Here are some basic safety and security tips while you are away for the Holidays. If you can find a friend or neighbor to house sit that is always the best, but if not here are some simple things to do.
Put a hold on your mail by contacting the USPS.com and filling out a hold mail form online.
Use an automatic light timer programmed to go on and off at various times of the night. You can also program your radio or tv to turn on and off at night.
Put a hold on the newspaper.
Ask a neighbor to watch your front porch for any deliveries or have them delivered to your office.
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Use the manual lock on your garage, most people don't realize that is the only real way to secure your garage.
Alert a neighbor that you will be gone, and make sure they know how to work your alarm. It doesn't hurt to give them an extra key in case of an emergency.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances.
A neighbor can also water any indoor plants or feed fish.
Lock away all personal and financial documents (ones with account numbers).
Store jewelry in a safe if you have one, along with the documents.
Put a pair of mens tennis shoes by the back door (Big Ones!). I learned this tip a long time ago. Especially, if you're single, do it year round for that matter. It gives the impression that a man lives there.
Make sure your lawn and bushes are manicured, whether is hot or cold, pay a teen to shovel a trail to your door to make it look like it's being used.
Padlock all gates.
If you live in a two story, close blinds downstairs, and open the ones upstairs.
Don't post plans on Social Networks.
Set an out-of-office reply, not one that says you're on vacation.
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Redesign Etc. of Houston is a Full-Service real estate staging company. We stage vacant, occupied, builders specs, condos, townhomes, vacation rentals and commercial property. We offer furniture & accessory rentals at competitive rates. Insured & Incorporated with the State of TX.
Owner, Cindy Bryant has earned the RESA-PROTM designation, holding professional home stagers to the highest industry standards, ethics, integrity and proficiency in staging techniques while protecting Homeowners and Real Estate Agents.
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Thanks for the tips. And the points. LOL. I would add something to the conversation but it's 1 in the morning. HAHAHA Have a good one. (at least I'm honest)
Love the male tennis shoe idea! Thanks, Cindy.
Nathan-Thanks for stopping by..Good Night!
Barb-A great tip, can't remember who told me about that one.
Don't post plans on social networks...ah hah, we become so familiar sometimes that we forget the world gets to read these posts. Good tips Cindy.
Terrylynn-True, I've been guilty of that one too!
Cindy ~ I've noticed when viewing homes for sale that you can tell if a man lives there by looking in the master bedroom closet....it's a dead giveaway. Single women should hang men's clothes and add some shoes to the closet too, when your home is on the market!
You had me until don't post plans on social networks. Darn you Facebook! haha