Homeownership can be a nightmare that intensifies when you are away on a nice 'vacation'.
The fear of visits from petty thieves, robbers, vandals, and other threats. There's also the paranoia over hidden leaks, crossed wires, frozen pipes, etc.
Here are several effective ways to easy-to-install devices that will enable you to keep tabs on your home whenever you are away. Pick and choose those that will solve the problems you worry about the most, and then enjoy the ensuing peace of mind.
quick, non technical fixes before you get started
Here are a few time-tested and commonsensical habits that everyone should adopt when leaving home for more than a few days.
Beg, bribe, or coerce a trusted neighbor or friend to make regular visits and have them visit at random times if possible. Ensure that they have an extra set of keys or know the door code.
If you've left a car behind, have the person move it periodically. If your driveway is empty, have a neighbor park their vehicle there.
Don't let mail or newspapers pile up. Stop your mail or get someone to pick it up. Don't leave a note for the door deliveries. Set up an account with FedEx, UPS, and/or USPS and have deliveries rerouted to a pickup location.
If your drapes or shades aren't normally closed, keep them open while you are away.
Anytime you are gone for longer than a week, hire someone to mow the yard and put out and collect your garbage cans on schedule.
Those few simple steps can go a long way to masking your absence. Another tip is if you have someone coming by to care for pets, get them to water your plants and garden as well.
Camouflage your absence
Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity, and a thief looking to not get caught will be attracted to homes that seem empty. Smart devices can provide a number of ways to make it look like someone is at home. Setting them is as easy as using a smartphone app.
Smart plugs are on-and-off switches that plug your other devices into. You can also create a time-style schedule using an app. Apps can be set up to turn on or off another smart device once triggered. We especially like the two app-powered items below.
This smart plug supports Apple HomeKit, so you can control your devices with Siri. It also monitors energy usage, supports up to 15A load, and has an easy setup process. The compact design won't block other outlets, and it's flame retardant with a 2-year warranty. You can control it through the Kasa App or with voice commands to Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, or SmartThings. Operating humidity is 5% to 90% RH.
The Wyze Bulb Color is inexpensive and yet it's one of the brightest bulbs out on the market. With an output of 1,100 lumens. Like a smart plug, smart bulbs can be set up to turn on and off on a custom schedule.
With enhanced brightness and dimming options, Wyze bulbs offer a wide range of lumen output, from intense to subtle. Special features include color changing and hassle-free operation, certified for user convenience.
Control 16 million colors with precision through the dedicated Wyze app. Create custom presets for various occasions and adjust the white light temperature to set the perfect ambiance. The bulbs have a high CRI rating, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors throughout your home.
Receive important reminders with brighter visual notifications. Use time-based color events or sync with other Wyze devices for powerful alerts, all controlled within the Wyze app. Set up sleep routines for a gradual lighting transition, simulating natural sunrise and sunset. HELLO, WOW.
