Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend getaway or an extended holiday, properly preparing your home before you leave can make all the difference in safeguarding your property and giving you peace of mind. This comprehensive checklist covers the key steps every Australian homeowner should take to ensure their home is secure, energy-efficient, and well-maintained in their absence. From locking down doors and windows to setting up smart notifications on your phone, you’ll find everything you need to reduce the risk of break-ins, accidents, and other common mishaps while you’re away.

1. Check Doors and Windows

• Lock All Entry Points: Ensure all exterior doors are locked, including any internal door to the garage. Double-check sliding doors and windows.
• Use Deadbolts and Reinforcements: If available, engage deadbolts or use door reinforcement bars for extra security.
• Close and Lock Windows: Don’t forget bathroom or basement windows, which are often overlooked.
• Secure Pet Doors: If you have a pet door, lock or block it when you’re away for extended periods.

2. Security Systems

• Arm the Alarm: Set your home security system to “away” mode. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to arm and disarm it.
• Check Cameras & Motion Detectors: Confirm your cameras are functioning, lenses are clean, and motion detectors are active. We install some of the best cameras on the market. For added peace of mind while you’re away, we recommend any camera with the three-in-one capabilities such as two way audio, strobe light, perimeter configuration and audio alerts. View all packages here.
• Enable Smart Notifications: If your system offers mobile alerts, turn them on so you’re notified of any unusual activity.

3. Lights and Electronics

• Use Timers or Smart Lighting: Set a few indoor and outdoor lights on timers or smart plugs to create the impression that someone is home.
• Unplug Non-Essential Electronics: TVs, chargers, gaming consoles, and small appliances can be unplugged to save energy and reduce fire risk.
• Turn Off or Unplug Heaters: Ensure any portable heaters are off and unplugged to prevent accidents.

4. Heating, Cooling, and Water

• Adjust Thermostat: Set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. If you have a smart thermostat, use its “holiday mode” (sometimes called “vacation mode”).
• Shut Off Water (If Away Long-Term): Turning off the main water supply helps prevent leaks or flooding while you’re gone.
• Switch Off or Adjust Water Heater: If you’ll be away for a considerable time, place your water heater on holiday mode or reduce its temperature.

5. Kitchen and Pantry

• Clear Out Perishables: Dispose of or refrigerate any foods that could spoil.
• Empty the Rubbish Bin: Prevent odours by emptying the kitchen bin before leaving.
• Confirm Stove/Oven is Off: Double-check all burners and the oven.
• Secure Dishwasher and Washing Machine: Make sure no water is left standing and that both appliances are fully off.

6. Valuables and Documents

• Lock Up Jewellery and Valuables: Store important items in a home safe or a hidden, secure spot.
• Secure Sensitive Documents: Keep passports, financial paperwork, and personal documents locked away.

7. Mail and Deliveries

• Hold Your Mail: If you’re away more than a few days, organise for Australia Post to hold your mail.
• Pause Newspaper Delivery: Cancel or pause any physical newspaper subscriptions.
• Notify Neighbours: Ask a trusted neighbour to pick up any unexpected flyers or parcels that might arrive.

8. Vehicle and Garage

• Lock All Vehicles: Even if they’re parked in a locked garage, keep them locked.
• Remove Garage Door Openers from Cars: Don’t leave openers in vehicles parked outside.
• Double-Check the Garage Door: Ensure it’s fully closed and secured.

9. Outdoor Security

• Secure Gates and Fences: Lock backyard gates or side entrances.
• Arrange Yard Maintenance: If you’ll be gone for a while, organise lawn mowing or garden upkeep so your home doesn’t appear unoccupied.
• Put Away Tools and Ladders: Don’t leave anything out that could help a burglar access higher windows or doors.

10. Pets and Plants

• Arrange Pet Care: Contact a trusted friend, neighbour, or professional pet sitter if needed.
• Watering System for Plants: Set up automated sprinklers or ask someone to water them while you’re away.

11. Digital Security

• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Use a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
• Enable Remote Monitoring Apps: For smart cameras, doorbells, or alarms, ensure you can check them remotely via your phone.

12. Final Walk-Through

• Check All Rooms: Confirm windows are closed, valuables are hidden, and appliances are off.
• Close Blinds or Curtains: Make sure the interior isn’t easily visible from outside.
• Set an Auto-Responder (Optional): If you’ll be out of contact, set up an email auto-responder. Avoid publicly stating that you’re away for security reasons.

13. Community Involvement

• Neighbourhood Watch: If you have a local Neighbourhood Watch group, let them know you’ll be away so they can keep an eye on your property.
• Emergency Contacts: Share your contact details with a trusted neighbour or friend, just in case.

Bonus Tips

• Use a Physical or Digital Checklist: Tick items off as you go, so you don’t miss anything.
• No Spare Keys in Obvious Places: Avoid hiding keys under doormats or in pot plants. Instead, leave a spare with a trusted friend or neighbour.
• Social Media Caution: Hold off on sharing holiday snaps until you’re back, so you don’t advertise an empty home.