Home Security Tips For Empty Nest Households
Is your empty nest properly protected? Check out these home protection tips to keep your property safe.
Your home was a busy and sometimes chaotic hub of activity for years. School runs, packed weekends, people coming and going. Now that the children have moved out, the house is quieter. But quieter can also translate to "unoccupied" for unwanted visitors.
This stage of life grants more freedom. Many homeowners in this stage find they spend more time socialising, visiting family, and travelling, all of which is wonderful – but it does mean more time away from home, which may create additional risk.
That’s not to say that an empty nest household is automatically more vulnerable to crime or opportunistic theft. However, when homeowners spend less time in their property, and predictable routines disappear, this can make a
Some simple changes, a review of existing security habits, and a few upgrades to an empty nest household can give you the peace of mind you deserve – and the freedom to enjoy your next chapter.
Why Empty Nesters Should Review Their Home Security
Many homeowners develop security habits that suit a busy family household. However, once children have moved out, those habits may no longer reflect how the home is used or occupied.
For example, elderly parents and empty nesters might:
- Spend more weekends away.
- Take extended holidays.
- Use fewer rooms in the house.
- Have fewer people coming and going.
- Take up new hobbies and stay out of the home in the evenings.
- Leave the property empty for longer periods.
Properties that are regularly left unattended, with the lights off and the car gone for extended periods, can sometimes be easier for opportunistic burglars to identify.
This doesn’t mean that empty nesters are more likely to be targeted than anyone else – it simply means that changing routines and reviewing security habits could reduce the risk.
Start With The Basics of Home Protection
Effective home security doesn’t have to involve extensive property renovation. Small improvements and checks can make all the difference – start with our security tips below:
Check Your Windows and Doors
Inspect all external doors and windows for signs of wear or damage. Pay close attention to:
- Loose locks: When were your locks last replaced?
- Damaged window and door frames: Has age, wear, and tear reduced their effectiveness?
- Keys: Who has a key, and are there any outside of your control?
- Window panes: Can you see any damage or cracks?
If you or your overlooked areas that could provide intruders with a point of entry into your home. Take a moment to check:
- Garden and side gates
- Fencing
- Garage doors
- Sheds and outbuildings
Small maintenance jobs can provide easy opportunities for would-be intruders. Take a moment to repair damaged fencing, check the lock on the garage door, and make sure no one can enter the back garden without notice.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
If an empty nest household is well-lit and appears occupied, it can reduce the risk of targeting or intrusion.
The simplest measure is to keep a light or two on in the most commonly used areas of a home, such as the lounge and kitchen, whether or not anyone is home.
For a security upgrade, consider purchasing a motion-activated outdoor light, such as a floodlight. Focus on areas including driveways, front entrances, and side gates or entry points. If motion sensors activate, this can deter unwanted visitors and warn you and your neighbours of unusual activity.
Check in With a Trusted Neighbour
If your empty nest household is going to be left unoccupied for a while, consider giving a key to a trusted neighbour, friend, or relative to check in every so often and to keep an eye on the house.
They can also move bins and collect post and packages to make the property appear occupied.
Make Your Empty Nest Household Appear Occupied
Every window and door is secure, and the lights are on. Now what?
One of the best home security tips is to create the appearance of your property being occupied, and this is where a few strategic gadgets can help:
- Timers and smart plugs: You can use a timer or a smart plug to manage your lights or other electronics, allowing you to schedule when they turn on or off.
- Smart cameras: Smart cameras can be strategically placed near windows and entry points, such as doors, or even in gardens. When connected to a smartphone or app, you can monitor your property 24/7.
- Window sensors: can alert you to intrusion attempts or damage.
- Video doorbells: Video doorbell cameras allow you and your relatives to see who is outside without opening the door.
- Smart alarms and professional monitoring services: If a property will be left unattended, consider installing a burglar alarm or signing up for a professional monitoring service to ensure secure coverage.
Adopt These Habits to Stay Safe at Home
Technology can greatly improve your home security, but it is also important to develop habits that will keep you safe and secure, and give you the confidence to leave home without worry:
- Keep your windows and doors locked and secure.
- Only give out keys and access codes when necessary.
- Test your cameras, alarms, and lights regularly.
- Update your emergency contacts.
Home security for your empty nest doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to reflect how your life has changed. Whether it’s smarter lighting, a video doorbell, or a professionally monitored alarm system, small steps deliver the peace of mind you deserve.
Ready to review your home protection? Get a Verisure and find out which upgrades suit your property.