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Home Security Tips Before Travel for Diwali and Long Holidays
Home Security Tips Before Travel, Starting a Week Ahead
Check every lock.
Test the main door lock, back door lock, balcony bolts and window bolts. Anything that sticks, is loose or does not fully engage needs fixing before you go, not after. A quick drop of lubricant on bolts and drops prepares them for long non-use.
Count your keys.
Make sure you know where every key to the house is. If a key has gone missing in the past, now is the moment to change that lock body.
Arrange help from neighbours
Ask a trusted neighbour or relative nearby to keep an eye on the house, collect parcels and occasionally check the gate. Share your travel dates and a contact number.
Pause deliveries.
Stop the newspaper, milk and regular deliveries for the travel period. Piles of newspapers at the gate announce an empty house.
The Day You Leave
Layer your locks.
Use every lock you have. Lock the main door, add the dead lock if fitted, and use an aldrop with a padlock on the inside of back or terrace doors. Bolt all balcony and window bolts. Padlock the grill gate.
A second lock on the main door, such as a dead lock or padlock on a hasp, makes a big difference when the house is empty for days. The ATOM Locks DL-002 deadlock is a simple addition for this purpose.
Move valuables.
Do not leave gold jewellery, cash or important documents in the bedroom almirah if you will be away for long. A bank locker is the safest option. If that is not possible, keep valuables somewhere less obvious than the main wardrobe.
Switch off and unplug.
Switch off the main supply to unnecessary appliances, turn off gas cylinders at the regulator, and close water taps and the main valve. This protects against fires and leaks, which are as much a holiday risk as theft.
Leave some lights on timers.
A house that stays completely dark for two weeks attracts attention. A plug-in timer on one or two lights that switch on in the evening gives the impression that someone is home.
Hide the Signs of an Empty House
Small details give an empty house away.
● A padlock on the outside of the main gate is a clear signal. If possible, lock the gate from inside or ask a neighbour to open and close it daily.
● Closed curtains all day, every day, can look suspicious. Leave it partly open as you would normally.
● Ask your neighbour to occasionally park in front of your house or put out the dustbin.
● Do not leave notes on the door saying you are away.
If you have domestic help
Decide whether your cook, maid or driver will come in while you are away. If not, collect any keys they hold before you leave, and let them know the dates so they do not come to a locked house and wait outside, which itself signals an empty home. If someone will water plants or feed a pet, give them only the keys they need and agree on exact visiting times.
Be Careful of What You Share Online
Posting live holiday photos and check-ins tells everyone your home is empty. Share travel photos after you return, or limit them to close friends. Avoid announcing travel dates in large WhatsApp groups such as society or school parent groups.
Smart Tools That Help
If you have a video doorbell or home camera, check it is working and connected before you leave. Smart locks with apps can alert you if the door is opened. Set up alerts and share access with your trusted neighbour if needed.
When You Return
Before going inside, look around the house for signs of forced entry, such as damaged locks, broken bolts or disturbed windows. If anything looks wrong, call the police before entering.
Once inside, check that all locks still work smoothly and lubricate any that stiffened during the trip.
Final Thoughts
Good home security tips before travel come down to preparation and layering. ATOM Locks Check and repair locks a week before, use every lock and bolt you have, move valuables to a safer place, keep the house looking lived-in, involve a trusted neighbour and stay quiet about your travel online. A little planning lets you enjoy the festival with family without worrying about the house you left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I secure my house before going on holiday?
Check all locks, add a second lock to the main door, bolt every window and balcony, move valuables, set light timers and ask a neighbour to keep watch.
Should I padlock the main gate when travelling?
A visible padlock signals an empty house. If possible, lock the gate from inside or ask a neighbour to open and close it daily.
Is it safe to post holiday photos on social media?
It is safer to post after you return, as live posts show that your home is empty.
