Holiday checklist: How to keep your home safe while you’re away

Published on 24th October, 2025 at 06:00 pm

Before you zip up your suitcase, here’s a quick checklist to make sure your home is just as ready for the break as you are. Knowing your home is secure will not only help you fully switch off on vacation, but it could also save you the headache of dealing with insurance claims – or even prevent a repeat break-in.

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In this article, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare your home before going away.
• What simple tricks make your house look occupied.
• What to do if your home is broken into while you’re away.

Your pre-holiday home safety checklist

• Conceal your valuables. Keep jewellery, laptops, and small electronics out of sight from windows and doors. Better yet, lock them away or store them with a trusted family member while you’re away.
• Check your insurance cover. Before you leave, confirm your household and building insurance policies are up to date and that your premiums are paid. This ensures you’re covered if something happens and prevents rejected claims due to policy lapses.
• Lock interior doors. If someone does gain access, closed internal doors can slow them down and limit what they can take.
• Set light timers or smart lightbulbs. A house that appears occupied is a major deterrent. Set lights or radios to switch on and off at different times of the day.
• Leave a car in the driveway. If possible, ask a friend to park their vehicle occasionally or keep one vehicle visible – it signals that someone is home.
• Tell your neighbours. Let your trusted neighbours know when you plan to travel and share your contact details. If they’re open to it, ask them to collect mail or keep an eye out for unusual activity.
• Turn off the water and geyser. Avoid water damage or leaks while you’re gone.
• Triple-check all windows and doors. Do a final walk-around before leaving. As an extra precaution, take a picture of each window and door you check so that you can reference it later in a moment of “Did I…?” panic.
• Secure outdoor items. Pack away ladders, garden tools, or outdoor furniture that could be used to gain entry or be damaged by summer storms.
• Back up your digital security. Consider installing remote cameras or an app-based alarm system that alerts you in real time.

What to do if your home has been broken into

According to a BusinessTech report, homes that have already been targeted face the risk of return break-ins within the first 10 days after the incident. Acting fast to secure your home again is crucial.

If your home is broken into while you’re away:

• Ask a neighbour or family member to meet the authorities. We recommend securing a trusted person before you leave in case this happens.
• Alert your alarm or security company immediately. They can send a response team to check for entry points, reset alarms, and start patrols.
• Reinforce your security. Once it’s safe, arrange for locks, gates, and windows to be repaired or replaced. Consider adding motion sensors or outdoor lighting.
• Inform your insurer. Provide a police case number and any supporting documentation within 24 hours of being notified of the incident.
• Occupy the space again as soon as possible.If you’re still away, ask a friend or family member to stay there temporarily – empty homes are easier targets for a repeat attack.