Summer is a popular time for Metro DC residents to head out on vacation— in fact, July and August are two of the busiest months for travel! But leaving home for any given amount of time means taking extra precautions to keep the property secure while you’re away.

As your real estate experts in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Northern Virginia, we have included several tips below to help keep your home safe and sound during your travels:

Take inventory of your home

Also a wise idea for insurance purposes, taking inventory of your DC Metro home is helpful when you return from a trip to ensure everything is accounted for in the case of theft. Take note of your belongings, their value, how much you paid for them and store the list in a safe place away from your home, like a safety deposit box or safe.

Have your mail picked up or stopped

A common tip off that you are not at home is a pile of mail or packages by the front door. Enlist the help of a neighbor, friend or family member to pick up any mail that arrives and hold it for you until you return. You can also choose to have your mail stopped by the Post Office.

Let your neighbors know you’re leaving

Fill your neighbors in on your plans and consider giving them a spare key. If you have pets, they may be willing to watch them and keep a closer eye on the place.

Be careful on social media

You may want to think twice about posting your whereabouts and travel plans on social media. Your blog or Instagram account are not the best places to announce you’ll be away from home for weeks on end. It may be wise to hold off on posting pictures of your trip until you return.

Upgrade your lighting

Installing motion detectors on your garage and home can be one easy way to deter potential burglars from letting themselves inside. Putting your lights on timers is also a great way to create the illusion that someone is home, even while you’re away enjoying fun in the sun.

The Estridge Group has decades of experience in helping Washington DC area homeowners and home buyers with their real estate goals. Give our team a call today with any questions you have about selling your property or finding your dream home!

Looking forward to hearing from you!