photo : Andrew2410

Like us, I'm sure you don't have a sign like this at the front of your house or a ferocious guard dog to back it up! So, here's how to protect your home when you're on holidays ...

1) Tell a few of your trusted neighbours
*when you're leaving and coming back
*leave them contact details of who to get in touch with if something happens to your house
* ask them to collect your mail
* to put out the rubbish bins if you're going to miss the rubbish pick up (the bins might be a bit too smelly if they are left there for a couple of weeks!)

2) Cancel your usual deliveries and services
* deliveries such as milk, paper etc. It will be obvious that there is no-one home if there are piles of newspapers on the drive
* services such as your house cleaner, child care, the kids extra curricular activities, dog walker etc

3) To look as though you are home
* put lights on timer switches so it automatically comes on at a certain time
* ask someone to house sit even if its on the weekends or a couple of nights over the time that you're away
* if possible leave a car in the drive - ask friends or family if you don't have a second car
* get someone to mow your lawns
* someone once told me - hang out washing on the clothes line to look as though you are home ... a great tip!

Next week, I will be posting Part 2 of Preparing your home.