Peace of Mind While You're Away: Vacation Security with Kangaroo

The bags are packed and the excitement is building for your next vacation. But for many, that excitement is mixed with a nagging worry: is my home safe while I'm away?

An empty home can feel vulnerable, but it doesn’t have to. With a combination of smart preparation and even smarter technology, you can enjoy your travels with true peace of mind. This is your ultimate vacation security checklist, covering you from prep to your safe return.

How Burglars Know You're on Vacation (And How to Stop Them)

First, let's think like a burglar. Knowing what they look for is the key to prevention. In fact, according to security experts, homes without a visible security system are significantly more likely to be targeted.

Common giveaways include:

• Piled-Up Mail & Newspapers: A classic sign of an empty home.

• Darkness at Night: A house that's dark night after night screams "no one is home."

• Unkempt Yard: An overgrown lawn or unshoveled driveway is a dead giveaway.

• Public Social Media Posts: Announcing your two-week trip is like sending an open invitation. Wait to post those amazing photos until you're back!

Our checklist is designed to counter every one of these signs.

The Ultimate Vacation Security Checklist

Follow these steps to create a fortress of security and an illusion of occupancy.

One Week Before You Go

Manage Mail & Deliveries: Use the USPS Hold Mail service online or ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail, packages, and newspapers daily.

Arrange for Maintenance: Schedule lawn care or snow removal to keep your home looking lived-in.

Inform Trusted Neighbors: Give your itinerary and contact information to a neighbor you trust. Ask them to keep an eye out and maybe park a car in your driveway occasionally.

Use Light Timers: Set timers for lamps and even a radio in different rooms to turn on and off in the evening, mimicking your normal routine.

Pro-Tip: Use smart plugs instead of old mechanical timers. You can control them from your phone and create a more random, convincing lighting schedule.

Secure the Perimeter: Trim any shrubs or trees near doors and windows that could provide cover for someone trying to break in.

The Day You Leave

Lock Everything: This sounds obvious, but be thorough. Double-check all windows (upstairs too!), doors (use deadbolts), the garage, and any pet doors.

Remove Spare Keys: That key under the rock isn't a secret. Remove it and give a spare to your trusted neighbor instead.

Set Your Thermostat: Adjust your thermostat to save energy, but keep it high enough to prevent pipes from freezing in winter (around 55°F / 13°C).

Unplug Electronics: Protect against power surges and save energy by unplugging non-essentials like your TV, computer, and coffee maker.

Secure Valuables: Store important documents, jewelry, and other valuables in a high-quality home safe or an off-site safety deposit box.

While You're Away: Active Smart Monitoring with Kangaroo

Traditional prep is great, but modern tech gives you active awareness from anywhere in the world. This is how you turn passive precautions into active peace of mind.

Keep an Eye on Your Porch: Know instantly when someone approaches your door. A Kangaroo Video Doorbell sends an alert to your phone when motion is detected or the bell is rung.

Monitor Key Indoor/Outdoor Areas: Worried about a back entrance or main living area? The Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Cam lets you check in with a live view anytime.

Detect Leaks Before They Become Disasters: A burst pipe can cause thousands in damage. Place a Kangaroo Water + Climate Sensor in your basement or near appliances to get an immediate alert if water is detected.

Know If Someone Enters: For ultimate security, Motion + Entry Sensors on doors and windows will instantly trigger an alarm and notify you of any unauthorized entry.

Extra Tips for Apartment & Condo Security

Living in an apartment comes with its own set of challenges. Add these steps to your list:

Notify Management: Inform your building manager, landlord, or concierge of your travel dates.

Secure Balconies: Lock sliding glass doors with a security bar, as they can be a weak point, even on upper floors.

Plan for Packages: Alert your building's front desk to hold packages, or have a neighbor collect them to prevent theft from a mailroom.

Welcome Home: Your Post-Vacation Security Check

Your security mindset doesn't end the moment you pull into the driveway. Follow these steps upon your return.

Do a Quick Perimeter Check: Before you even unlock the door, take a quick walk around the outside of your home to look for any signs of disturbance, like broken windows or forced entry marks.

Enter and Unload with Care: Bring your luggage inside, but avoid leaving your garage door wide open for an hour while you unpack, which advertises all your belongings.

Check Your Tech: Open your Kangaroo app and ensure all your cameras and sensors are online and functioning correctly.

Resume Your Routine: Restart mail delivery, put your trash cans out on the normal schedule, and get back to your regular living pattern.

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Kangaroo: Smart, Simple Security for Worry-Free Wandering

Kangaroo adds real-time information and control, turning passive precautions into active peace of mind, based on values perfect for travelers:

• Affordability: Effective security without high costs, often much lower than traditional systems.

• Easy DIY Setup: Simple peel-and-stick installation guided by the app, set up in minutes without tools. Devices connect directly to Wi-Fi (required).

• App Control & Remote Monitoring: Check in, view feeds, arm/disarm (if applicable), and get instant smartphone alerts anywhere with internet.

• Flexibility for Everyone: Modular system adapts to renters or owners, apartments or houses. No long-term contracts required.

Kangaroo Monitoring Plan Comparison for Vacationers

Feature	Basic Plan	Cam Protect ($1.99/mo/cam)	Complete Protect ($8.25/mo)
Monthly Cost (approx.)	$0	$1.99 (per camera)	$8.25
Monitoring Type	Self	Self	Professional 24/7
Key Camera Features	Basic	Enhanced (Person Detect, 2-Way Talk, Zones, etc.)*	Enhanced (up to 3 cams)*
Cloud Storage Duration	24 Hours	30 Days	30 Days
Activity History	Limited	90 Days	90 Days
Professional Monitoring	No	No	Yes
Theft/Damage Reimbursement	$0	$250 / year	$1000 / year
Insurance Discount Help	No	No	Yes
Notification Types	App Push	App Push	App Push, Text, Voice Call
Smart Home Integration	Limited	Limited	Alexa & Google Assistant

For travelers, Complete Protect's 24/7 monitoring offers a crucial safety net.

Conclusion: Pack Your Bags, Not Your Worries

Vacations are for memories, not home security stress. While basic steps help, Kangaroo provides the smart, simple, affordable active protection for true travel tranquility.

With easy DIY setup, app control, versatile devices (Video Doorbell, Indoor + Outdoor Cam, Water + Climate Sensor), and flexible monitoring (including 24/7 professional support), Kangaroo lets you stay connected and secure without traditional system complexity or cost.

Enjoy your next getaway confidently.

Explore Kangaroo's simple, affordable home security solutions today! Visit HeyKangaroo.com to learn more.

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