#38 Vacation Away and Home Protection

Most of us look at July as the gateway to Vacation time!  Plans made in the chilly months are pulled out of the drawer and the action starts that will get us away for fun, surprises and adventure.  It’s a time for lists, dozens of phone inquiries, confirming reservations and shopping, shopping, shopping!  For singles or couples it’s mostly fun.   However, if you are a family with multiples it can be a marathon of logistics!


Preparing to “get away” and enjoy all those possibilities usually involves lists and more lists.  We are so careful to check off all the various don’t forgets!  Clothes, toys, sports equipment, servicing the boat if you have one, books you may or may not get to...and on, and on.  It’s exciting and the anticipation mounts!

But, how about the list for what you are leaving behind?  That list is sometimes thrown together like an annoying afterthought.  It makes good sense to make it more of a priority.   When you leave for any amount of extended time, you leave your very valuable asset – your home – either well accounted for, or terribly vulnerable!

Some solutions and protections are fairly easy.  You can arrange for a trusted “house sitter” – a relative or friend who will occupy your property in your absence.  That dependable party will take care of grounds and even pets, assuring any passer-by that things are humming along normally, and your property is not a likely target for trouble.

A house sitter is quite different than an off-site “caretaker” that agrees to “check things out” at intervals and water the plants.   That usually involves patterns that troublemakers can figure out – making your property vulnerable on the offbeat of that caretaker’s routine. 

And don’t forget to arrange to suspend regular deliveries such as Mail and Newspaper!  Nothing sends out a clearer message that no one is home better than Newspapers and mail piling up.   Your Postal carrier will arrange to have your mail held until you return.  A phone call can stop your newspapers and either suspend the issues for your time away, or arrange delivery of all missed issues when you are back in town.

Well-maintained and attractive property, left unoccupied, is just what professional troublemakers look for.  The amateurs are trouble too, but that’s random mischief.   They can do a lot of damage, but the pros have networks, strategies and scams you never thought of.  They make it their business to know who’s at home and who will be gone for a while.

Protecting your home, possibly your most valuable asset, is serious business, but with some simple disciplines and routines you can avoid being a victim.  There are few things more shocking, as you return from vacation, than finding your home burglarized, damaged – or even empty!

Security systems come in all shapes, sizes and degrees of protection!   Explore the various kinds of integrated security/alarm systems for what can fit your budget.  It is a good investment.  But, hopefully, you won’t stop there, thinking that all is well with just one leg on the table!  Professionals also might know how to by-pass your system. 

The best “back up” is real live people! Choose a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on the property.  Let them know exactly who is authorized to be there – such as your yard maintenance gardener.   If you have an alarm system, give them the contact information for your security system company.  Let them know where and how to reach you.

If you are not taking pets on vacation with you, make reasonable arrangements for their care.  There are reputable, certified, licensed facilities where pets can be boarded.  With a house sitter or a caretaker, they could stay at home.  But be sure that pets left behind also get some TLC and socializing!  Be sure the person in charge has your contact information, the Vet’s number and likes animals!  (Remember, pets can and do “act out” when left alone, and you don’t want to return home and have to re-carpet!)

You have worked hard with your Mortgage Lender for the home you have, and it needs your conscientious attention whether you are home or away.  So, make a thorough check list and plan ahead to line up the help you need while you are gone! 

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