Traveling for the Holidays? Here’s How to Secure Your Home Before You Leave

The holidays are a time for family, celebrations, and travel—but they’re also one of the busiest seasons for home burglaries. Criminals look for easy targets: houses that appear empty, valuables left unsecured, and inconsistent security habits.
Whether you’re leaving for a long weekend or an extended trip, the right preparation can make all the difference in keeping your home—and everything in it—protected.
At Blue Dot Safes, we are a trusted expert in residential security, helping homeowners safeguard their valuables year-round with reliable, high-quality safes designed for burglary and fire protection. Before you pack your bags, make sure your home security checklist is complete.
1. Secure Your Most Important Valuables in a Safe
A strong safe is one of the most effective ways to protect what matters when you’re away.
Choose the right safe based on what you’re storing:
- Fire & Burglary Safes – Ideal for documents, jewelry, passports, and personal files.
- High Security Safes – Best for high-value items such as cash reserves, collectibles, watches, and heirlooms.
- Utility Safes – Great for storing keys, electronics, medication, and smaller items.
- Floor Safes – Provide concealed, long-term protection that’s difficult for intruders to access or remove.
Pro Tip: If you use a safe with a digital lock, replace the keypad battery before traveling to prevent unexpected lockouts.
2. Don’t Leave Cash or Small Valuables in the Open
Most burglars grab items that are fast and easy to take.
Before you leave:
- Lock jewelry, watches, and accessories inside a secure safe.
- Avoid leaving gift cards, holiday cash, or small electronics visible.
- Keep backup keys, car fobs, and important documents locked away.
The goal is to eliminate “quick grab” opportunities.
3. Make Your Home Look Occupied
Burglars often target homes that appear empty.
Take these simple steps:
- Use timers to turn interior lights on and off at realistic intervals.
- Pause mail and package deliveries—or have someone you trust pick them up.
- Keep a car parked in the driveway if possible.
- Avoid posting travel plans on social media until you’re back home.
Small details go a long way in preventing your home from becoming a target.
4. Strengthen Entry Points
Before you leave, walk through your home and check:
- All doors are locked, including back doors, garage entries, and side gates.
- Windows are closed and latched.
- Sliding doors have a floor bar or security pin.
- Close and lock doggie doors.
- Outdoor lighting is set to motion detection mode.
These are simple fixes that dramatically reduce break-in risk.
5. Update and Test Your Security Devices
A home’s alarm system is your first line of defense—but only if it’s working properly.
Make sure to:
- Test the alarm system before leaving.
- Replace old alarm panel or keypad batteries.
- Ensure cameras are functioning and have clear visibility.
- Confirm that alarm contacts on safe doors and entry points are connected.
- Notify your alarm company that you will be away and ask them to monitor for any unexpected entry.
If your home safe is tied into a monitoring system, verify that it’s communicating properly.
6. Tell a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Ask someone you trust to:
- Keep an eye on your home.
- Move trash cans after pickup.
- Report suspicious activity.
- Enter the home only if absolutely necessary—and never give out your safe code.
This adds a valuable human layer of security.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation
Holiday travel should be stress-free—not overshadowed by security worries.
By securing valuables in a Fire & Burglary Safe, Utility Safe, High Security Safe, or Floor Safe, tightening up your home’s exterior defenses, and ensuring your alarm system is fully functional, you drastically reduce the chances of theft while you’re away.
Need Help Choosing the Right Home Safe Before You Travel?
Our team can recommend the best American-made safe based on your home’s size, security needs, and budget.
📞 Call us at (866) 747-7233
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Explore solutions at bluedotsafes.com
Built in America. Trusted by professionals. Secure by design.




