Here’s how to make it look like someone is home, even if you’re on the other side of the world.
1. Pause Your Mail and Package Deliveries
The No. 1 tip-off that nobody’s home? A porch full of packages. The U.S. Postal Service will hold your mail for free for up to 30 days — all you need to do is schedule it online. For packages, hold off on online shopping before your trip, or ask a neighbor to collect any deliveries until you return.
2. Put Lights on a Schedule
Leaving your home in pitch-black darkness night after night is a dead giveaway to anyone casing your neighborhood. Smart plugs and basic light timers are an affordable, easy way to trick passersby. Program a lamp or two to turn on at dusk and shut off around your usual bedtime, varying the times slightly each day. Some smart home systems have a “vacation mode” that randomizes your lighting automatically.
3. Ask a Neighbor To Help
A trusted neighbor or friend is worth their weight in gold. Ask them to keep an eye on the house and let you know if they notice anything unusual. Even better? See if they’re willing to take in packages, toss any flyers left at your door, and put your trash bins out and back in on collection day. You could also ask a multicar neighbor to occasionally park one of their vehicles in your empty driveway — faking a full house can be a major deterrent.
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4. Tend to Landscaping Before You Leave
An overgrown lawn is a clear sign the household’s routine has been interrupted. Before you pack your bags, mow, edge, and tidy up. For longer trips, consider hiring a landscaping service to mow while you’re gone. In winter, the same logic applies to snow: An unshoveled walk after a storm is a red flag and also may earn you a fine from your city. Line up a neighbor, a teenager hungry to make some cash, or a professional service in case Old Man Winter rolls through.
5. Consider a Security System — Or Just the Appearance of One
Visible security cameras and alarm system signage are obvious deterrents. If you already have a system, make sure it’s active and that a trusted contact has your information. If you don’t have one yet, now is a great time to install a video doorbell or motion-sensor camera. High-quality options are widely available with no monthly fee, and they’ll send an alert straight to your phone if anyone approaches your property. Even a fake home security sign can make a burglar think twice. A University of North Carolina study that surveyed incarcerated burglars found that 25% of them would walk away from a home simply because it displayed a security sign.
6. Add Smart Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor motion-sensor lights do double duty, illuminating anyone approaching your home at night while also suggesting that someone is inside responding to movement. If you have outdoor light fixtures, you can use smart LED light bulbs scheduled to switch on and off throughout the evening. Just make sure they are rated for outdoor use, or designated for wet or damp locations.
7. Play Music on a Smart Speaker
Most smart speakers can be scheduled to play music or a talk radio station at set times throughout the day. It’s a simple trick, but audible activity goes a long way. Set the volume high enough to be noticeable from outside your door (but not so loud that it would annoy your neighbors) and vary the timing so it doesn’t sound like clockwork.
8. Leave Some Blinds Open
Few things shout “nobody’s home” more than a house with every single blind tightly shut, especially during the day. Closing every window covering is a loud signal to anyone watching that the home is vacant. Instead, keep heavy drapes parted but leave sheer under-curtains drawn, or simply tilt the blinds upward to let in light while blocking a clear view of the interior. Additionally, many brands of motorized shades and blinds can be put on a schedule using a dedicated app or smart home platform.
9. Hire a Housesitter
The most foolproof option of all: Have someone actually stay at your home. A housesitter eliminates the need to coordinate most of the above, and adds the bonus of someone who can water plants, collect mail, and handle anything unexpected. (Why is it that pipes tend to burst when no one’s home?) It’ll give you true peace of mind.
