Heading out for the holidays? It’s exciting to get away, but as many Lago Vista homeowners know, peace of mind starts long before you hit the road. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a full winter break, a little preparation helps protect the home you love. As your local Lago Vista real estate resource, Emily Dieckmann Real Estate Team knows how important it is to feel confident about your home’s safety. Let’s walk through simple steps that help you relax and enjoy your holiday trip without worry. Thinking about upgrading before the new year? Explore current Lago Vista listings with Emily Dieckmann Real Estate.
Key Takeaways
- Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave. Don’t forget any spare keys hidden outside.
- Use timers for lights, or smart home devices, to make it seem like someone is home. This can deter potential break-ins.
- Pause your mail delivery or have a trusted neighbor collect any mail or packages to avoid a tell-tale overflowing mailbox.
- Inform a neighbor or friend about your travel dates and provide emergency contact information. They can keep an eye on things for you.
- Avoid posting your vacation plans in real-time on social media. Keep your travel details private until you return.
- These easy seasonal prep steps can help keep your property safe while you enjoy your time away. Have questions about owning a home in Lago Vista? Emily is always happy to help you protect your investment
Secure Your Home in Lago Vista TX
Heading out of town for the holidays is exciting, but it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and forget about home security. Before you lock up and head out, let’s make sure your place in Lago Vista is as secure as possible. A little preparation now can save you a lot of worry later.
Conduct a Thorough Security Walk-Through
Before heading out, give your Lago Vista home a thoughtful walk-through. Emily always reminds her clients that the simplest steps often make the biggest difference: check every door and window, test your alarm system, and store anything in the yard that could be used to access your home. If you’re planning to list your home in the coming months, ask Emily for a complimentary pre-listing safety and maintenance review.
Reinforce All Entry Points
Your doors and windows are the first line of defense. Let’s make sure they’re up to the task. Strong doors and windows aren’t just good security, they also add value to your home. Emily often advises Lago Vista sellers to upgrade weak points before listing, as buyers appreciate homes that feel secure and well cared for. Thinking of selling in 2025? Emily can help you prioritize updates that matter most to local buyers.
Secure Outdoor Valuables
Before you leave, tidy up outdoor spaces. Lago Vista’s lake breezes and wildlife can move things around, and stored outdoor items help keep your home looking cared for. Plus, it reduces the chance of theft or damage. Want to know which outdoor features appeal most to Lago Vista buyers? Emily can guide you when preparing your home for sale.
Leverage Technology for Home Protection
Forget about elaborate booby traps like in the movies; modern tech offers much simpler ways to keep your place secure while you’re off enjoying the holidays. These tools are pretty easy to manage right from your phone, making it feel like you’re still keeping an eye on things from afar. It’s all about making your home look occupied and deterring anyone who might be looking for an easy target.
Utilize Smart Lighting and Timers
One of the oldest tricks in the book is making it look like someone’s home, and smart lights do this perfectly. You can set them to turn on and off at specific times, mimicking a normal routine. This isn’t just for lamps inside; outdoor lights can also be programmed. It’s a simple way to add a layer of security without much effort. You can even find smart bulbs that offer a range of colors and brightness levels, giving you more control over the ambiance.
Install Video Doorbells and Cameras
Video doorbells and security cameras are game-changers. They let you see who’s at your door, or what’s happening around your property, no matter where you are. Many systems send alerts straight to your phone if motion is detected. This means you can see a delivery person drop off a package or, more importantly, spot any suspicious activity immediately. Having a visual record can also be helpful if something does happen. Consider setting up cameras at key entry points and areas around your home for better coverage. This is a great way to get peace of mind, knowing you can check in anytime.
Implement Smart Locks for Remote Access
Smart locks offer a convenient way to manage who can get into your home. You can lock and unlock your doors remotely using your smartphone. This is super handy if you need to let a friend, family member, or pet sitter in while you’re away. Instead of hiding a spare key under the mat (which is a big no-no, by the way), you can grant temporary access codes. Plus, you get notifications every time the lock is used, so you always know who’s coming and going. It’s a modern solution for an age-old problem of access control, and it’s much more secure than traditional methods. If you’re thinking about downsizing, smart home tech can be a great addition to a smaller property too [027a].
Manage Mail and Deliveries Effectively
Nothing signals “nobody’s home” quite like an overflowing mailbox. Before you head out, use USPS holds or ask a trusted Lago Vista neighbor to help. A well-kept exterior makes a noticeable difference in overall curb appeal too.
Pause Mail Delivery with USPS Hold Service
This is a super simple step that makes a big difference. You can have the United States Postal Service hold your mail for you while you’re gone. It’s a free service, and you can usually set it up online for a specific date range, typically between 3 and 30 days. Just head over to the USPS website to get started. This way, no mail accumulates, and you won’t have to worry about it when you get back.
