Vacation homes provide a tranquil escape from everyday life, but when it comes time to leave for the season, how can you keep it secure from burglars, vandals, and other trespassers? Below are a few simple and easy home security tips that you can use to ensure your property and valuables remain safe while you are away for the winter. 

Install a Digital Home Security System

Selecting a security system with features like video doorbells and security cameras that can connect to your digital devices is the best way to keep your vacation home secure while you're not there. This way, you can interact with people who come on your property or have a record of their presence should you need to reference it later. 

Check and Double-Check All Locks

Although checking your locks before you leave may seem obvious, many vacation homes are broken into due to unlocked windows and doors. Walking around your house and thoroughly inspecting all windows and doors is a great way to ensure nothing goes missing. 

If you are staying with friends or family, ask each person to check every window and door lock separately to ensure no entry point is overlooked. Additionally, ensure that security doors are locked with a security bar and that all pet doors, basement doors, and doors on any sheds are secure before leaving. 

No Spare Keys

If you are leaving your vacation home vacant for some time, it is imperative not to leave spare keys on your property. Though you might have the best hiding spot in the world, there is still always a chance someone could find it and use it to enter your home. Instead, you can leave your spare key with a trusted friend or neighbor. If this isn't a viable option, you might want to consider installing keyless locks on your doors that can be accessed either with a physical keypad or a smartphone app. 

Make it Look Like Someone Is There

If you're nervous about leaving your vacation home for the season, one excellent home security tip is to create the illusion that you've never left at all. One tactic is to consider installing a smart-home system that enables you to remotely operate lights, TV, and other electronics. Additionally, you can hire a landscaping service to maintain your lawn and garden areas while you're away. Overgrown weeds and untidy hedges are often a dead giveaway that no one is home. 

Cover Your Windows & Hide Valuables 

Before leaving for the winter, make sure that all of your windows are covered with curtains. Doing so can prevent anyone from looking in and discovering your house is empty. Closing your curtains helps keep any valuable items out of view. 

For additional security, you could also hide your valuables in another room, a closet, your basement, or in the attic, where it's not as easy to see them. You might even consider keeping an inventory sheet of essential possessions you can quickly figure out if something is gone upon your return. 

Reroute Any Deliveries

A stuffed mailbox and piled-up packages outside your vacation home's door is a clear indicator that no one is there to receive them. If you do not want to take a road trip to regularly pick up your postage from your vacation home, ensure that any mail or other deliveries are rerouted back to your primary residence for the off-season.

List Your House for Winter Rentals

Homeowners with properties in many seasonal communities will often list their vacation homes for 9-month winter rentals. These can prove especially popular near colleges where students are looking for off-campus living during the school year. If you decide to rent your home during the winter, this can ensure that there is always someone in the house year-round while also providing you with additional income when you are not staying at your second property. 

Ask a Neighbor to Keep an Eye on the Property For You

Aside from the obvious social benefits, establishing good relationships with your neighbors can pay off when it's time to pack up. If you're extra nervous about leaving your home for the season, you can ask a trusted neighbor to check in on your property on a semi-regular basis. Doing so will establish a human presence at the otherwise vacant property, and that person can also get the mail for you so that it doesn't pile up on your doorstep.

Start Building Your Own Dream Vacation Home Today

Vacation properties are most enjoyable when they are safe and secure. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't consider securing their homes for the season until it is too late. As Delaware's leading custom beach house builders, we want you to feel confident in your efforts to secure your home when it's time to leave for the season.

If you are considering a custom vacation home for yourself, check out our home design models or contact our studio today.