1. Find someone to watch your house, pets, plants, etc. Maybe you have a close relative or family friend that can come by to check on things daily (or multiple times per day). If not, there are services that you can hire to make sure things are running smoothly at home while you are not there.

2. Stay clear of the internet. Of course we want to post online when we are leaving town to brag about our awesome trip coming up, but posting something online leaves you very vulnerable to break-ins. Verbally tell your close friends and family so they know where you are, but other than that do not put it on your social media accounts!

3. Hold your mail. In many areas you can submit a request online, but just simply call your post office and ask for them to stop delivery to your address for the duration of your trip. They can usually hold mail up to 30 days.

4. Make it look like you are still there. Rather than leaving the lights on and racking up a rather large and expensive utility bill, purchase timers that can turn on and off the lights for a few hours every evening.

5. Make sure the exterior isn’t drabby. If you’re someone who consistently mows your lawn or trims back the trees on a regular basis, find someone to cover the work while you are gone. Allowing your grass to get to 6-8 inches may insinuate that you aren’t around to cut it, and we don’t want people to think that. Also ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the exterior for flyers, trash or newspapers.

6. Lock up. Yes, it seems easy to do, but it’s also easy to forget. Start by going room by room and checking all windows to make sure they are locked and secured. Make sure sliding glass doors have a bar and that all deadbolts are turned.

7. Parking at the airport? Remove all forms from the glove box that have your address on them. Knowing you are gone, thieves will target vehicles at the airport by breaking into them and stealing your address.

8. Pull the plug. Unplug all electronics before leaving. Lamps, TVs, coffee pots, clocks, phone chargers, etc. This can help save you money while you are gone, as well as practice a little more “green” behavior.