Top 8 Ways to Make Your Home Look Occupied and Secure While You're Away for Thanksgiving

November 13, 2024

Heading out for Thanksgiving? Whether you're traveling to spend time with family or just taking a well-deserved break, it’s important to keep your home looking lived-in and secure while you’re gone. Burglars often look for signs of an empty house, especially during holiday weekends, but a few simple precautions can make all the difference. Here are the top 8 ways to make your home appear occupied and protected while you're away for Thanksgiving.

1. Use Smart Lights with Timers or Motion Sensors

• Why: Lights that follow a natural pattern create the illusion of an occupied home, deterring potential intruders.
• How to Do It: Set up smart lights to turn on in the evening and switch off at bedtime. For added security, install motion-sensor lights outside, particularly around entry points and pathways.

2. Set Up a Video Doorbell or Security Cameras

• Why: Visible cameras and video doorbells act as deterrents, as burglars are less likely to target homes with surveillance.
• How to Do It: A video doorbell allows you to monitor visitors in real-time and even interact with them, giving the appearance that someone is home. Place additional cameras near entrances and points of interest to enhance coverage.

3. Ask a Neighbor to Help Out

• Why: A trusted neighbor can keep an eye on your home, adding an extra layer of security.
• How to Do It: Ask a neighbor to pick up packages, newspapers, or any visible mail, as these can signal an unoccupied home. Let them know your schedule so they can report anything unusual while you’re away.

4. Pause Mail and Deliveries

• Why: An overflowing mailbox or packages left on the porch are tell-tale signs of an empty home.
• How to Do It: Request a mail hold through the postal service, and pause any regular deliveries, like newspapers or subscriptions, until you return. Most services offer easy online options for holds during your absence.

5. Park a Car in Your Driveway

• Why: A car in the driveway suggests that someone is home, deterring would-be intruders.
• How to Do It: If you’re leaving with your primary vehicle, consider parking a secondary car or even asking a neighbor to park in your driveway while you're gone.

6. Use Smart Home Automation for Blinds or Curtains

• Why: Blinds that stay closed or curtains that never move can signal an empty house. Smart blinds add a more “lived-in” look.
• How to Do It: Invest in smart blinds or motorized window treatments that allow you to open and close them on a schedule, or ask a neighbor to open or adjust them occasionally.

7. Ensure Your Yard is Maintained

• Why: Overgrown lawns or uncollected leaves can be giveaways that no one is home.
• How to Do It: Schedule a landscaper or enlist a friend to take care of basic yard work while you’re away, especially if you’ll be gone for an extended period. Keeping your yard tidy helps maintain the look of a regularly occupied home.

8. Double-Check All Locks and Reinforce Entry Points

• Why: Locked doors and windows are essential, but reinforcing these areas with extra security devices provides better protection.
• How to Do It: Check that all doors, windows, and garages are securely locked, and use extra reinforcements like deadbolts or door jammers for additional security. Consider upgrading to smart locks, which let you lock or unlock remotely if needed.

Final Thoughts

By taking these simple but effective steps, you can ensure that your home remains secure and looks lived-in while you’re away for Thanksgiving. Setting up smart technology, working with neighbors, and maintaining a tidy exterior are just a few of the ways to give yourself peace of mind. The key is to create the appearance of everyday activity, making it far less likely that your home will be targeted. Enjoy the holiday, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to protect your space and your peace of mind!

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