Thereâs something about the festive season that makes the air feel lighter. The work emails slow down, the sound of suitcases being zipped up fills the house and South Africans across the country start setting off for the coast, the bush or that long-awaited family visit.
But before you hit the road, one important task deserves your attention - making sure your home is safe while youâre away. December holidays are not only the season of holidays; itâs also a time when home burglaries and opportunistic crime tends to rise. A few small, thoughtful steps now can save you stress later and ensure that your return is as peaceful as your departure.
Hereâs how to prepare your home for a worry-free holiday.
1. Check, Lock and Test Everything
When excitement takes over, itâs easy to overlook simple details. Yet, most home security incidents happen because of something small - an unlatched window, a weak gate motor or a forgotten back door.
Before you leave, give yourself time to do a slow walk-through of your property. Check that every door and window closes securely and that locks, bolts and latches are in good working order. Donât forget side gates, garage doors and sliding doors. If you have an electric fence, alarm system or beams, test them all and clear away overgrown plants that might interfere with sensors.
Store ladders, garden tools or bins out of sight - anything that could help someone climb a wall or hide in the shadows. Good home security starts with eliminating opportunity.
2. Create the Illusion of âSomeoneâs Homeâ
A lived-in home is one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins. Even when youâre kilometres away, there are easy ways to make it look as if life inside carries on as usual.
Set a few lights on timers to turn on at sunset and off late at night. Leave a pair of shoes by the front door or a towel over a garden chair. Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail, water pot plants or move the bin out on collection day.
If youâre away for longer than a week, consider arranging for someone to visit the property occasionally - to open and close curtains, park in your driveway or switch on the TV for a while. These small actions tell passers-by that your home is still active, not abandoned.
And while itâs tempting to share your trip on social media, wait until youâre back before posting. Broadcasting that youâre âon the beach for two weeksâ can also broadcast that your home is empty.
3. Keep Your Security Network Informed
Whether you live in a complex with security patrols or rely on private armed response, communication is key. Let your security company know the dates youâll be away and who to contact in case of an emergency. If you have domestic staff or a house-sitter, make sure their names and numbers are registered on your alarm system.
Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to hold a spare key and have your contact details handy. If an alarm goes off or something looks unusual, someone nearby should be able to step in quickly.
Remember to also test your alarm and check your systemâs backup power. Load-shedding or power outages can render alarm systems and electric gates useless if batteries or inverters arenât in good shape. A quick test before you leave can make all the difference.
4. Protect Whatâs Inside
While securing your doors keeps people out, protecting your valuables keeps your mind at ease. Store jewellery, important documents, cash and small electronics in a safe or somewhere hidden from view. If youâre going away for an extended period, consider leaving high-value items with a trusted friend or in a safety deposit box.
Walk through your home and look through your windows from the outside. If you can see valuables from the pavement, so can others. Pull curtains partway closed or move tempting items out of sight.
Avoid leaving keys near windows or in predictable spots - a burglarâs first move is often to âfishâ for them with a wire. Hide spare keys securely or leave them with someone you trust, never under a mat or pot plant.
5. Manage Utilities and Minimise Risk
Home safety isnât just about intruders. Itâs also about preventing the little disasters that can happen while youâre away - like a burst pipe or an electrical fault.
Unplug non-essential appliances such as televisions, kettles and toasters to prevent damage from power surges and reduce fire risk. Switch off geysers if youâll be gone for a while and close taps tightly. If possible, turn off the water supply to your washing machine and dishwasher.
Check smoke detectors, replace batteries if needed and test any gas appliances before you go. These precautions may seem minor, but they can save you from costly damage and insurance claims.
Finally, review your insurance policies. Make sure your household insurance and contents insurance is active and that your provider is aware of any significant changes to your security setup. Some policies have conditions about how long a home may be left unattended, so itâs worth confirming the details before you travel.
6. Outdoor Areas Matter Too
The exterior of your home tells a story - and you want that story to say âoccupied and cared for.â Trim back overgrown bushes that could serve as hiding spots near windows or gates. Make sure your garden lighting works and consider installing a motion sensor or two around entry points.
If you have an automatic irrigation system, set it to run at normal intervals so your lawn doesnât become brown and neglected. Keep your yard tidy, with no tools, toys or ladders left out in plain sight.
For apartment dwellers or those in security estates, check with the management office about any seasonal security measures being implemented. Some complexes increase patrols or introduce temporary access codes during December - knowing the rules keeps your property safer and your return smoother.
7. Leave Your Home in Trusted Hands
The best safeguard while youâre away is human connection. Whether itâs a friend, family member, neighbour or professional house-sitter, having someone pop in periodically gives you peace of mind.
Give them a checklist of simple tasks: open curtains, flush toilets, water plants, check the post, ensure no leaks or power issues have developed. They donât need to stay - just their presence once or twice a week keeps the property active and secure.
Leave clear emergency contact numbers, including those of your security company, plumber, electrician and insurer. A little preparation means small issues can be handled before they become big ones.
8. One Final Walk-Through
Before you close the front door for the last time, do a slow, mindful walk-through of your home.
Check each room: are windows shut, appliances off and valuables secure? Are taps closed and bins emptied? Walk around the outside, making sure gates lock properly and alarm beams are clear. Then, take a moment to picture returning home safely to everything just as you left it - calm, secure and intact.
That image alone makes the extra effort worthwhile.
A Holiday That Truly Feels Like a Break
The December holidays should be a time to recharge - not to refresh your security camera app every ten minutes. By planning ahead and following these home safety tips, you can leave your home confident that itâs protected and well-prepared for your absence.
Your peace of mind is built on preparation. So lock it, test it, trust it - and then let go. Whether your December escape involves ocean waves, bushveld sunsets or a quiet staycation, youâll know your home is safe and ready to welcome you back.
Because the best holidays donât just begin when you arrive at your destination - they begin when you know everything back home is taken care of.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general guidance and awareness purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, readers are encouraged to verify details and follow recommendations suited to their own property and security arrangements. Neither Homes of Distinction nor the author accepts responsibility for any loss, damage or injury arising from reliance on this information.
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