Going on vacation? 3 Set-it-forget-it ways to increase your home security while away
I like to travel – a lot. I'm always looking for ways to pack light and make things easier on myself when I get there. But that doesn't mean I forget about home security. In fact, if anything, I become even more diligent about making sure everything is locked down tight when I leave town. After all, you never know who might be lurking around in this crazy world of ours! Here are three set-it-forget-it ways to increase your home security while away.
Make sure you're home is safe with these set-it-forget-it lights
Set-it-forget-it lights are simple and easy to install, which means they can be used to provide security for a variety of purposes. For example, if you're going on vacation, or if you're away for a long weekend at the cottage or cabin, set up motion sensor lights to ensure you don't come home to a dark house. Set them up in your driveway and front door so that whenever someone moves around outside at night in front of your home, it will turn on automatically. This will help deter would-be criminals from breaking into your home while you're away by giving off an intimidating vibe that says "you better think twice before trying anything."
If you're taking a trip and don't have time or resources to invest in a home security system, exterior lighting is an easy--and cost-effective--way to deter intruders.
Good lighting can make your home look occupied, which is a good deterrent for would-be burglars. It can also help keep your home safe from accidents while you're away. For example, if someone accidentally backs their car into your garage door while walking their dog or pushing a stroller behind them, well-placed floodlights will help illuminate their path so they don't hurt themselves or others.
Exterior lights that shine on the front entryway and sidewalk leading up to it also make it more difficult for anyone attempting to break into your house through its front door by making sure no one sneaks up on them unnoticed (and makes them feel like they're being watched).
1. Solar Motion Sensor Light
A solar motion sensor light is a good option if you want to deter intruders and don’t have the time or resources to invest in a home security system.
Solar lights are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be programmed so that they come on at certain times of day—like when your neighbors are getting home from work. The light will automatically turn off after 20 seconds after detecting motion, which should be enough time for someone who's been lingering around where they shouldn't be and forcing them away from your property.
To save energy, the solar panel charges during daytime hours and powers the light at night. The motion sensor will turn it off automatically when no one is around so that you aren't wasting electricity unnecessarily.
Featured Product: Solar Motion Sensing Wall Light
2. Solar Tiki Torch
Solar Tiki Torches are a great, low-cost option for lighting up your yard at night. They can be placed around the perimeter of your property to create a sense of security or they can just be used as pathway lights. These outdoor torches use solar energy to charge themselves in sunlight, so you don’t have to worry about them running out of battery power when you need them most. Solar Tiki Torches are also super easy to install—simply place one in any level area where there is enough sunlight available throughout the day and in an area that gets good coverage from natural light (like under trees).
Our Solar Tiki lights have multiple height adjustment settings & even come with table-top stands so that you can customize your backyard look anyway you like.
Featured Product: Solar Tiki Torches (2 Pack)
3. Solar Pathway Lights
Solar pathway lights are an awesome way to illuminate your garden, driveway or garage. They're also a great way to add a little extra security to your home when you're away on vacation. Solar pathway lights automatically come on at dusk every day and stay on until dawn in the morning—this makes them ideal for outdoor lighting during summer vacation months when you won't need them during daytime hours.
You can also use solar lights as ambient lighting around the house if you don't have anywhere specific where you want more illumination (like outside). Just make sure the solar panels face south so they get plenty of sunlight throughout the day!
Featured Product: Solar Pathway Light (Dual Lighting Modes)
Pro Tip: Have your neighbor check in
Have your neighbor check in with you at least once daily while you’re away, by calling or texting one of the methods listed above. Make sure they have a key to your house and know how to contact you if there’s an emergency.
One thing you can ask them to do is to place the mail inside the kitchen counter every few days. A full and overflowing mailbox is a good indicator to thieves that you may not have been home for an extended period of time.
Looking for something more heavy-duty? Consider a security system
If you're gone for a long time, or if you're not comfortable with the idea of leaving your home unattended for days at a time, it might be worth considering installing a security system. There are several options available: DIY kits, professional installation (which can also include monitoring), and purchasing off-the-shelf products such as cameras and doorbells that connect to your smartphone.
What next?
There are plenty of ways to protect your home while you're away for the weekend or out of town for a week. The best part? Most of these options don't require a huge investment on your part, and they're easy enough that they won't take up your precious vacation time! Start with the set-it-forget-it lights, then consider adding in some solar motion sensors or security lights to keep watch over all those vulnerable dark corners. If you want something more heavy duty (and expensive), consider investing in an alarm system--there are plenty out there that can monitor things like motion and temperature changes at home while still allowing you some peace of mind when traveling abroad.