10 ways to keep your home safe if you're heading off on holiday (without spending a penny)

Going on holiday should mean switching off, not worrying about what’s happening back at home.

You might think keeping your home safe while you’re away means spending money on a smart doorbell or a new alarm. But some of the most useful things you can do cost absolutely nothing.

And it’s not only about keeping burglars out. A little preparation can help you avoid problems that could leave you with an unexpected bill when you get home.

Here are 10 things worth doing before you lock the door and head to the airport.

1. Don't announce your holiday online

It’s tempting to share the excitement as soon as you’re on your way to the airport. But that photo from the departure lounge also tells people that your home is empty.

The same goes for checking in at your hotel or posting pictures from the beach while you're still away.

Even if your social media accounts are private, it’s worth having a quick look at who can see what you post. You can always share the photos when you’re home.

It’s a simple change that costs nothing and means you’re not broadcasting an empty house.

2. Don't let the bins give you away

An overflowing bin can be a surprisingly useful clue that nobody is home.

If your collection falls while you’re away, ask someone you trust to put the bin out and bring it back in. You could return the favour when they go away.

And think about what you're putting in the recycling before you leave. If you've just bought an expensive TV or laptop, don't leave the box sitting outside for everyone to see. Break it down and put it inside the recycling bin if you can.

3. Stop parcels piling up

A parcel left outside your front door for several days doesn't just create a tempting target. It can also make it fairly obvious that nobody is home.

If you're expecting something while you're away, see whether you can change the delivery date. If that's not possible, ask a neighbour or friend if they can take it in.

It's a small bit of planning that could save you the cost and hassle of replacing something that's gone missing.

4. Make your curtains look normal

You might think closing all your curtains before leaving makes your home more secure. But if they're normally open during the day and suddenly stay shut for two weeks, that can be a giveaway.

If you have a neighbour you trust, ask them to open or close them while you're away. They don't need to make your house look occupied every minute. The aim is simply to avoid it looking completely untouched.

If you have blinds or curtains that can be controlled remotely, it's also worth checking the settings before you leave rather than assuming they'll behave the way you think they will.

5. Think about where your car is parked

If your car normally sits on the drive, leaving it in exactly the same position throughout your holiday can be another small sign that nobody is around.

If you have someone nearby you trust, you could ask them to use the space occasionally.

If you're leaving your car at home, take a quick look inside before you go. Don't leave anything valuable on the seats or in view, and make sure the car is locked.

You don't need to buy anything to make a difference. Sometimes it's just about making your home look lived in.

6. Check what your smart home is revealing

Smart technology can be useful while you're away, but it's worth checking what you've got set up before you leave.

If your lights are controlled by an app, for example, make sure they're doing what you expect. The same applies to automated blinds or anything else that changes the appearance of your home.

It's also a good opportunity to check the privacy settings on connected devices.

You don't need to create an elaborate simulation of someone being at home. Just make sure your technology isn't accidentally making your absence more obvious.

7. Be careful where you leave spare keys

If someone needs access to your home while you're away, give a spare key to someone you trust.

The plant pot, the shed and the back of the wheelie bin might feel like clever hiding places, but they're not particularly clever if someone is looking for them.

If you've previously given a spare key to somebody who no longer needs access, make sure you've got it back.

And if you're worried about losing your own key while travelling, don't hide another one outside as a backup. Give it to someone you know well instead.

8. Check your home insurance before you go

This is one of the less exciting jobs before a holiday, but it could be one of the most valuable.

If you're going away for an extended period, check your home insurance policy for any conditions about leaving your property unoccupied.

Some policies have specific requirements once a home has been empty for a certain amount of time. Exactly what applies will depend on your policy, so don't assume you're automatically covered in the same way while you're away.

A few minutes reading the small print now could prevent a very expensive surprise later.

9. Deal with bills before you switch off

Your holiday might be paid for, but your household bills don't stop while you're away.

Before you leave, check what's due while you're gone and make sure there's enough money in your account for any regular payments.

It can also be useful to check whether you're expecting an important letter or bill that might need action while you're away. If you have someone collecting your post, ask them to let you know if anything needs your attention.

It’s easy to forget about the admin when you're thinking about passports and packing. But sorting it before you go can help you avoid coming home to a missed payment or an unexpected problem.

10. Take five minutes to think like a burglar

Before you leave, stand outside your home and look at it as if you've never seen it before.

What tells you that nobody is home?

Maybe it's the post sticking out of the letterbox. Perhaps there's something expensive visible through a window. Or you've suddenly noticed that a side gate doesn't lock properly.

This is also the time for one final walk around the property. Check the windows and doors are locked, secure the shed and garage, and put away anything in the garden that could be used to cause damage.

You don't need specialist equipment. You're just looking for the things you might normally overlook because you see them every day.