22 Jul Three Simple Hacks to Make Your Home Look Occupied While You’re Away
Making your home look like you never left is key to keeping your home safe when you’re away, whether on business or vacation. A home that looks lived in is less likely to be targeted by burglars. In the United States in 2021, the burglary rate was approximately 9 out 1,000 households, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have security systems set in place, but making your home looked lived in is a good addition. Burglars won’t risk breaking in if they suspect someone will be home.
Here are a few ideas that can help your home look occupied, even if you’re on the other side of the world.
Automate lighting to make your home look occupied
Setting a timer to turn lights on and off while you’re away is a simple way to suggest that a home is occupied. It’s important to schedule the lights to turn off and on at times you’d normally do it, both during the day and during the evening hours.
At the same time, varying the times slightly will make it less obvious to others that it is automated. According to data from the FBI, most break-ins occur during the day when families are typically out of the house. Keeping the lights on 24/7 might seem smart while you’re away, but it can be a sign that no one is occupying the home as most people don’t keep the lights on all the time.
Understand that burglars may observe a home for a few days to get an idea of when residents will be home. Other electronics to consider having on timers include televisions and radios.
In addition, you should have motion-activated lighting outside your home so that if anyone walks by, they will go off, deterring potential burglars. Lighting is one of the best ways to protect your home when you’re away.
Keep up yard maintenance
If you typically care for your lawn and landscaping yourself, you may want to enlist someone else to do the job while you’re away. The longer you’re gone, the more an unkept yard will give you away. If you’re only leaving for a week or two, take care of lawn maintenance right before you leave.
Make sure that trees and bushes around your home are trimmed and will not provide a hiding spot for burglars. The condition of your front and backyards can determine whether a burglar sees your home as a target. With no hiding spaces and added lighting, your home will become an unappealing target.
Manage deliveries
Avoid packages and mail from piling up by enlisting a trusted neighbor to pick them up while you’re away. You can also pause deliveries of newspapers and mail to keep them from accumulating. If you purchase orders from retailers, opt for in-store pickup. If you can rent a locker for other deliveries until you return, this is also a safe option.
A smart doorbell can also help you to communicate with delivery people when necessary. You can advise them about where to leave your package.
When you’re away from home, you can take precautions to make sure that your home doesn’t become a target for burglars. By following the tips above, you can make your home look occupied and avoid the temptation of potential burglars.