How to Reduce Risk When Leaving Your Home Empty
An empty home doesn't have to be vulnerable. Here's how to keep yours safe while you're away.
Leaving your home unattended can feel unsettling, but a few straightforward precautions make a significant difference. Here’s how to protect your property whether you’re away for a weekend or several weeks.
At a glance
- Double-check that all doors, windows, and outbuildings are locked before leaving
- Use smart lighting and security cameras to deter burglars
- Make your home look occupied with timers, mail collection, and a trusted neighbour
- Review your home insurance to make sure you’re properly covered while away
Secure all doors and windows
One of the simplest yet most effective steps is ensuring all entry points are locked. This includes doors, windows, and even less-obvious spots like garden sheds or garages. Before you leave, do a final walk-through to double-check. Consider upgrading to deadbolts or smart locks for an added layer of security.
Install smart security systems
Security cameras and motion detectors aren’t just for mansions. Affordable, easy-to-install options are available, such as video doorbells or wireless systems. They allow you to monitor your home remotely and can alert you to any unusual activity, giving you peace of mind while away.
Light up your home and make it look lived-in
Burglars tend to avoid well-lit and busy-looking homes. Exterior lighting on a timer or motion-sensor lights can deter prowlers. Inside, use timers to turn lights and even a radio on and off at different times so it looks like someone’s home. If you’re on good terms with neighbours, ask if they could pick up your post and keep watch for anything unusual.
Reduce fire and water damage risks
It’s not just burglars you need to worry about-accidents happen too. Before heading out, unplug unnecessary electronics to avoid fire hazards. Check for any leaky taps or pipes to prevent potential water damage. You might also want to turn off your water supply if you’re leaving for an extended time.
Check your insurance policies
Even with all these measures, accidents or theft can still happen. Review your home or contents insurance to ensure you’re properly covered. Lemonade offers flexible building and contents coverage, designed to help you recover quickly if something goes wrong while you’re away. Sorted.
Bonus tips for longer trips
Going away for weeks or longer? Arrange for a trusted friend or house-sitter to keep an eye on things. Suspend deliveries, like milk, that might pile up and signal an empty house. If you have a garden, schedule watering so it doesn’t look neglected. The goal is to keep things as normal-looking as possible.
Before we go
Leaving your home can be a bit stressful, but being prepared can make a world of difference. By securing entry points, adding smart tech, and ensuring your insurance has your back, you’re setting yourself up for a stress-free trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, you’ve got this.
Leaving your home empty FAQs
Should I inform my insurer if leaving home for a long period?
Yes, and it’s important. Many home insurance policies have conditions around unoccupied properties, typically defining an empty home as one left vacant for 30 days or more. If you’re away beyond that threshold without notifying your insurer, your cover could be affected. Contact your provider before you go, explain the situation, and ask what conditions apply.
What’s the best way to keep my home looking occupied?
A combination of approaches works best. Light timers set to realistic, varied schedules are the most effective single measure. Adding a timer on a radio, having a neighbour collect post and move bins, and asking someone to occasionally park in the driveway all add to the effect. For longer trips, a house-sitter removes the problem entirely.
Are security cameras worth it?
Yes. Modern security cameras are affordable, easy to install, and genuinely effective. They serve two purposes: deterrence and evidence. Many burglars will avoid a property with visible cameras. And if something does happen, footage can support a police investigation and strengthen an insurance claim.
Look for cameras with night vision, motion detection, and cloud storage so footage is preserved even if a device is tampered with.
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