How to Secure Your Home While You’re on Holiday – Hertfordshire Residents’ Guide

Heading off on holiday should feel relaxing, not stressful. This guide looks at simple, practical steps Hertfordshire residents can take to keep their homes safe while they’re away. Nothing technical, nothing dramatic, only clear actions that reduce the chance of problems.

Why home security matters when you’re away

Empty homes are more noticeable than many people realise. A dark house, an overflowing letterbox, or curtains left in the same position for days can all draw attention. The aim is to make your home look lived-in and harder to access.

Start with the basics

Check all doors and windows

It sounds obvious, but it is easy to overlook a small bathroom window or side door. Go room to room and check:

• Windows are closed and locked
• Patio and garage doors are secure
• Any spare keys are removed from visible places

Use timers for lights

A simple plug-in timer can create the appearance of someone being at home. Set a few lights to turn on and off at realistic times, rather than leaving everything dark.

Keep valuables out of sight

Move laptops, tablets, jewellery, and car keys away from windows. If possible, place them in a cupboard or safe.

Make your home look lived-in

Ask a neighbour or friend for help

A trusted neighbour can be one of your strongest forms of home security. They can:

• Move post away from the front door
• Put bins out and bring them back in
• Park a car on your drive
• Keep an eye out for anything unusual

This is especially handy in Hertfordshire villages and quieter suburbs where changes are easier to spot.

Keep curtains and blinds in natural positions

Closed curtains during the day suggest nobody is home. Leave them as they usually are.

Avoid posting holiday updates online

It may feel tempting, but sharing your location while you’re away can signal that your home is empty. Save your photos for when you’re back.

Strengthen your home before you go

Review your locks

If your locks are old or feel loose, consider replacing them with newer, more secure models. Speak to a local locksmith if needed.

Check alarms and cameras

If you have a home alarm, test it. If you use cameras, ensure they are working, recording properly, and you have access from your phone. Even a basic video doorbell can help.

Secure garden areas

Sheds and garages often contain tools that could be used to force access.

• Lock sheds with a sturdy padlock
• Put tools out of sight
• Make sure gates close properly

Consider light sensors

Outdoor sensor lights near entrances can put people off approaching the property at night.

Think ahead about deliveries and post

Pause regular deliveries

If you receive milk, newspapers, or subscription boxes, pause them until you are home.

Avoid parcel deliveries

Try not to order anything close to your departure date. Parcels left outside can draw attention.

Use Royal Mail Keepsafe

Royal Mail offers a Keepsafe service that holds your post for a set period. This prevents letters building up at the door.

Prepare your home inside

Unplug appliances

Unplug non-essential appliances like televisions, printers, and small kitchen devices. This reduces fire risk and saves energy.

Turn off the water at the stopcock

This helps avoid leaks while you are away. If you are travelling in winter, consider leaving heating on a low setting to prevent pipes freezing.

Store keys sensibly

Do not leave keys anywhere visible. Key safes mounted outside are safer than hiding a key under a plant pot.

If you are away for several weeks

If your trip is longer, take a few extra steps:

• Arrange for someone to visit the house occasionally
• Have the lawn cut if it grows noticeably
• Rotate lights or timers so the pattern changes
• Ask someone to open and close curtains at natural times

Small changes make your home look lived-in and reduce the chances of problems.

A quick checklist before you leave

• All windows and doors locked
• Alarm set
• Lights on timers
• Post managed
• Appliances unplugged
• Garden secured
• Neighbour informed
• No holiday posts online
• Keys stored safely

Need support as a Hertfordshire homeowner?

If you run a local Hertfordshire business and need help improving your online presence, feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to share practical ideas to help more residents find and trust your services.