Vacant homes can mean the potential for disaster, especially if you still own it. Perhaps you purchased a new home and moved in already, but your old home hasn’t been sold yet. Or, maybe you’re going on an extended vacation for the summer. Even if you’re going away for a week, it’s important to safeguard your home to keep it protected in your absence. Not only can a vacant home be a beacon to burglars, it can also be at risk for property damage by vagrants, fire and much more.

Facing a residential move or extended vaca? Follow these steps to protecting your vacant home, no matter how long you’ll be gone.

Tips:

1. Use an Alarm

Arming your security system while you’re away just makes good sense. First off, you can save money on your homeowners insurance when you can prove you have an alarm. Second, you can get peace of mind knowing your house will be protected when you’re not there. Many alarm systems are connected to monitoring companies who will alert the fire and police departments in the event your alarm is tripped. This means you won’t have to face coming home to a burned house or a vandalized one. You will be immediately notified if your alarm has been triggered. You may also consider a complete security system that includes video monitoring so you can keep an eye on who’s on your property.

2. Use a Smart Thermostat

Regulating your home temperature remotely is a great way to save money on heating and cooling costs. According to House Logic, heating and cooling comprise most of a home’s energy usage, translating to about $1,000 each year for the average home. Did you know you can save up to $180 a year when you switch from a manual model to a programmable or smart thermostat? And by using a smart phone to control your thermostat, you can easily control how warm or cool your house gets just by using your phone, no matter how far away you are.

3. Install Exterior Lighting

Exterior lights on timers can be a great theft and intruder deterrent. You may also want to trim the bushes around the front of the house to give burglars one less place to hide. Place remote-control lights on your front post, above your door, on detached garages and even on sheds. By using lights at night, you’re showing the neighborhood that someone’s home even when no one is.

4. Get Updates from a Neighbor

Having someone you trust check up on your house regularly can give you peace of mind. However, it also gives the illusion that someone is living there because your neighbor is the one picking up the paper and mail, turning lights on and off, etc. Plus, that trusted friend can also alert you if an emergency situation arises, such as a burst pipe or broken window.

5. Prep Your Home

Make the necessary preparations to your home when you’ll be away, such as replacing worn or broken locks and keeping blinds semi-open — enough to let natural light in yet closed enough for privacy from prying eyes.

Contact Around the Clock Moving and Storage in Mesquite and Dallas

Choose residential movers that can get you in and out quickly. Plus, if you’re facing a gap between the time you leave your old home and move into your new one, we can provide storage services too. Contact us today at 469-853-0045 for a free estimate or fill out our online form.