Keeping an Eye on the House While You're Away
Published October 2026 · Last verified October 2026
Leaving home for a trip is more relaxing when you know the house is looked after. A few simple tools let you see your front door, make the place look lived-in, and stop the mail from piling up, all from your phone wherever you are. This guide walks you through cameras, smart plugs and lights, holding your mail, and the sensible habits that matter most.
Leaving home for a trip is more relaxing when you know the house is looked after. A few simple tools let you see your front door, make the place look lived-in, and stop the mail from piling up, all from your phone wherever you are. This guide walks you through cameras, smart plugs and lights, holding your mail, and the sensible habits that matter most.
What's inside this guide
The printable PDF walks through 44 short chapters, in plain language. It also includes an everyday cheat sheet and at-a-glance pictures.
- The Whole Idea in One Glance
- Why a Little Setup Brings Big Peace of Mind
- What You Need to Get Started
- How a Home Camera Lets You Watch From Afar
- The Main Kinds of Cameras
- The Doorbell Camera, a Great First Step
- Indoor Cameras and a Word on Privacy
- The Camera Brands You Will See Most
- The Monthly Fee Question
- Setting Up a Camera, Step by Step
- Smart Plugs Make a House Look Lived-In
- Smart Bulbs, Another Way to Light Up
- Putting Lights on a Schedule
- Making the House Look Truly Occupied
- Checking In From Wherever You Are
- Letting the House Tap You on the Shoulder
- Stopping the Mail From Piling Up
- Requesting a Mail Hold Online
- Seeing Your Mail Before It Arrives
- Handling Packages While You Are Gone
- Who to Give a Key To
- Letting a Family Member See the Cameras Too
- Seeing in the Dark
- Where to Put Your Cameras
- Keeping Cameras Online While You Travel
- A Word on Fuller Alarm Systems
- Watching for Trouble Inside
- Being Honest About Privacy
- Locking Down Your Camera Account
- The Low-Tech Steps That Still Matter Most
- The Simple Timer, No Wi-Fi Needed
- Testing Everything Before You Leave
- A Gentle Routine on the Road
- Easing Back In When You Return
- The Questions Travelers Ask Me Most
- You Do Not Need All of It
- Your Pre-Trip Home Checklist
- Speaking Through the Camera
- Checking On a Pet or a Sitter
- Watching the Garage Door
- Letting a Smart Speaker Help
- Longer Trips and the Seasons
- Being Realistic About What It Does
- When It Is Worth Calling Me
Get the printable guide
Everything above is a quick summary. The full, printable guide — the same words, laid out to read and keep by the computer — is a free PDF.
Last verified October 2026. Information accurate as of October 25, 2026.
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