Leaving Home: Seven Home Security Tips You Should Steal

Keeping your home safe is important. These tips can help you feel more secure about leaving your home alone.

Having your home broken into when left unattended (and undefended!) from a few hours to several days, is a sure way to take the joy out of wonderful holiday memories. Thankfully, there are both tech-savvy and old-school ways to keep your home secure without spending a fortune. Try a few — or all — of these suggestions to help keep your home safe and sound.

To Post or Not to Post

While it may be tempting to share your photos on social media while you’re watching the sunset over an ocean or eating lunch at a café in Paris, before you do make sure your network is secure and that you know and trust all of your followers. Or, just wait until you get back; you don’t want to “advertise” that your house is empty.

Smart Home Help

Sales of smart home security accessories have exploded in recent years, for the simple reason that they make securing your home just that – smart. There are lots of different gadgets, from smart locks that allow you to control who enters and exits your home, video doorbells that let you see who’s knocking, to garage door apps that allow you to control and monitor your garage door access. If you’ll have Wi-Fi where you’re going, consider making a small investment in smart home security for big security benefits.

Well-Timed Lights

You may think you need to invest in the newest technology on the market to keep your home safe and sound, but old-school options like timed lights and motion sensors can scare away potential home invaders. They’re easy-to-install and don’t require internet, so whether you are on a budget or headed on a last minute getaway, both should remain on your radar when it comes to protecting your property.

Enlist Neighbourhood Assistance

Use your neighbour network to help shovel your driveway/walkway and take in mail during your holiday travels. Nothing says ‘unattended house’ like untouched snow and an over-stuffed mailbox.

Hide Prominent Packaging

By throwing out the packaging for your brand new Sonos system or PS4 all at once, you may be inadvertently advertising all the fancy new electronics in your house. Keep boxes and packaging away from curious eyes by breaking down boxes so they fit in the recycling bin or keeping packaging inside until you’re home.

Out of Eyesight Valuables

Despite your best efforts, there’s no sure-fire way to prevent a break-in. If the worst does end up happening, don’t make it easy for would-be thieves. Hide your valuables in unlikely places that are difficult to uncover. Avoid common hiding spots like the freezer, your sock drawer, pillowcase or under the mattress. You could even consider storing your valuables in a safe deposit box temporarily.

Spare Key Smarts

As a good neighbour, you sometimes give baking products in a pinch or lend the odd tennis racquet. As a result, people might know where you leave your spare key. While being a generous neighbour is great for your social circle, it’s not as great when it comes to home security. If you haven’t upgraded to a smart lock, don’t leave a key outside in its usual place, or anywhere for that matter, when you leave town. If you need a spare outside your house, consider leaving it with a trusted neighbour or nearby family member.

Find solace in knowing that your home has coverage with home insurance. Speak to an RBC Insurance Advisor to help answer any questions you may have.

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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