Before I leave for vacations, I have a routine that we've always followed that's worked well. If you're headed out for a week or more, there are a few things you might want to consider to make your home not stand out as empty. Making your home look occupied and normal will help deter thieves and keep it safe. Find a checklist on what to do before you leave for vacation at the bottom of the page!

A dark home at 8PM screams "we're not home," and that's the last thing that you want. Simple light timers will do the trick. If you have large bay windows or sliders, close them with a curtain. A stick in the slider track also is a good deterrent. Lights on all day and night is almost as bad as leaving the lights off. Who leaves their lights on all night long? If you have overhead lighting, drag a lamp or two into some of your rooms and attach the light timer to go on and off when you normally turn them on and off.

Stopping your mail is essential for your trip.  A package on your doorstep or a full mailbox is a dead giveaway that you are on vacation and the coast is clear to sneak on in. Have someone pick up your mail for you, or put a stop on your mail at the post office. Also, stop your newspaper delivery or have your neighbors pick it up. A car in the driveway is also a good deterrent.

Nothing turns off thieves like people traffic. If possible, have a housesitter come to your home just to check on things. Let your nephew stop by and watch TV there, or let your sister have the run of the house. It all gives the illusion that you are still home!

Why waste the water while you're away? Turning off your hot water heater and water will save you some cash while you're away. While you're at it, try turning of the air conditioning or turn down the heat.

• Close and lock all windows
• Cancel/stop mail and newspapers
• Set up light timers
• Turn off water and hot water
• Fill bird feeders
• Water plants
• Lock cars if in the driveway
• Prepay bills
• Put TV or radio on timers
• Close shades on windows that allow people to see in
• Leave all valuables out of plain sight
• Have someone else check on the house
• Try to use up old food in the fridge one week before you leave
• Pet sitting
  
• Lock the doors and leave!
  

• Take a Road Trip
• Things to Bring on a Road Trip
• Best Sightseeing in California