Leaving your property unattended during the holidays can create opportunities for break-ins, especially when homes appear unoccupied for days or weeks. Preparing a solid security plan helps maintain a safe home, protect valuables, and give you peace of mind while away.

Whether you’re taking a weekend trip or an extended holiday, understanding how to secure your home and strengthen key entry points can significantly reduce risk. The tips below focus on practical steps homeowners can take, along with lock and hardware options that support a safer property.

Holiday Security Planning Matters

Homes are more vulnerable when they show signs of being empty: no movement, no lighting changes, full mailboxes, and unsecured access points. Effective preparation helps:

• Deter opportunistic intruders

• Reduce the likelihood of forced entry

• Protect outdoor areas and valuables

• Maintain the appearance of an occupied home

• Support insurance compliance
  
  

Even small improvements, like upgrading a home door lock system or setting automatic lighting, can make a meaningful difference.

Practical Ways to Secure Your Home Before Travelling

1. Reinforce Main Entry Doors

The front and back doors are the most common entry points for intruders, making them a priority when securing your property. Start by:

• Checking that door frames are solid

• Ensuring strike plates and screws are reinforced

• Inspecting existing locks for wear
  
  

Upgrading to a stronger lock can increase security significantly. Options such as bolt locks  and durable deadbolts  offer reliable protection for residential entry doors. For homeowners wanting added strength, consider premium deadbolts like the Nidus Lonsdale Project Series Euro Deadbolt (Matt Black) or the Round Euro Deadbolt. These upgrades work well as part of a complete door lock system for home security.

2. Use Smart Locking Systems for Remote Control

Travelling homeowners benefit greatly from smart home lock systems, which allow remote locking, monitoring, and temporary access codes. A modern electronic door lock system for home can notify you when doors are opened, detect tampering, and eliminate the need for physical keys.

The Gainsborough Freestyle Trilock Urban Aurora is an example of a digital lock that supports keyless entry and remote functionality, ideal for maintaining access control while travelling. Explore more options under digital locks  to find a home lock system suited to your door type and security needs.

3. Secure Side Gates, Sheds, and Outdoor Storage

Outdoor structures often house valuable tools, equipment, or access points to the main building. Before leaving:

• Add or replace padlocks

• Reinforce weak hinges

• Remove items that could be used for climbing or breaking in
  
  

Heavy-duty padlocks are useful for gates, garden sheds, storage units, and lockable outdoor cabinets. Ensuring all outdoor areas are locked helps secure your property beyond the main house.

4. Use Timers to Simulate Activity

One of the easiest ways to leave home safe is to make it appear occupied. Automated timers can:

• Switch lights on and off at varied intervals

• Control lamps or TVs

• Activate outdoor lighting at night
  
  

This creates the illusion of activity, discouraging potential intruders who look for predictable darkness or stillness.

Smart lighting paired with an electronic door lock system for home can further enhance your home's security routine.

5. Hide Signs That You Are Away

Avoid signalling to others that your home is empty. Practical steps include:

• Asking a neighbour to collect mail

• Redirecting parcel deliveries

• Leaving blinds in their usual position

• Avoiding social media posts that reveal travel dates
  
  

Subtle consistency makes your property look occupied and reduces the chance of targeted intrusions.

6. Secure Windows and Secondary Access Points

Windows are often overlooked in holiday security planning but are common entry points for forced access. Before leaving:

• Check all window locks

• Install supplementary locks if frames are older

• Ensure sliding doors have track blockers

• Consider security screens for added protection
  
  

Combining secure windows with a robust home door lock system offers well-rounded property protection.

7. Double-Check Perimeter and Outdoor Lighting

Good exterior lighting reduces dark areas where intruders can approach unnoticed. Installing or maintaining the following helps secure your property by enhancing visibility around access points:

• Motion-sensor lights

• Timed pathway lights

• Entry-door illumination

Building a Security Routine Before Every Holiday Trip

Creating a repeatable routine helps ensure nothing is overlooked. Your pre-travel security checklist may include:

• Locking all doors and windows

• Testing the best home lock system for proper function

• Securing gates, sheds, and garages

• Setting lighting timers

• Informing trusted neighbours or family

• Ensuring security cameras and alarms are functioning
  
  

A consistent routine helps maintain peace of mind whenever you travel.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to secure your home before travelling is one of the most effective ways to protect your belongings and maintain a safe environment. Reinforcing entry points, using smart lock systems, and maintaining outdoor security all contribute to a safe home that stays protected even when you're away. With the right preparation and the right door lock system for home security, you can travel confidently knowing your property is well secured.

FAQs

1. What are the most important steps to secure your home before travelling?
Focus on door and window locks, lighting timers, smart lock systems, and securing outdoor access points.

2. Are smart locks reliable for holiday security?
Yes. A smart home lock system allows remote monitoring, temporary codes, and tamper alerts.

3. Should outdoor areas be locked as well?
Absolutely. Gates, sheds, and storage units should be secured with quality padlocks.

4. How can I make my home look occupied while away?
Use lighting timers, maintain normal curtain positions, and arrange for mail collection.

5. What type of door lock offers the best protection?
A combination of a strong deadbolt and an electronic door lock system for home offers optimal protection.