How to secure your home for weekends away & short trips

Planning a weekend away or a last-minute break should feel simple, but securing your home can easily become an afterthought when time is limited. Unlike longer holidays, short trips often come with quicker departures and fewer security checks.

Even a one-night absence can make your home a target if it appears unoccupied. Opportunistic burglars look for easy signals like dark windows, no visible activity or unsecured entry points – regardless of how long you’re away.

This guide is designed specifically for short-notice travel, which means we’ll show you fast, high-impact home security precautions you can take in minutes instead of long checklists.

Looking for security tips for longer trips? Check out our post on how to secure your home when you’re on holiday.

Why holiday home security still matters for short trips

Unlike longer holidays, where people plan ahead and follow a checklist, weekend breaks are frequently booked last minute. That can lead to rushed packing, missed steps and small oversights that leave your home exposed.

It’s easy to assume that a short absence doesn’t carry much risk, but the reality is that opportunistic burglars don’t distinguish between a two-week holiday and a two-night stay. Empty homes, unopened post and dark windows can quickly signal that no one is inside and attract thieves. In fact, even being away for just one or two nights can increase your risk if your home looks unoccupied. That’s why holiday home security isn’t just for long getaways – it’s essential for weekend breaks too.

Common security mistakes people make on overnight stays

These are some of the most common mistakes people make when leaving home for just a night or two:

• Assuming “it’s only one night” and not arming the home security system

• Leaving windows slightly open for ventilation

• Forgetting about side entrances, sheds or garages

• Not enabling camera or motion alerts

• Posting travel updates on social media in real time

Individually, these might seem minor. But together, they can make your home look unattended and easier to access. Treating a one-night stay with the same basic precautions as a longer trip is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk.

Below, we’ll walk you through some of our top tips for securing your home while you’re on short breaks during the summer or Easter holidays.

1. Install (and activate) a smart security system

The most effective way to protect your home is with a modern, connected home security system. A smart alarm system allows you to:

• Monitor your home remotely

• Receive real-time alerts

• Control your system from your phone

• Deter thieves and intruders with visible security devices

SimpliSafe offers a simple, wireless setup with optional 24/7 professional monitoring, which is ideal if you’re heading away at short notice. You won’t need to worry about missing alarms from your entry sensors while you’re away, as a security team in the professional monitoring centre will be available to verify threats and dispatch a Securitas Guard to your home if needed, giving you total peace of mind on your trip.

2. Make your home look occupied

In addition to installing a visible home security system, one of the easiest ways to deter burglars is to create the impression that someone is home, as opportunistic thieves often prefer to target properties that are clearly empty – even if only for a short while. To create the appearance of occupancy, you could try using smart plugs or lighting timers, leaving a radio playing quietly (if away for a very short period), or parking a car on the driveway (if possible).

In particular, smart lighting systems are a great investment because they can mimic your usual routine, making your home look lived-in even when you’re miles away. Ideally, you should choose smart lighting you can control remotely via an app, allowing you to vary lighting times rather than keeping them on a fixed schedule that burglars can figure out.

3. Secure doors and windows properly

It sounds obvious, but forgetting to properly lock entry points is one of the most common home security mistakes. Before leaving:

• Double-check all doors and windows are locked

• Secure any side gates or garages

• Avoid leaving windows open, even slightly

Plus, adding entry sensors and motion sensors (like those in SimpliSafe systems) provides instant alerts if anything is opened unexpectedly. Therefore, combining good locking habits with a robust home security system is a great way to double up your protection.

4. Use cameras for extra visibility

Security cameras allow you to check in on your home at any time. Modern indoor and outdoor cameras, like those from SimpliSafe, provide live video access via your phone so you can check on your property at any time. Plus, they provide motion-triggered alerts and act as a visual deterrent for intruders, adding extra security to your home. Always position cameras at key entry points such as front doors, back gardens or hallways for maximum coverage.

5. Pause deliveries and manage post

A build-up of post or parcels is a clear sign that no one is home. Reduce risk by:

• Pausing deliveries where possible

• Asking a neighbour to collect post

• Using a safe place for parcels

Even for a short trip, this small step can significantly improve your holiday home security by making your home look occupied.

6. Avoid broadcasting your plans

Sharing your trip on social media in real time can unintentionally alert people that your home is empty, including burglars. Social media best practices include not sharing travel dates publicly and only posting your holiday photos after you return. In general, you should also keep location tagging minimal (or avoid entirely), even if you’re only out for a few hours.

7. Set up motion alerts and notifications

Smart security systems allow you to stay connected at all times. With systems like SimpliSafe, you can:

• Receive instant alerts for unusual activity

• Check camera feeds in seconds

• Take action if something doesn’t look right

This level of control is especially valuable for short trips, where you may not expect to need constant monitoring. 

8. Don’t forget outdoor security

Your home’s exterior is your first line of defence. Improve your outdoor security by:

• Installing motion-activated lights

• Locking sheds and outbuildings

• Keeping gardens tidy (no tools left out)

As explained earlier, outdoor cameras can also act as a strong visible deterrent before someone even attempts entry, and if a break-in occurs, your camera will send you motion-triggered alerts and live footage. If you have professional monitoring with your system, the monitoring centre will use this evidence to verify threats and dispatch a Securitas Guard if needed.

What to prioritise when you don’t have time for everything

When you’re preparing for a longer holiday, you might follow a detailed going on holiday checklist, but for a short trip that’s not always realistic. Instead, focus on the actions that deliver the most impact in the least time.

Your top priorities should be:

• Physical security: Lock all doors, windows and access points

• Visible deterrents: Active alarm systems, cameras or signage

• Perceived occupancy: Smart lighting schedules or signs of activity

• Real-time awareness: Alerts and remote access via your phone

Lower-priority tasks, like pausing all deliveries or arranging long-term maintenance, are still useful but less critical for a brief absence.

Secure your home with SimpliSafe

Knowing how to secure your home when you’re away doesn’t have to be complicated. With a combination of smart technology and simple habits, you can significantly reduce your risk, even for short trips.

If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use solution, SimpliSafe offers flexible, no-contract home security systems designed to give you complete peace of mind, whether you’re away for a weekend or longer. Browse our home security packages today, or get in touch to discuss your needs.