July means long days, pool parties, backyard BBQs, and summer vacations. Vacations can be a wonderful way to relax and enjoy time with your family…but how can you ensure your home and belongings remain safe while you’re away?

Whether you’re traveling for a week or a weekend, protecting your home while you’re away can give you peace of mind—and helps you enjoy your time off worry-free. Here are 7 simple but effective tips to keep your home safe while out of town:

1. Pause mail and packages: A pile-up of packages signals you’re not home. Use USPS’s ‘hold mail’ service or have a trusted friend or neighbor bring packages and mail in daily.
2. Use smart lights: Schedule indoor and outdoor lights to turn on and off automatically while you’re away.
3. Lock everything: Double-check windows, doors, and garage access before you leave. If you have an alarm, make sure it’s set.
4. Don’t overshare on social media: It’s hard to resist the allure of posting pictures promoting your sunny beach vacation, but these posts can create more than just envy—they also alert everyone that you are not home for an extended period of time. Save the vacation posts for after you return.
5. Alert a neighbor: A trusted neighbor who knows you are away can keep an eye on your home, alerting you or the police to any suspicious activity.
6. Set your thermostat wisely: With no one in the house, it’s a great time to conserve energy and save money on your bill, but keep it cool enough to prevent issues like mold.
7. Secure valuables: Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Store jewelry, electronics, and important documents in a safe or secure location, just in case.

A little planning can go a long way towards a worry-free vacation. Enjoy your trip!