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Whether you are leaving for a holiday visit, a weekend getaway, or a longer trip, a little preparation can help protect your home while you are away. Before heading out, take time to secure the property, reduce the chance of water or electrical issues, and make the house look lived in.
For homeowners across Abbeville, Erath, Youngsville, Lafayette, Kaplan, Delcambre, and nearby Louisiana communities, these simple steps can provide added peace of mind. A careful pre-trip routine can help limit common problems and let you focus on enjoying time away.
Lock Down Every Access Point
Start with a complete check of your home’s entry points. It is easy to lock the front door and still miss a side entrance, garage door, gate, or window that is not used every day.
Before leaving, walk around the outside of the property and check all first-floor windows, doors, and garage access points. This brief inspection can help remove easy opportunities for someone to enter an unoccupied home.
Help Avoid Water Damage While You Are Away
Break-ins are often the first concern when people travel, but an unnoticed plumbing leak can cause just as much disruption—and sometimes far more expensive damage. Even a small leak can become a serious cleanup if it continues for several days.
If you will be gone for more than a few days, consider turning off the main water supply before you leave. When that is not practical, disconnect the water supply to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker to help lower the risk of a leak.
Taking a few minutes to prepare your plumbing can make a major difference when you return home. It is one practical way to help protect the property covered by your home insurance.
Give Your Home a Lived-In Look
A home that stays completely dark night after night can make it apparent that nobody is there. Creating the appearance of normal activity is a straightforward way to make an empty house less noticeable.
Timers for indoor lamps and porch lights can create a more natural evening lighting routine. This affordable precaution lets lights turn on and off without requiring someone to be inside the home.
It is a small step, but it can bring extra confidence while you travel. A home that appears occupied is less likely to draw unwanted attention.
Ask Someone You Trust to Check In
Home technology can alert you to certain concerns, but it cannot bring in a delivery, roll a trash bin back from the curb, or take a closer look at unusual activity. A trusted neighbor, friend, or family member can provide support that technology alone cannot.
Let someone nearby know that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye on the property. They can retrieve packages, move bins after collection day, and watch for concerns such as storm damage or a light that has been left on unexpectedly.
Having a person nearby who knows your plans can be especially helpful for Louisiana homeowners, particularly when changing weather creates an unexpected issue. It also gives you someone to contact quickly if you receive an alert while traveling.
Keep Mail and Deliveries From Building Up
A full mailbox or packages left on the porch can quickly indicate that a house has been vacant for a while. Managing deliveries before a trip helps maintain the appearance that someone is still coming and going from the property.
Arrange for mail to be held through the USPS Hold Mail service before you leave. If you expect packages during your trip, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to bring them inside until you return.
These small details can make your home look cared for throughout your time away. They also help prevent packages from sitting outside longer than necessary.
Unplug What Does Not Need Power
Before you leave, unplug electronics and appliances that do not need to stay connected. This is a simple precaution that can help reduce electrical risks while the home is empty.
Countertop appliances, hair tools, chargers, and portable heaters are all items worth checking. Unplugging them can reduce the chance of an electrical issue and gives you one less thing to worry about during your trip.
A final walkthrough before locking the door can help ensure that unnecessary items are powered down. Add this task to your travel checklist along with checking windows, doors, water connections, and lights.
A Few Precautions Can Protect Your Peace of Mind
Travel should be a chance to relax, spend time with the people who matter to you, and make good memories—not a time to worry constantly about what may be happening at home. Securing the property, addressing water and electrical concerns, and asking a trusted person to check in can reduce exposure to common risks.
Of course, even the best preparation cannot prevent every unexpected event. That is why it is helpful to understand how your homeowners coverage may respond if your property is damaged while you are away.
Dave Holley Agency Inc is a small local insurance agency that provides personalized service to homeowners throughout Abbeville and surrounding Louisiana communities. If you would like to review your home insurance before your next trip, our team is happy to help you understand your current coverage and prepare with greater confidence.