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July
10
10
Home Security Tips for Summer Vacationers in Chicagoland
If you have plans to go away for summer vacation this year, then it's essential to take some home security measures before you depart. You'll enjoy your days of fun and sun even more if you know your home back in Chicago is safe and secure. Our real estate agents are here to share some easy tips for summer home security.
- Stay away from social media.
Excited to share all your vacation photos with the world? Instead of doing it in real time, wait until you get back to share all those Insta-worthy snapshots. Announcing your vacation and sharing its progress on social media essentially lets the whole world know that you're away from home, which could be seen as an invitation for the wrong kind of house guest. - Hit 'pause' on deliveries.
Junk mail and Amazon boxes piling up on your porch send a message that your home is not being checked on. Reach out to the post office so they can hold on to mail and newspapers, and avoid ordering any packages that will be dropped off while you're out of town. - Tend to the lawn and trash.
If you're going to be away for a week or more, hire someone to mow the lawn and take your trash and recycling containers out to the curb. This will help your house appear tidy and well-kept while it's empty. - Inventory your valuables.
While it isn't much fun to think about worst-case scenarios, it's wise to consider the possibility that a break-in and theft will occur. With that in mind, create an inventory of your valuables, being sure to include serial numbers and photos. If the worst should occur, having this information saved will make it much easier to file an insurance claim on stolen items. - Leave a timer light on.
Have at least one light inside your house (and ideally one outdoor light) on a timer so it can be turned on during evening hours and create the appearance of someone being home. - Ask a friend to move your car.
If you're leaving your vehicle behind when you go on vacation, ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to move it around your street. This will make it look like you're still coming and going every day, plus you'll avoid tickets if you live on a street with alternate side parking. - Leave the shades open.
If you typically leave your shades or window blinds open on a regular day, continue to do so when you're away on vacation. Having the curtains closed 24 hours a day is a clear sign that nobody's home. - Get a house sitter.
Asking someone to look after your house while you're gone checks a lot of boxes. A house sitter can water your plants, make sure your pets are taken care of, collect packages off the porch, and generally make sure your residence is safe and looked after. Pay someone to stay overnight while you're gone, or just ask them to check in daily—either way, it will keep your property more secure. - Invest in home security.
At the end of the day, few things keep your house safe better than a robust home security system. Modern smart technology, including smart locks, motion sensors, and cameras, can send updates right to your smartphone, letting you know that all is well while you sip margaritas on a beach far, far away.
Contact us today to learn more about homeownership in Chicagoland. Our real estate agents are here to help find your dream home in any of Chicago's beautiful neighborhoods.
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