Leaving the Country? Here’s How to Keep Your Home Secure

July 12, 2025

Going abroad for a vacation, work trip, or study program can be exciting. But before you pack your bags and head to the airport, there's one important thing to handle first — securing your home.

Empty homes are easy targets for burglars, especially when it’s obvious no one is around. That’s why making sure your locks are strong, working, and updated is one of the best things you can do before leaving.

In this blog, we’ll share practical and effective lock-related tips to protect your home while you’re away.

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Check All Entry Points

Before you travel, walk around your home and check every door and window. Make sure:

All doors close properly
The locks turn smoothly and lock completely
There are no loose frames or cracked doors
Sliding doors and basement entries are secure

Many people only focus on the front door. But back doors, garage entries, and even small basement windows can be easy ways in for a thief.

Use a Strong Deadbolt Lock

If your main door still uses a simple knob lock, it’s time to upgrade. A deadbolt adds an extra layer of protection. Choose one with a 1-inch bolt and a reinforced strike plate.

Deadbolts are harder to force open, and they make it more difficult for someone to kick in the door.

Install a Smart Lock If Possible

Smart locks let you lock and unlock your door remotely using your phone. This is useful if:

You need to let someone check in while you’re away
You want to double-check that the door is locked
You want to get alerts if someone tries to tamper with it

Choose a smart lock that includes backup options in case the power or Wi-Fi goes out.

Don’t Hide Spare Keys Outside

Many people hide spare keys under flower pots or doormats. Thieves know all the common spots. If you must leave a key, give it to a trusted friend or neighbor instead.

Hiding a key outside when you’re traveling for days or weeks is a major risk.

Lock Internal Doors

If your home has multiple rooms or a separate home office, lock the internal doors as well. This slows down anyone who manages to break in.

Also, consider locking important items inside a cabinet, drawer, or safe — especially if you keep documents, jewelry, or electronics at home.

Secure the Garage

Garage doors are a common weak spot. Make sure the garage door is locked from the inside, especially if it connects to your house.

You can also unplug the garage opener while you’re gone to stop remote access.

If you have a smart garage system, lock it down and turn off any shared access until you return.

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Use Timers for Lights

This tip isn’t directly about locks, but it helps. Put a few lights inside your home on timers to turn on and off at different times. This makes it look like someone is home, even when you’re not.

A home that looks lived-in is less likely to be targeted.

Let a Trusted Person Check In

Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to check on your home while you’re away. They can:

Bring in your mail
Take out trash cans
Walk around the house occasionally
Make sure locks and doors are still secure

If you have a smart lock, you can give them a temporary code and remove it when you return.

Don’t Post Your Trip Online Until You’re Back

Avoid posting about your trip in real time on social media. Thieves often watch social accounts to find out who’s away.

Wait until you’re back before sharing travel photos. This simple step adds an extra layer of safety.

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Consider a Locksmith Inspection

If you’ve had your locks for several years or you’ve recently moved into a new home, a locksmith can inspect and upgrade your lock system before your trip.

They can also check for:

Worn-out locks
Doors that don’t align properly
Easy entry points
Whether your locks meet current security standards

It’s a quick service that could prevent a major issue.

Final Thoughts

When you’re far from home, the last thing you want is to worry about a break-in. Strong locks, smart planning, and a few security habits can go a long way.

Before you travel abroad, take time to: