Leaving for Vacation? Here’s How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Summer travel season is here, and whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family, or taking a much-needed getaway, the last thing you want is to spend your vacation worrying about your home back in Central Texas.

Before packing your bags, take a little extra time to prepare your home so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Here are some simple but important ways to help protect your home while you’re away.

1. Adjust Your Thermostat — But Don’t Turn It Off

Texas summers are no joke. While it may be tempting to completely shut your AC off to save money, that can actually create bigger problems.

Keeping your thermostat set around 78–82 degrees can help:

Prevent excessive humidity
Protect wood furniture and flooring
Reduce strain on your HVAC system
Help avoid mold or moisture issues

If you have a smart thermostat, even better! You can monitor and adjust temperatures right from your phone.

2. Put Lights on Timers

A dark house for several days can be an obvious sign that nobody is home.

Using automatic timers for lamps or exterior lighting helps make your home appear occupied. Focus on:

Entryways
Living rooms
Exterior porch lights

Smart bulbs and plugs make this easier than ever and can usually be controlled remotely.

3. Pause Deliveries and Mail

Overflowing mailboxes and packages sitting on the porch can quickly attract unwanted attention.

Before leaving:

Place a temporary hold on mail
Pause Amazon or grocery deliveries
Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home

If possible, have someone periodically move trash cans, park in your driveway, or simply make the home look lived in.

4. Don’t Announce Your Vacation in Real Time

We all love sharing vacation photos, but posting that you’re out of town while your home is sitting empty may not be the safest idea.

Instead:

Wait until you return home to post travel updates
Avoid public check-ins
Keep location sharing limited

A little privacy can go a long way in protecting your home.

5. Check Your Water and Appliances

One small leak can turn into a major issue while you’re away.

Before leaving:

Check under sinks for leaks
Run the dishwasher and washing machine beforehand
Consider shutting off your home’s main water valve if you’ll be gone for an extended period
Unplug unnecessary electronics

It’s also a great idea to test smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.

6. Don’t Forget About Your Yard

Central Texas heat can make an unattended yard look neglected very quickly.

Arrange for:

Lawn care
Watering plants
Pool maintenance if applicable

Keeping the exterior maintained not only protects your property, but also helps your home continue looking occupied.

7. Secure Doors, Windows, and Garages

Before leaving, do one final walkthrough of your home.

Double check:

Door locks
Window locks
Garage doors
Fence gates
Security systems and cameras

If you have outdoor valuables, such as tools or bicycles, store them securely before heading out.

Enjoy Your Vacation With Peace of Mind

A little preparation before leaving can save you from major stress later. Protecting your home while you travel helps ensure you return to everything exactly the way you left it.

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or have owned a home for years, seasonal home care matters — especially during the hot Central Texas summer months.

Stay safe, enjoy your vacation, and as always, if you ever have questions about homeownership, buying, or selling in Central Texas, I’m always happy to help.

—
Hannah Hannes
Broker Associate | Coldwell Banker Realty
Serving Killeen, Harker Heights, Belton, Temple, and surrounding Central Texas areas