Arrange for Neighborly Package Pickups
Packages are a bit trickier than regular mail. If you’re expecting deliveries, especially around the holidays, it’s a good idea to make arrangements. The best option is to ask a trusted neighbor or friend if they can grab your packages as they arrive. They can hold onto them for you until you return. Alternatively, some services offer package lockers, like those found in large shopping centers, where deliveries can be sent for secure pickup later. This avoids leaving tempting items sitting out.
Redirect Expected Deliveries
If you know a big delivery is coming, and you won’t be home, see if you can change the delivery address or schedule. Many online retailers and shipping companies allow you to redirect packages to a different address or a designated pickup point. This is especially useful for larger items or if you won’t have a neighbor available to help. It’s a proactive way to manage your incoming goods and keep your home looking occupied.
Optimize Home Systems for Travel
Before you head out for the holidays, taking a moment to adjust your home’s systems can save you money and prevent potential problems. It’s not just about security; it’s also about smart home management while you’re away.
Adjust Thermostat Settings for Energy Savings
Lowering your thermostat is a simple way to cut down on energy use. For most homes in colder climates, setting it to around 55°F is a good balance. This temperature is low enough to save energy but high enough to help prevent pipes from freezing, which can be a costly disaster. If you have a smart thermostat, you can often set it to an “away” mode directly from your phone. This makes adjustments easy and lets you bring the temperature back up before you arrive home.
Turn Off Non-Essential Electronics
Think about all the things plugged in that don’t need to be on while you’re gone. This includes things like extra TVs, computers, chargers that aren’t in use, and small kitchen appliances. Unplugging these items not only saves electricity but also reduces the risk of damage from power surges. It’s a small step that adds up. You can even use smart plugs to schedule some devices to turn off automatically.
Shut Off Main Water Supply When Necessary
If you’re planning to be away for an extended period, say more than a week, shutting off the main water supply is a smart move. This is a great way to protect your home from potential leaks or burst pipes. If a pipe does happen to break while the water is on, you could come back to a flooded house. Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it is key. For those who want an extra layer of protection, smart water valves can automatically shut off water if they detect a leak, offering peace of mind while you’re away.
Taking these steps before you leave can make a big difference. It’s about being proactive and thinking about what could go wrong, then taking simple measures to stop it before it starts. This kind of preparation means you can relax more on your trip, knowing your home is looked after.
Want a seasonal homeowner checklist? Emily can share her go-to version used by Lago Vista residents.
Maintain a Lived-In Appearance
When you’re away, the goal is to make your home look as normal as possible. A vacant house can be an easy target, so we want to throw off anyone who might be watching. Think of it as creating a subtle illusion that life is still going on inside.
Use Light Timers for Interior and Exterior Lights
This is probably one of the simplest yet most effective tricks. Instead of your house being completely dark every night, timers can switch lights on and off at random intervals, mimicking someone being home. You can set them to turn on in the evening and off later at night. For the outside, consider motion-activated lights, but for a consistent lived-in feel, timers are your best bet. They don’t have to be fancy; basic plug-in timers work just fine for lamps and holiday decorations.
Keep Blinds and Curtains as Usual
It’s tempting to close all your blinds and curtains tight when you leave, thinking you’re securing your valuables. However, this can actually signal that the house is empty. If you normally keep your blinds slightly open or curtains partially drawn during the day, leave them that way. The key is consistency. Don’t change your usual habits drastically just because you’re gone.
Arrange for Yard Maintenance
An overgrown lawn or unkempt garden can be a dead giveaway that no one is home to take care of it. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, especially during the growing season, arrange for someone to mow the lawn or handle basic yard upkeep. Even having a neighbor collect flyers or newspapers that might accumulate on your porch helps maintain the appearance that someone is actively managing the property.
Protect Your Digital Presence
While you’re busy packing and planning fun holiday activities, it’s easy to forget about your digital footprint. But just like you lock your doors, you need to secure your online world too. Keeping your digital life safe is just as important as protecting your physical home.
Avoid Posting Travel Plans on Social Media
It might seem like a fun way to share your excitement, but broadcasting your vacation plans online is a big no-no. Think about it: every post, every check-in, every photo tells the world you’re not home. This is like leaving a sign on your front door saying “empty house, come on in!” Even if your accounts are set to private, there’s always a chance information can get out. It’s best to keep your travel details offline until you’re back. You can share all those amazing holiday snaps later. For now, keep your adventures to yourself until you return. This is a simple step that can make a big difference in preventing unwanted attention to your home while you’re away. Keep travel plans offline.
Update Passwords for Smart Devices and Wi-Fi
Your home is probably filled with smart gadgets these days, from your thermostat to your lights and maybe even your fridge. These devices connect to your Wi-Fi, and if your network isn’t secure, they can become weak points. Before you leave, take a few minutes to change your Wi-Fi password to something strong and unique. Also, go through your smart devices and update their passwords if they have default ones or if you haven’t changed them in a while. This is a good habit to get into anyway, not just for travel. It helps protect your personal information and prevents unauthorized access to your home network. Think of it as changing the locks on your digital doors.
