How to Make It Look Like Someone’s Home When You’re Away
Whether you're heading off for a weekend getaway or taking a long-awaited vacation, an empty home can be a magnet for burglars. Criminals often target houses that appear unoccupied — especially during holidays or extended trips.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make it look like someone’s home when you're away using practical tips and smart home security products from Kangaroo. These strategies are simple, affordable, and effective — helping you deter intruders and protect your property.
Why It’s Important to Make Your Home Look Occupied
According to the FBI, most burglaries happen when no one is home — especially during the day. Thieves look for obvious signs of vacancy: piled-up mail, no lights, and silence. The trick is to fake them out with subtle cues that signal, “Someone’s here.”
That’s where Kangaroo Home Security comes in. Our affordable, DIY smart home devices help you create the illusion of activity — even from thousands of miles away.
1. Set Lights on a Timer or Smart Schedule
One of the most obvious signs that no one is home? A house that stays dark for hours or lights that never change. Using smart lighting with scheduling features is a simple way to create the illusion of occupancy. Set timers to:
Turn lights on at dusk and off at bedtime
Vary which rooms are lit to simulate movement
Activate outdoor lights for added deterrence
While Kangaroo focuses on smart monitoring, our system ensures that if anyone does try their luck despite your clever lighting strategy, you'll know instantly through your Kangaroo security setup.
2. Use a Doorbell Camera to Monitor Activity
A smart doorbell camera lets you keep watch from anywhere — and lets others think you're just behind the door.
The Kangaroo Video Doorbell Camera + Chime offers:
Motion-triggered video capture
Notifications to your phone in real time
Two-way communication to speak with visitors
A built-in chime, so you don’t need existing wiring
Even when you’re on the beach or at the airport, you can answer your door and create the impression that someone’s home.
3. Watch Over Your Property with Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
Visible security cameras are one of the strongest deterrents against burglary. When intruders see a camera — especially one that sends alerts or has two-way talk — they’re more likely to back off.
The Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Camera helps you:
Monitor your entryways, driveway, or backyard
Detect and record motion with HD clarity
Speak to anyone on your property
Stream footage live via the Kangaroo app
Place this camera in a clearly visible spot to send a powerful message: This home is being watched.
4. Secure Doors and Windows with Motion + Entry Sensors
Burglars commonly break in through side doors, back windows, and other less visible areas. Kangaroo’s Motion + Entry Sensors are a low-cost way to detect intrusions in real time.
Shop Motion + Entry Sensors to:
Cover front and back doors
Protect ground-level windows
Send instant alerts when a sensor is triggered
Monitor activity via the Kangaroo mobile app
These sensors blend easily into your home and provide instant updates if anything unusual happens while you're away.
5. Prevent Package Theft and Porch Piling
A porch filled with packages or mailboxes overflowing with letters is a clear sign that no one is home. To avoid this:
Pause your USPS deliveries
Ask a neighbor to collect packages and mail
Use a smart camera to keep an eye on deliveries
Kangaroo’s Indoor + Outdoor Camera is ideal for monitoring your front porch and deterring “porch pirates.” And with real-time alerts, you’ll know exactly when something is delivered — and if someone tries to take it.
6. Keep Up Routine Noises in the House
Silence can be a dead giveaway that no one’s home. Keep up the illusion of normal activity with sound:
Leave a TV or radio on during the day
Use a smart speaker with a timer
Vary noise patterns to seem realistic
7. Don’t Broadcast Your Trip on Social Media
One of the easiest ways to get your home targeted? Telling everyone you’re not in it. Wait until you’re back to post photos and updates about your trip.
Avoid tagging your location in real time
Set your social media profiles to private
Share your experiences after you return
This small habit can make a big difference in keeping your home safe.
8. Get Complete Coverage with a Kangaroo Home Security System
For the strongest protection, combine Kangaroo’s individual devices into a comprehensive system. The Kangaroo Home Security System Kit gives you:
Motion + Entry Sensors
Sirens to scare off intruders
24/7 mobile alerts
Optional professional monitoring
It’s a simple, affordable, and effective way to protect your home while you’re away — without expensive installation or long-term contracts.
9. Monitor for Water Leaks and Freezing Temps While You’re Away
Break-ins aren’t the only risk when you’re out of town. A burst pipe or slow leak can cause thousands in damage while you’re away.
The Kangaroo Water + Climate Sensor alerts you if:
A pipe bursts or floods
Temperatures drop to freezing levels
Humidity levels rise abnormally
Install one near your sink, basement, water heater, or laundry area for extra peace of mind.
Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Leaving your home unattended doesn't have to be a source of anxiety. By combining classic "lived-in" tactics with the smart, simple, and affordable protection of Kangaroo Home Security, you can significantly reduce your risk and truly enjoy your time away. Create a layered defense that makes your empty house look like a bustling home, and back it up with intelligent monitoring.
Ready to leave home with genuine peace of mind?
Explore our range of Kangaroo security solutions today and build the perfect system to keep your home looking occupied and feeling secure. Have questions? Our comprehensive Help Center is packed with information, or feel free to contact our friendly support team!
