Tips for Securing Your Apartment While You’re on Vacation

Prep Your Apartment Ahead of Time

Ease your return from vacation by organizing and cleaning your apartment before you leave. Make a list of chores that covers the inside of your apartment, your patio or balcony and your vehicle.

To-dos to remember:

• Wash dishes and do your laundry to avoid lingering smells.
• Throw away outdated and spoiled food.
• Take out the trash.
• Secure important possessions and documents in a safe or discreet place.
• Take valuable belongings out of your vehicle or place them in the trunk.
• Park your vehicle away from trees and other structures to avoid falling objects during inclement weather.
• Cover or store outdoor furniture, grills and other items on your patio or balcony.
• Remove and store spare keys if you’ve hidden them outside.

Don’t Announce Your Trip on Social Media

You may want to share your excitement about your upcoming trip on social media, but that signals your apartment is vacant and vulnerable. Posting about your absence online is an indicator to would-be thieves that it’s a perfect time to target your home.

Only share your itinerary with your family, friends and trusted neighbors. Wait to make updates and share photos on your accounts until you’ve returned from your trip.

Secure All Entry Points Before Leaving

Lock all windows and doors, especially if you live on the ground floor. Contact your landlord or property manager if any of them are damaged or jammed, so you can safeguard your space before you leave.

Latch sliding doors and place a stick or security bar on the track for an added layer of protection. Lock the internal door from your garage to your apartment if you have an attached unit. Move your valuables away from doors and windows and pull the shades or blinds to prevent prying eyes from peeking into your home.

Find a Reliable Apartment Sitter

Having someone present in your apartment may make potential intruders think twice about trying to break in. An apartment sitter can also help with cleaning, pet care, mail collection and plant watering. You may need to notify your property management team that you’ll have a guest watching your apartment so they’re aware of who’s coming and going.

Invest in a Remote Monitoring System

Keeping an eye on your apartment from afar can put your mind at ease. There are various video and remote monitoring systems to help you keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Some options are simple video cameras that allow you to see what’s going on via a mobile app. Others are more comprehensive security systems with communication features and motion sensor notifications.

Hold Mail and Deliveries

Letting mail and packages pile up in your box or outside your front door increases your risk of theft or fraud. Ask your landlord or property manager if they can collect and hold your mail and deliveries in their office. You can also put a hold on your mail by notifying the post office and indicating when to resume service.

Apartments and Townhouses in Columbus, Ohio

Whether you want to have your own space or rent with a roommate, you’ll find a place to call home at Ardent Communities. We offer single and multi-bedroom apartments and townhouses in and around Columbus, Ohio that are conveniently located near shopping, dining and entertainment. Contact us to schedule a tour.