Ensure Security System Apps Are Updated
If you have a security system, you’re likely using an app on your phone to monitor it. Just like any software, these apps get updates to fix bugs and improve security. Before you head out, check your app store to see if there are any updates available for your security system’s app. Installing these updates can patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited. It’s a small task that ensures your remote monitoring capabilities are as robust as possible. Keeping your apps current is part of maintaining a secure home, even when you’re miles away. Digital connectivity has transformed travel, allowing us to maintain our online lives alongside our physical journeys maintain digital lives.
Inform and Enlist Trusted Contacts
Leaving your home unattended for an extended period can feel a bit unsettling. That’s where your network of trusted individuals comes in. Letting the right people know you’ll be away is a simple yet effective way to add an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Notify a Neighbor of Your Travel Dates
This is probably the most straightforward step. Find a neighbor you trust and let them know your exact departure and return dates. They can keep an eye on your place, and it helps create a more watchful neighborhood. It’s a good idea to share your travel plans with a neighbor who is also home for a good portion of the day. They can be your eyes and ears while you’re gone. This also helps them know if any unusual activity around your house is actually just you or a friend stopping by, versus something suspicious. You can also coordinate with them to collect mail and packages, which we’ll cover more later.
Provide Contact Information for Emergencies
Make sure your trusted neighbor or friend has your contact details while you’re away. This includes your cell phone number and perhaps an email address. Also, provide them with contact information for someone else who might be able to help if you’re unreachable – maybe a family member who lives out of town or a close friend. This way, if something unexpected happens, like a minor issue with your home systems or a suspicious event, they have a way to reach you or an alternative contact.
Arrange for a House Sitter if Needed
For longer trips, or if you have pets, consider hiring a house sitter. This person can stay at your home, providing a constant presence that deters potential intruders. They can also handle pet care, plant watering, and general upkeep, making your home look occupied. While this can be an added expense, it offers a high level of security and ensures your home is cared for. There are many services available that can connect you with reliable house sitters if you don’t have someone in your personal circle.
Prepare for Your Return Home
Schedule a Post-Travel Home Inspection
So, you’ve made it back from your trip. It’s tempting to just drop your bags and collapse, but before you do, a quick check of your home is a really good idea. Think of it as a mini-reunion with your house. You want to make sure everything is just as you left it, or at least, that nothing unexpected happened while you were gone. This isn’t about finding fault; it’s about catching small things before they become big headaches.
A walk-through can help you spot any issues that might have popped up, like a leaky faucet you didn’t notice before or a strange smell that needs investigating. It’s a simple step that brings peace of mind after a journey, helping you settle back in without worry. It’s also a good time to check on how your plants are doing if you left them in someone else’s care, or just to see if any mail piled up unexpectedly.
Gradually Restore Water and Check for Leaks
If you decided to shut off the main water supply before you left, turning it back on needs a bit of care. Don’t just crank the valve all the way open. Instead, open it slowly. This helps prevent any sudden pressure surges that could potentially cause a pipe to burst, especially if there were any minor issues you weren’t aware of. As the water starts flowing back into your home’s plumbing, take a walk around and listen. Check under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher. Look for any drips or puddles. Catching a small leak early can save you a lot of hassle and money down the road. It’s a bit like easing back into things after a vacation – no need to rush into anything.
Reset Thermostats and Detectors
Once you’ve confirmed your water is flowing smoothly and without leaks, it’s time to get your home’s climate back to normal. If you adjusted your thermostat for energy savings while you were away, reset it to your usual comfortable temperature. This might take a little while to reach the desired setting, so doing it soon after you get back is best. Also, take a moment to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The batteries might be low, or they could have malfunctioned while you were gone. A quick test ensures they’re working correctly, providing that vital layer of safety for your household. It’s a small task that makes a big difference in keeping your home safe and comfortable as you settle back in. You can find more tips on home maintenance after your trip.
Here’s a quick checklist for your return:
- Walk through each room, checking for any obvious issues.
- Slowly turn the main water valve back on and inspect all plumbing fixtures for leaks.
- Reset your thermostat to your preferred temperature.
- Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check on any plants or pets you may have left in someone’s care.
Getting ready to head back home? We can help make that transition smooth. Let us guide you through finding your perfect place. Visit our website today to start your search!
Travel with Peace of Mind
Holiday travel should be joyful, not stressful. With these simple steps, you can head out confidently knowing your Lago Vista home is well cared for. And if this season has you thinking about buying or selling, Emily Dieckmann Real Estate is here to support you with local expertise and a warm, personalized approach. Start the new year strong. Contact Emily today to begin your Lago Vista home search or discuss the value of your current property.
