In this blog entry, the professional Charleston locksmith team here at Charleston Locksmith Pro will detail some essential security tips for homeowners who are on vacation.

How To Keep Your Charleston Home Secure While You’re On Vacation

Leaving for vacation should be relaxing, not stressful. Whether you are traveling for a weekend getaway or an extended trip, preparing your home before you leave is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent break-ins and security issues.

Charleston’s growing population, active tourism, and seasonal travel patterns make unattended homes more noticeable. Proper planning helps ensure your property remains safe while you are away.

Secure All Doors and Windows

Start with a full walkthrough of your home before leaving.

Check that:

• All exterior doors fully latch and lock

• Deadbolts operate smoothly

• Sliding doors are secured with secondary locks

• Windows are closed and locked

• Garage doors are fully shut

Even small alignment issues can prevent locks from engaging properly, especially in Charleston’s humid coastal climate where doors may expand slightly.

Upgrade to High-Quality Deadbolts

Basic builder-grade locks may not provide adequate protection. Installing reinforced deadbolts adds resistance against forced entry.

Consider:

• Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts

• Reinforced strike plates

• Longer mounting screws anchored into framing

• Smart locks with remote monitoring

A professional locksmith can evaluate existing hardware and recommend upgrades before travel.

Avoid Advertising Your Absence

One of the most common security risks is unintentionally signaling that nobody is home.

Avoid:

• Posting travel plans publicly on social media

• Leaving packages visible on the porch

• Allowing mail or newspapers to pile up

Instead, ask a trusted neighbor to collect deliveries or temporarily pause mail service.

Use Timers and Smart Lighting

Lighting creates the appearance of occupancy.

Helpful options include:

• Automatic timers for interior lights

• Smart bulbs controlled remotely

• Outdoor motion lighting

• Scheduled television or radio operation

Varying lighting patterns makes the home appear actively occupied.

Secure Spare Keys Properly

Hidden spare keys are often discovered quickly.

Avoid placing keys:

• Under doormats

• Inside fake rocks

• Above door frames

• Inside planters

A safer option is leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbor or using a secure lockbox installed by a professional.

Check Garage and Secondary Entry Points

Garages are frequently overlooked but often provide direct home access.

Before leaving:

• Disconnect garage door emergency release cords from outside access

• Lock interior garage entry doors

• Remove garage remotes from parked vehicles outside

• Secure side garage doors with deadbolts

Install or Activate Security Monitoring

Modern security systems provide peace of mind while traveling.

Consider:

• Smart cameras with mobile alerts

• Door and window sensors

• Video doorbells

• Alarm monitoring services

Even visible security devices can act as strong deterrents.

Perform Lock Maintenance Before Traveling

Locks that stick or feel difficult to turn should be serviced before departure.

Preventive maintenance includes:

• Lubricating lock cylinders

• Adjusting door alignment

• Replacing worn keys

• Rekeying locks after recent moves or lost keys

Charleston’s humidity and salt air can accelerate wear, making maintenance especially important.

Create a Vacation Security Checklist

Before leaving, confirm:

• Doors and windows locked

• Alarm system activated

• Lights scheduled

• Mail paused or collected

• Spare key secured

• Cameras functioning

• Trusted contact informed

A simple checklist reduces the chance of overlooking important details.

Why Professional Locksmith Preparation Helps

A pre-vacation security inspection helps identify vulnerabilities that homeowners may not notice. Professional locksmiths can:

• Inspect lock strength

• Upgrade outdated hardware

• Rekey locks for security resets

• Install smart lock systems

• Improve overall home access control

Preventative security planning reduces risk and allows you to travel with confidence.

Security Tips for Charleston Homeowners on Vacation

• Tell neighbors about travel plans and ask them to regularly check your property while you are away
• Exchange phone numbers with neighbors to stay connected in event of any emergencies or concerns
• Ask neighbors to water plants or take care of pets if necessary
• Lock all entry points, doors, and windows
• Make sure to lock garage doors
• Add a security bar or lock to sliding doors
• Inspect lock quality to make sure they are working
• Consider upgrading to smart locks for extra safety
• Automatic lighting creates the illusion that somebody is home, deterring potential burglars
• Install smart cameras for real-time monitoring and positioning on vulnerable areas of your property
• Choose cameras with motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio features for extra functionality
• Select strategic points for camera placement like driveways and entry points
• Install cameras at a height that’s both out of reach but allows for a clear view
• Put lights on timers, pause mail delivery, and keep your lawn well maintained to create a lived-in appearance
• Program lights to turn on and off based on regular habits
• Use smartphones to control lights from everywhere, providing your flexibility
• Integrate itching with other smart devices
• Create randomized lighting patterns to make it less obvious that the house is empty
• Consider using smart plugs that can be controlled remotely for extra flexibility
• Arrange for plant watering and pet care through friends and/or neighbors

About the Author – Adam K. Charleston Locksmith Experts

Adam is a locksmith and security specialist with hands-on experience in residential and commercial lock systems. He focuses on practical home security solutions, safe access methods, and preventative strategies that help property owners protect their homes using proven industry practices.