How to Keep Your Salt Lake City Home Safe While You're on Vacation

Ah, summer in Salt Lake City—when the mountains are calling, Lake Powell road trips beckon, and national parks practically demand a visit. Whether you're heading to Moab for a weekend or jetting off to Europe for two weeks, leaving your home unattended can be a little nerve-wracking.

But don’t worry—this week’s Hump Day Home Hack is here to help you prep your property so it stays safe, secure, and stress-free while you’re off making memories.

🔒 1. Lock Up Like a Local

Salt Lake homes—especially those charming bungalows and mid-century gems—sometimes have quirky locks or older window latches. Double-check all entry points, including:

• Basement doors

• Side yard gates

• Sliding glass doors (add a bar or rod for extra security)

• Garage doors (consider unplugging the opener if you're gone long-term)

💡 Pro Tip: If your exterior doors don’t have deadbolts, consider installing one before your trip. Bonus points for smart locks that let you monitor access remotely!

💡 2. Light It Right

Burglars love dark homes. Use smart bulbs or light timers to create the illusion of someone being home. In neighborhoods like Sugar House or Liberty Wells, where houses are close together, a well-lit porch or living room can deter curious eyes.

Set lights to:

• Turn on at sunset and off around bedtime

• Alternate between rooms every few days if you're gone a while

📦 3. Hold the Mail & Pause the Packages

A pile of Amazon boxes on the porch is a dead giveaway. If you're in areas with lots of foot traffic (like 9th & 9th or The Avenues), schedule a USPS mail hold and pause deliveries or reroute them.

💡 Bonus Hack: Ask a neighbor to swing by and pick up anything that slips through. If you're part of a local Buy Nothing or neighborhood group, they may be happy to help.

🚨 4. Leverage Local Security

Whether you're in East Millcreek or Capitol Hill, many SLC neighborhoods have active community watch groups. Here's how to add a few extra layers of protection:

• Alert a trusted neighbor of your travel dates

• Share your number in case of emergencies

• Install a camera doorbell (many connect to your phone and can even speak to visitors)

If you already have a system like Vivint (a Utah-based company!), make sure it’s armed, updated, and set to vacation mode.

💧 5. Prevent Disaster Indoors

Nobody wants to come home to a flooded basement or a blown-out furnace. Here’s your mini checklist:

• Turn off your main water valve or install a leak detection system

• Set the thermostat to maintain a safe temp (especially during winter escapes)

• Unplug unnecessary electronics

• Make sure smoke detectors are working

🧳 Bonus Tip: Create a Vacation Checklist

Tape a list inside your utility closet or garage door with reminders to:

• Empty the trash

• Check windows

• Set the alarm

• Water houseplants

• Set the thermostat

You'll thank yourself later when you're sipping a margarita instead of worrying whether you locked the back door.

Final Thoughts

Whether your home is nestled near Liberty Park or perched in the foothills, a little planning goes a long way. These tips will help you relax while you're away—and return to your home exactly as you left it.

Safe travels, Salt Lakers. ✈️🏔️See you next Wednesday for another Hump Day Home Hack!