road trip to central west NSW

Johanna and Graham take a road trip to central west NSW

Johanna discovers the hidden gems of central west NSW

Johanna discovers the hidden gems of central west NSW

Johanna and Graham visit the Pioneer Brewing Company

Johanna and Graham visit the Pioneer Brewing Company

{headline}

{headline}

This is Australia's Town of the Year for 2021

This is Australia's Town of the Year for 2021

Johanna visits Wilga station

Johanna visits Wilga station

Dr Harry visits the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

Dr Harry visits the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

{headline}

{headline}

The best home security technology to buy right now

The best home security technology to buy right now

Fast Ed's food tour of Vietnam

Fast Ed's food tour of Vietnam

Dr Harry visits Calgary Stampede's Chuckwagon Races

Dr Harry visits Calgary Stampede's Chuckwagon Races

Dr Harry visits wild Canada

Dr Harry visits wild Canada

A cheese festival is coming this November

A cheese festival is coming this November

Johanna and Pete visit The Rocks

Johanna and Pete visit The Rocks

Dr Harry visits Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park

Dr Harry visits Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park

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