How to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Travelling This Winter

Winter is prime travel season. Snowbirds head south, families escape for a mid-winter break, and some people simply need a week somewhere that doesn’t involve plugging in their car. The problem is that empty homes in winter don’t just sit quietly waiting for you to return — they can attract break-ins, frozen pipes, and insurance headaches if no one’s paying attention.

A little planning before you leave can save you a lot of stress (and money) when you get back.

Make Your Home Look Lived-In

An empty driveway after a snowfall is basically a billboard announcing that no one’s home. Arrange for snow clearing while you’re away — whether that’s a neighbour, a family member, or a service you already use. The same goes for mail and parcels. Overflowing mailboxes and uncollected packages are another giveaway that a house is vacant.

Inside, use timers on lights so your home doesn’t sit in total darkness every night. You don’t need the full Christmas-movie “Home Alone” routine — just enough activity to look normal from the street.

Don’t Touch the Thermostat (Too Much)

Turning the heat way down to save money is one of the most common winter-travel mistakes I see. Most insurance policies require that your home be kept at a minimum temperature while vacant, and frozen pipes are far more expensive than a slightly higher heating bill.

Set the thermostat to a consistent, safe temperature and leave it there. If you have a smart thermostat, check it remotely while you’re away to make sure everything’s running as it should — especially during cold snaps.

Shut Off Water Where You Can

If you’re leaving for more than a few days, consider shutting off the main water supply and draining exposed lines. Even newer homes aren’t immune to freezing issues, particularly if we get extended periods of extreme cold.

If shutting off water isn’t practical, at minimum make sure sinks on exterior walls are clear underneath so warm air can circulate, and confirm your heat is reaching those areas.

Let Someone Be Your “Winter Watch”

Most insurance policies require someone to check on your home while you’re away — sometimes every 24 to 72 hours. Ask a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member to do a quick walkthrough. This doesn’t need to be formal, but it does need to happen.

Have them flush toilets, run taps briefly, and look for anything that seems off. It’s much easier to deal with a small issue early than a major problem after a week of minus-30 weather.

Be Smart About Social Media

This one’s simple: don’t broadcast that you’re out of town in real time. Posting beach photos while you’re still away tells the whole internet that your house is empty. Save the vacation posts for when you’re back — your tan will still look great.

Lock Up Like You Mean It

Before you leave, double-check doors, windows, garage access points, and sheds. Make sure motion lights are working and cameras (if you have them) are online and recording properly. Small things like a burnt-out bulb or a loose garage door can undo all your other precautions.

A Quick Insurance Check Is Worth It

Insurance policies vary, and winter vacancy clauses are not something you want to misunderstand. Before you travel, take five minutes to confirm your responsibilities — temperature requirements, home checks, and any exclusions that might apply if something goes wrong while you’re away.

Travelling in winter should end with warm memories, not an emergency call from a neighbour or a frantic dash home. A few simple steps before you leave can make all the difference — and let you enjoy your trip without worrying about what’s happening back home.

If you’re planning to travel, thinking about selling in the spring, or just want a second set of eyes on how your home stacks up from a risk perspective, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk real estate — even when you’re somewhere warmer than Winnipeg.