Should You Close Your Curtains and Blinds When You Go on Holiday?

When planning a vacation, it’s crucial to think about how you’ll ensure the safety of your house while you are away.

For this reason, many people always wonder how to leave their curtains when traveling.

Some people leave them open, half open, or closed. But what is the right way?

So, Should You Close Your Curtains and Blinds When You Go on Holiday?

It’s better to leave them closed as burglars will assume they are closed during the day because of the bright sunlight. But, people hardly recognize the state of your curtain.

Leaving them closed is ideal for preventing thieves from peeping inside and seeing what your house looks like.

Alternatively, you can leave them halfway open. That way, any thief will have to get close to see what’s inside.

But remember that closed curtains can give the impression that nobody is at home. For this reason, some people leave them open and invest in a smart security system.

Also, confirm that people can’t see anything displayed from the outside through gaps in the curtains.

Open vs. Closed Curtains

Whether to leave your curtains and blinds open or closed depends on various things.

But what is crucial is ensuring that your home is safe and secured for the time you will be away.

Of course, locking the doors and windows goes without saying.

But, your home has to always appear occupied to prevent attracting thieves.

A burglar is less likely to come close to a home that looks like someone is in.

So, it is wise to leave your window coverings the same way you usually do daily to create an illusion that your house is occupied.

This is why leaving the curtains open when going away is crucial.

At the same time, you don’t want passers-by to peep into your house and see your belongings.

As such, some people choose to close their curtains. In short, closing your curtains prevents burglars from seeing what’s inside.

But at the same time, it also alerts thieves that you are not in.

On the other hand, leaving them open gives the illusion that you are around.

But, open curtains at night most likely mean no one is around, and burglars know this well.

So What Should You Do?

It’s best to make things look as normal as possible and not attract intruders.

So, leaving the curtains open sounds like a better option. But, if you have blinds consider closing them or leaving them how you usually do when you are at home.

But not so fast. There are times when closing your curtains might be ideal for you.

Think about the weather when deciding whether or not to draw your curtains.

You can’t fool burglars with open curtains and programmed lights when it is snowing outside, for example, and no one has walked on the snow path.

In this scenario, it’s best for the curtains closed.

How Else Can You Secure Your House While on Vacation?

Thieves look at certain obvious things when determining whether or not to rob a home.

For instance, an overflowing mailbox and a home shrouded in darkness at night are clear indicators that you aren’t home.

Thus, it makes your house an easy target.

Here are some things to do to secure your home when you are away:

1. Invest in Time Switches


Some people leave their lights on to create an illusion that they are home.

But remember that burglars are very observant.

They will soon know you are not home when your lights don’t go off.

That is why you should invest in automatic timer switches.

These allow you to automatically turn your lights and radio on and off, making it look like you are home.

But we must mention that if you are using timers to turn on your interior lights, make sure you close the blinds to block people from outside from seeing the inside of your room.

2. Hide Your Valuables

If you are leaving your curtains open, please remember to store your valuables where people from outside can’t easily see.

Removing all appliances from the sockets is also advisable to save on energy and protect them during power surges.

3. Inform Your Neighbors

Well, this might not be a good idea if you aren’t trustworthy of your neighbors.

But if you are, inform them about your travel plans and give them a contact number.

4. Keep Your Door and Window Locks Upgraded

Think of buying smart locks that have alarms. If anyone tries to break your windows or doors, the locks will trigger alarms that scare the burglars.

5. Cancel Daily and Weekly Deliveries

Nothing gives burglars confidence that you aren’t home than uncollected items on your doorsteps.

Things like milk bottles and letterboxes inform them that no one is around.

Be sure to cancel your delivery services before leaving on vacation..

This will make it hard for thieves to know whether or not you are at home.

6. Take Advantage of a Smart Security System

Security systems are among the best ways to protect your property when concerned about the security of your home.

They include

  • cameras
  • alarms
  • smart locks
  • smoke detectors
  • window/door/light sensors
  • motion sensors
  • etc.

With this system, you can monitor your home at all times.

7. Get Insured

Again, consider insuring the contents of your home.

The above precautions can help secure your home a great deal.

However, they aren’t sure proof that burglars won’t break into your house.

In case you fall victim to burglary, having an insurance policy will come in handy.

Such policies are designed to protect a home should anything happen when the owner is far away.

As such, your insurance company will compensate for the damages in case of break-ins.

8. Park In The Driveway

Lastly, it’s wise to park your car in the driveway.

This creates an impression you’re home.

But when you do that, make sure to hide the GPS and avoid leaving your spare keys in obvious places.

Final Thoughts

To close or open curtains is a tricky decision.

Generally, many people seem to agree that leaving them open when you are far away from home is the best step as it makes things look ordinary.

Since burglars first access the occupancy of a home before making a move, you shouldn’t make things easy for them.

If possible, get a house sitter.

But if you can’t get one, ensure you take the necessary precautions.

References

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-keep-your-home-safe-when-youre-away-on-vacation_b_5908a34ce4b084f59b49fce6

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/consumer-rights/a541353/how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-you-are-away/

https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/home-and-property-insurance/how-to-protect-your-home-while-on-holiday