Home Security Checklist: 20 Things to Do Before You Go on Holiday

A holiday should be relaxing. That means not spending it worrying about your home. This 20-point checklist covers everything to check, set up, and confirm before you leave — so you can switch off completely once you are away.

Physical Security (Do These First)

1. Lock every door and window — including upstairs windows and skylights. Check twice.
2. Use secondary locks on patio/French doors — a bolt or bar lock in addition to the standard lock.
3. Secure the garage — padlock the garage door track and install the emergency release shield if not already done.
4. Remove spare keys — from under plant pots, in the shed, or anywhere an experienced burglar would check.
5. Cancel deliveries — a pile of undelivered parcels or post is a clear signal that the property is empty.

Security System Checks

6. Test your alarm — arm it, trigger a sensor, confirm the siren and app alert both work.
7. Check sensor batteries — a low-battery sensor may fail before you return.
8. Confirm camera angles — check live view on all cameras before leaving to confirm none have been knocked out of position.
9. Enable motion zones — tighten motion zones to cover your property only, not passing traffic, to avoid notification overload.
10. Activate continuous recording — if your NVR or camera supports it, switch from motion-triggered to continuous recording while you are away.

Smart Home Preparation

11. Set lighting timers — lights on and off at varied times create the appearance of occupancy.
12. Arm your alarm via app — do this after leaving to confirm cellular backup is working.
13. Share camera access — give a trusted neighbour or family member temporary access to your camera app.
14. Brief a trusted neighbour — someone who knows you are away and can respond physically if needed.

Before You Leave the Driveway

15. Check all ground-floor windows one more time.
16. Confirm alarm is armed and app shows all sensors active.
17. Check camera live views one final time.
18. Tell your insurer if you will be away more than 30 days — some policies require notification.
19. Set your smart doorbell to away mode — auto-announce or auto-record all activity.
20. Take a photo of your front door showing it is locked — useful for insurance and peace of mind.

Related guides: holiday home security guide, how to secure a garage, alarm systems hub, video doorbells for away monitoring.