The Ultimate Vacation Security Checklist

Make sure your home is as ready as you are for your next trip!

Summer is the perfect time to get away and recharge. Just experiencing longer days and warmer weather can make you want to pack your bags and leave for the next luxury destination, but before you head off to the beach or mountains, it’s essential to make sure your home is safe and secure. Fortunately, smart home technology makes it easier than ever to travel with peace of mind. With a few simple steps and the right automation setup, your home can practically watch over itself while you're gone.

Here’s a smart vacation security checklist to help protect your property while you enjoy your time away.

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1. Lock Doors and Windows (And Double-Check!)

Let’s start with the basics: ensure all doors and windows are locked securely. It might sound obvious, but in the rush to pack and leave, it’s easy to overlook a window cracked open for fresh air. Do a full walkthrough of your home before you leave to check each window latch and door lock. 

With smart locks, this walkthrough will only take a few seconds because you can check the status of every entry point and even lock doors remotely through the app. You can check as many times as needed during your vacation for peace of mind. Plus, you can create access codes for service staff and pet sitters, letting you keep your house maintenance routine while you're away.

2. Enable Mockupancy or Vacation Mode 

Did you know that your home automation system can mimic your daily routines? Control4 has a security feature called “Mockupancy” that automatically adjusts lighting, motorized shades, and even entertainment systems to make your home look lived-in. After all, an occupied home is much less likely to be targeted by intruders. 

Set lights to turn on and off in various rooms throughout the day, raise and lower shades, or play audio at random intervals. You can even set a vacation mode that adjusts climate settings, disables unnecessary devices, and reduces energy usage, so you can come back to a safe, energy-efficient home.

3. Confirm All Devices Are Connected and Working 

Before you leave, take a moment to test your smart home system, or better yet, contact the experts to do it for you. We can help you make sure everything is connected to your home network and functioning properly. It’s a good idea to check the battery levels on any wireless devices like motion sensors, door contacts, and remotes. Plus, our team can help you verify that you’re receiving alerts and that mobile access is fully operational. A stable connection means you can monitor and control your home from anywhere, whether you’re at the airport or relaxing poolside.

4. Check Your Security Cameras for Optimal Coverage 

Security cameras are your eyes when you're away. Verify that each camera has clear visibility of key areas like front and back doors, driveways, and patios. Clean the lenses and test motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision features to ensure they're working as expected. It is also important to make sure video feeds are accessible from your smartphone and that you can receive motion alerts in real time. If your system supports cloud storage, confirm that recordings are being saved properly and have enough capacity.

Experience Home Automation That Lets You Travel with Confidence

With these steps checked off, you can leave your home knowing it’s protected and smartly managed. However, if you need help setting up your smart security or want to add new features before your next trip, don’t hesitate to reach out! At Sound Xperience, we’ll make sure your home is ready for whatever summer has in store. Contact us today and discover all the ways we can help you protect your home.

We look forward to hearing from you!