When you start planning for your vacation, what do you think about? You probably think about what kind of activities and excursions you’d like to do on vacation, or what kind of clothes you’ll need to pack.

You might even make a list of restaurants that you can’t wait to eat at once you arrive at your destination! While these are all great things that you should think about when planning your vacation, there’s one thing that’s often overlooked: protecting your home.

If you’ve ever been a victim of a break-in while on vacation, you understand how helpless one can feel. It’s a terrible feeling returning from a wonderful vacation to smashed windows and stolen property.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to protect your home while you’re away. Check out these tips on how you can do just that, and enjoy your next vacation a little bit more knowing that your home is safe.

#1. Invest in a home security system

Arguably one of the most important ways you can protect your home while you’re away is to purchase a home security system and make sure it’s armed before you leave for your trip. Should someone be in your home that’s not supposed to while you’re away, a Home Security Service will respond immediately and make sure everything is taken care of.

Furthermore, home security technology has come a long way in the past few years. You can even monitor home security cameras on your iPad or other mobile devices. While doing so might be a bit much for someone wanting to enjoy a vacation, simply knowing that you have the option to check in on your home will give you added piece of mind.

#2. Cancel your newspapers

For those that still subscribe to the newspaper, canceling your subscription while you’re gone is incredibly important and often overlooked. A driveway full of newspapers is a clear target to thieves, as it’s obvious that you’re not home.

Simply call up your newspaper and ask them to hold delivery to a certain date. If you forget to do that, politely ask your neighbor to come by every morning and throw your newspaper into the recycling, so thieves won’t see them piling up.

#3. Opt for a house sitter

Another way to make sure your home stays safe and secure while you’re gone is to hire a house sitter to stay at your home.

While this might be a cost that not everyone can afford, knowing that someone you know and trust is watching over your house is comforting. This is especially a good option if you have pets, as you won’t have to take them to a kennel, and you can instead just leave them at home with the house sitter.

#4. Double-check your doors and windows

Last but not least, double-check every single door and window in your home before taking off on your vacation. Make sure that everyone is closed and locked, even the windows that are high off the ground and typically inaccessible.

Many homeowners leave to the airport in a rush when going on vacation, and might forget to lock a door or window. Don’t be that person; double-check every area to make sure it’s locked and secure.