For many of us, it’s been a while since we have been able to plan a getaway. Aside from thinking about what to pack, we also have to think about what it means to leave our homes unattended for an extended period of time.

To help ease the minds of your vacationing readers, the experts at Home Hardware have identified five tips to keep your home safe while you travel:

1. Put your lights on timers: Setting timers on indoor and outdoor lighting helps give the appearance that someone is home. You can use analog timers or invest in smart switches and outlets. These allow you to program your lights to turn on, off or dim at scheduled times. Some smart home systems include pre-programmed home security settings, like vacation mode, that turns on TVs or stereos at pre-set intervals to create the impression that you’re home. Exterior motion sensors and lighting is important, too.

2. Invest in a security system: Installing a home security system adds another layer of protection while you’re away. Part of your security system should include indoor and outdoor smart security cameras. Home security cameras with smart capabilities allow you to monitor your residence from wherever you are via mobile apps, which send alerts if there is any unusual activity.

3. Tidy your yard: An overgrown lawn and bushes can signal your home isn’t being lived in. Before you go, pull out your lawn mower and hedge trimmers and tidy up your property. Cutting the grass and trimming trees around your home can deter unwanted visitors.

4. Check your locks: Make sure all of your door and window locks are in working order to keep intruders out. Add an extra layer of extra security with a smart garage opener that lets you control, secure and monitor your home from your smartphone! No more second guessing yourself or turning around to make sure the door is closed.

5. Check your faucets and toilets for any issues and use a flood sensor to know right away if there is a small leak or a major flood in your home while you’re away. A smart wi-fi flood sensor will send notifications right to your phone so you can act fast instead of coming home to extensive damage.

All that’s left for you to do now, is to head for the plane, train or automobile that will take you to your destination, and sit back and relax.