Planning your ultimate queer getaway or a much-needed vacay? Yas, hunty! While you’re busy deciding between cozy sweaters or beach-ready crop tops (because duh, destination vibes), let’s talk about the one thing you’re leaving behind: your home. And to make sure you can fully enjoy your trip, don’t forget about home security travel tips to protect your space while you’re away!
And yes, I know what you’re thinking—“Do I really need to worry about my house if I’m just gone for a week?” Babe, the answer is a resounding YES. Why? Because the only thing worse than missing your flight is coming home to a burst pipe, a mailbox that’s auditioning for Hoarders, or—gasp—a break-in. Did you know a Forbes report spilled the tea that 72% of burglaries happen when no one’s home? (Yeah, that stat deserves its own horror movie soundtrack.)
But don’t panic—we’re not here to stress you out; we’re here to serve control-realness before you sashay away. From locking down your space to making sure your utilities don’t betray you, we’ve got seven fabulous home security travel tips to help you prep your home like the absolute boss you are. Because nothing says post-vacation bliss like coming back to a house that hasn’t gone rogue in your absence. Let’s get into it, shall we?
7 Essential Home Security Travel Tips to Keep Your Space Safe While You’re Away
1. Lock It Up and Double-Check the Windows
Okay, spill the tea: Did you know a lot of burglars basically waltz in through unlocked doors and windows? Yep, that’s the gag. A study from the University of North Carolina says easy access is the way most break-ins happen. Shocking, right?
So, before you sashay away, make it a thing—grab your iced coffee (or wine, no judgment) and do a quick strut around the house to check every door, window, and sneaky little latch. Got a ride-or-die bestie or neighbor? Toss them a spare key and ask them to pop by while you’re living your best life elsewhere. Bonus points if they’ll FaceTime your thirsty plants every couple of days. Plant parenthood is real.
2. Say Goodbye to Overflowing Mailboxes
What screams “We’re not home, come and rob us!” louder than a mailbox bursting at the seams or a stack of Amazon packages doing their best Leaning Tower of Pisa impression? It’s basically rolling out the red carpet for nosy neighbors and potential troublemakers alike.
Good news, though: you don’t have to be that house. The United States Postal Service lets you hit pause on your mail with a simple vacation hold request. Feeling extra proactive? Delivery queens like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx also let you reschedule drop-offs. Seriously, it takes five minutes. Five! And it’ll save you from dealing with side-eye (or worse) from the local Karens.
Pro Tip
Don’t have time to set up a mail hold? Get creative and leave a cheeky note asking a neighbor (who owes you $50 from trivia night) to bring in your goods. It’s all about community, right?
3. Unplug, Save Energy, and Stay Safe
Got standby vampires lurking in your home? Nope, not the name of a queer goth band (though it should be)—we’re talking about those sneaky electronics draining your energy while you’re not even using them. TVs, microwaves, gaming consoles… they’re all busy guzzling power like it’s bottomless brunch.
Want to give your electric bill (and the planet) a little love? Unplug anything that doesn’t need to stay on while you’re out and about. But hey, hands off that Wi-Fi router if your home security system’s in play—no one needs that kind of drama.
4. Turn Down, but Don’t Turn Off the Heat (Yes, Even if You’re Fleeing Winter)
Thinking of turning off the heat completely while you’re off living your best life? Cute idea, but let’s not tempt fate. Frozen pipes are no joke, and trust me, coming home to an indoor ice-castle-turned-waterfall is not the HGTV moment you’re hoping for.
Here’s the tea: set that thermostat to around 50°F. It’s the sweet spot—warm enough to avoid a frozen pipe fiasco but still saving you some coins. Plus, you’re being energy-conscious and responsible. Look at you, slaying sustainability!
5. Test (and Use) Your Security Systems
Hey, reminder time! Your security system isn’t just a fancy wall ornament, darling—you’ll actually want it working when you’re off jet-setting. So, do a quick check: are the sensors good? Batteries charged? Let your provider know you’re living your best life out of town.
No system? No drama! Welcome to Plan B: fake it till you make it. Slap a fierce “Beware of Dog” sign on the fence or stick a security company decal on the window. Is it a little extra? Sure. But hey, perception is protection, and sometimes a little bluff is all it takes to make burglars sashay away.
6. Show Your Lawn Some Love (Even If It’s a Messy Breakup)
Overgrown grass and wild bushes? Honey, that’s basically hanging a big, glittery “nobody’s home” sign for burglars. Before you jet off, give that lawn a fierce makeover—mow, trim, and tame anything looking a little too wild child.
Gone for a while? Time to recruit some backup. Hire a lawn crew or slip a neighbor kid some cash to keep things looking cute. Bonus? Coming home to a perfectly polished yard is peak adulting goals.
Oh, and let’s talk trash cans—literally. Empty them out before you leave, unless you’re into hosting a funky little smell soirée when you get back. Trust us, not cute.
7. Leave Your Home as Vibe-y as You Want Your Airbnb
Imagine coming back from your trip to a home so spotless it could star in a cleaning commercial. Doesn’t that sound fabulous? Take a quick 30 minutes (or an hour, if you’re feeling extra) before you leave to tidy up. Toss that rogue laundry in the hamper, fluff those pillows like you’re auditioning for HGTV, and light a scented candle for some dramatic flair. Trust us, future-you—probably exhausted and maybe a little jet-lagged—will adore you for this small but mighty act of self-love.
Bigger, Gayer Pro Tip
If you’re traveling during the holidays, why not zhuzh up your space before you go? Think twinkling outdoor lights, a chic wreath, or something so fabulously festive your neighbors will totally assume you hired a professional decorator. It’s like leaving a little sparkle behind, even while you’re off living your best life.
Enjoy Stress-Free Traveling
Your trip to one of America’s gayest cities should be all about recharging, reconnecting, and, let’s be real, a little indulgence—coffee by day, cocktails by night, am I right? The absolute last thing you should be stressing about is whether your house is throwing its own wild party while you’re away. So, follow these easy-peasy home security travel tips to lock things down at home and set yourself up for that dreamy, drama-free return.
Now, go on—focus on sipping that holiday eggnog like the festive royalty you are or soaking up those tropical rays. You deserve it, babe!
This article was originally written by Sheeka Sanahori and originally appeared on Outwander and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. It has been edited by the fagabond team for fagabond.com.