The holiday season is a time to celebrate, reconnect with far-off loved ones, and even explore new destinations.

But while you’re away making memories, don’t let worries about your home cast a shadow over your fun. By taking a few simple precautions to safeguard your home and belongings, you can better ensure your peace of mind during your trip.

 Protect your property

Before you embark on your holiday adventure, take steps to secure your home. First, inform a trusted neighbor about your travel plans, including your departure and return dates. Ask them to keep an eye on your exterior, letting you know if they spot any suspicious activity or issues like a leaking outdoor faucet.

Then the day of your travels, walk through your home and check that every exterior door and window is locked. If you have a security system, put it in Away mode right before leaving your home. And as an extra precaution, consider using timers for a few indoor and outdoor lights to give the appearance that the property is occupied, helping to deter would-be burglars.

Manage mail and package

Piled up mail is a sure sign that you’re away, so contact your local post office to hold your mail and packages for the duration of your trip. Additionally, pause any subscriptions, such as for a meal kit, and monitor your other expected deliveries. If anything is set to arrive in your absence, you can always ask your neighbor to hold onto it until you’re back in town.

Arrange for pet care

For furry companions, arrange for their care in advance, either boarding them at a reputable facility, having a loved one stay with or check in on them, or hiring a pet sitter. For the latter two, make sure to have them come to your house a few days before your trip so you can walk through your pet’s routine and show them where any essential supplies like food and leashes are stored. As a bonus, they can also watch out for any potential issues inside your home.

Safeguard against freezing temperatures

In case of low temperatures, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any pipes that could potentially freeze. You may even want to shut off your home’s main water supply (unless you’re hiring a house or pet sitter). And though it may be tempting to turn your thermostat off to save costs, instead simply lower the temperature to 55 degrees—65 degrees if you’re leaving behind pets—to help conserve energy while keeping the inside warm.

Unplug electronic devices

Speaking of conserving energy, take a moment to unplug nonessential electronic gadgets like TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances. These can draw phantom power even when turned off, leading to unnecessary energy costs. More importantly, this step helps reduce the risk of electrical fires in your absence. For essential devices like your Wi-Fi router, use surge protectors to safeguard them from power surges caused by winter storms.

Hide your valuables

If you haven’t already, be sure to store valuable items like jewelry, documents, and small electronics in a fireproof and waterproof safe somewhere in your home, such as your bedroom closet. It’s important to avoid leaving expensive items in plain sight of windows since this could tempt potential burglars.

Protecting your home while you’re away on holiday is essential for reducing the risk of an incident, allowing you to better focus on enjoying your vacation. For an added layer of protection, connect with a homeowners insurance agent to review your policy and ensure that you have the right coverage in place. They can help you understand your options, recommend updates, and provide advice tailored to your unique situation.