A calm mind starts at your front door
You’ve booked the tickets, packed your bags, and even remembered your passport (go you!). But what about your house? Keeping your home safe while you’re away isn’t just about locking the door - it’s about making your place look lived-in, automated, and low-risk from the outside in.
Here’s a smarter approach to holiday prep, with tips that go beyond the usual “leave a light on.”
1. Use tech to mimic real life (not just random lights)
Yes, a smart plug is your friend - but how you use it is what matters.
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Don’t just switch on a lamp at 8PM sharp every night. That screams automation. Instead, vary the schedule across multiple wifi smart plugs - living room today, hallway tomorrow.
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Set background noise (like a radio or podcast) to play for a couple of hours in the evening via a smart plug outlet.
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Control your garden lights with an outdoor socket - not just for visibility, but to give the impression that someone just stepped out to take the trash.
Pair this with smart plug with energy monitoring features, and you’ll also avoid unnecessary power waste.
2. Close - but not too closed
This one’s counterintuitive: fully shut curtains during the day might seem safe, but they often give away that no one’s home - especially if they're usually open.
Try this instead:
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Partially close blinds or curtains to let in natural light but block direct views inside.
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Leave indoor clutter (like a mug or open book) visible from the window. It suggests someone’s around.
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Don’t clean too well. A spotless kitchen with everything tucked away feels suspiciously uninhabited.
3. Fool burglars with fake “activity”
You don’t need a full smart home to fake presence - just a bit of creativity.
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Ask a friend or neighbor to move your trash bins in and out. Even if they’re empty, it’s a subtle sign of life.
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Use a spare car or bike in the driveway.
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If you get regular deliveries, have them temporarily redirected or paused - nothing says “we’re on holiday” like a stack of unclaimed packages.
And if you’re using remote control outlet plugs, you can easily adjust devices based on real-time updates, like unexpected weather or extended trips.
4. Don’t tidy up your life too much
Resist the urge to make your home magazine-ready before you leave. A few things left in sight - like a tea towel, a dog toy, or even an open notebook - suggest everyday mess, not vacancy.
5. Reinforce what really matters (without buying a full security system)
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Double-lock all exterior doors, and use a door jammer if you’ll be gone long.
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Use a smart wall socket to schedule lighting for the stairwell or entrance, areas burglars typically scope out first.
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Want more? Place a smart socket plug on a power strip that controls multiple appliances like a light, speaker, and air purifier - so the whole setup springs to life when you activate it.
6. Think like a burglar (and then make it awkward)
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Add stickers or small signs that suggest surveillance, even if you don’t have cameras.
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Leave a half-drunk water bottle near the entryway. It gives the impression someone was just there.
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Place shoes randomly inside near the front door - a big, worn-out pair works best.
If you do use wifi plugs or smart plug sockets, check they’re connected to a stable network and schedule a wifi restart midway through your trip - yes, that exists.
7. Social silence is the new luxury
It might be tempting to post your breakfast view or sunset stories, but resist. Even if your account is private, content spreads. Delay posts until you’re home. You’ll enjoy your trip more - and no one will know you're away.
Bonus checklist for clever holiday prep:
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Schedule smart plugs to control lights and devices at realistic times
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Leave subtle signs of life: messy mugs, open books, slippers by the couch
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Ask a friend to move bins, pick up post, and check windows
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Partially close blinds; never fully blackout your home
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Don’t announce your holiday online in real-time
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Make sure wifi smart plug settings are synced and tested
Final thought: safety starts before the suitcase
At Bulp, we believe smart living means more than just flashy gadgets. It’s about peace of mind - knowing your home can take care of itself while you take care of relaxing. So whether you're using a wifi plug, a smart wall socket, or just a bit of clever thinking, make sure your home looks as lively as your holiday feels.
