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Home Security Checklist Before Going on Holiday | CTC

Home Security Checklist Before Going on Holiday

June 30, 2026 By Susan Blenman

Going on holiday should be relaxing, not stressful. Before you leave, it is worth taking time to check your doors, windows, alarm system, CCTV cameras, app notifications and any monitoring options you rely on.

A good home security checklist can help reduce the risk of break-ins, false alarms, missed notifications and avoidable problems while you are away. It also gives you more peace of mind when your home is empty for several days or weeks.

At CTC Communications, we help Sydney homeowners choose, upgrade and install practical home alarm systems, smartphone app alarms, CCTV integration and monitoring options for everyday protection and holiday security.

Quick Holiday Home Security Checklist

Before you leave, run through these important security checks:

  • Test your alarm system
  • Check alarm batteries and fault lights
  • Confirm smartphone app notifications are working
  • Make sure CCTV cameras are recording correctly
  • Check doors, windows, garages and side gates
  • Secure sliding doors and balcony doors
  • Ask a trusted person to collect mail or check the property
  • Set timers or smart lights where suitable
  • Avoid posting travel dates publicly
  • Check pet-friendly alarm zones if animals are staying home
  • Confirm monitoring or keyholder contact details
  • Make sure you know what to do if the alarm is triggered

Two professionals, one in a blue CTC shirt and the other in a dark suit, interacting with a digital display in an office setting.

1. Test Your Alarm System Before You Leave

Your alarm system should be tested before you go away, not after you have already left. A simple test can help confirm that the keypad, detectors, sirens and communication path are working correctly.

Before going on holiday, check:

  • The alarm arms and disarms correctly
  • There are no fault or trouble warnings
  • The keypad is working properly
  • Motion detectors are responding as expected
  • Door and window sensors are working
  • The siren activates correctly during testing
  • The backup battery is not showing a low battery warning
  • App notifications are being received

If your system is beeping, showing faults or not sending alerts, arrange support before you leave. You can also review our alarm system troubleshooting FAQs for common alarm issues.

2. Check Smartphone App Alarm Notifications

A smartphone app security alarm system is especially useful when you are away from home. App control can help you check whether the alarm is armed, receive alerts and see which zone has triggered.

Before going away, check:

  • You can log into the alarm app
  • Push notifications are enabled
  • Your phone is not blocking app alerts
  • Other household members or keyholders have access if needed
  • The alarm panel is communicating correctly
  • You know what each zone name means
  • Your app is updated before you leave

If you still rely only on a keypad and do not have remote control, it may be worth upgrading your system before future holidays. Read our guide: Can I Add Smartphone Control to My Existing Alarm System?

ONVIF Compatible CCTV

3. Confirm CCTV Cameras Are Recording

If your home has CCTV cameras, do not assume they are recording correctly. Check your camera app, recorder, storage and camera views before you leave.

Before your holiday, check:

  • Cameras are online
  • The recorder is powered and recording
  • Hard drive storage is working
  • Camera views are clear
  • Night vision is working
  • Motion alerts are enabled if required
  • Remote viewing is working from your phone
  • Driveways, entries, garages and side access points are covered

An alarm system with CCTV integration can provide extra peace of mind because it allows you to check what caused an alarm event instead of relying only on an alert.

For more information, read our guide on alarm system with CCTV integration.

Person in a security monitoring station with multiple computer monitors displaying various feeds.

4. Review Your Alarm Monitoring Options

If you are away for an extended period, alarm monitoring may be worth considering. Smartphone alerts are helpful, but they rely on you being available to see and respond to notifications.

Back-to-base alarm monitoring can provide another layer of response when the alarm is activated. Depending on the setup, alarm events can be sent to a monitoring centre for action according to agreed procedures.

Before going away, consider:

  • Who will respond if the alarm goes off?
  • Are keyholder details up to date?
  • Will you have mobile reception while travelling?
  • Will you be in a different time zone?
  • Do you want professional monitoring while away?
  • Do you have CCTV to verify alarm events?

For a comparison of options, read Self-Monitored vs Back-to-Base Alarm Monitoring.

5. Secure Doors, Windows and Sliding Doors

Alarm systems are important, but physical security still matters. Before leaving, walk around the home and check every entry point.

Make sure you check:

  • Front door
  • Back door
  • Garage internal door
  • Sliding doors
  • Balcony doors
  • Ground-floor windows
  • Laundry windows
  • Bathroom windows
  • Side gates
  • Shed or garage access

Door and window reed switches can be useful because they detect when an entry point is opened. These are especially helpful for doors, garages, windows and sliding doors that may not be fully protected by motion detectors alone.

Woman in linen pajamas stands near a modern smart home security panel on a white wall.

6. Reduce False Alarms Before You Go

A false alarm while you are away can be stressful, especially if you are interstate or overseas. Before leaving, take steps to reduce common false alarm triggers.

Common causes of false alarms include:

  • Pets moving through protected areas
  • Loose doors or windows
  • Curtains moving near detectors
  • Insects around motion sensors
  • Low batteries
  • Poor detector placement
  • Open windows
  • Fans, heaters or air conditioning movement
  • User error when arming the system

If false alarms are a regular issue, it may be time to replace older detectors, adjust zones, install pet-friendly sensors or upgrade the alarm system.

Read our guide on how to reduce false alarms from your home alarm system.

7. Plan Around Pets Staying at Home

If pets are staying home with a pet sitter or family member checking in, your alarm system should be set up correctly. Pets can trigger false alarms if detectors are not suitable or if they move through armed areas.

Before leaving, check:

  • Which areas your pets can access
  • Whether pet-friendly detectors are installed
  • Whether cats can jump near motion sensors
  • Whether dogs are inside while the alarm is armed
  • Whether certain zones should be bypassed
  • Whether door and window sensors provide better protection
  • Whether the person feeding your pets knows how to use the alarm

A pet-friendly alarm system can help reduce false alarms, but correct detector placement and zoning are still important.

For more information, read Best Pet-Friendly Alarm Systems for Homes.

8. Use Lighting to Make the Home Look Occupied

A dark, unchanged home can make it more obvious that nobody is there. Lighting can help create the impression that the home is still occupied.

Consider:

  • Using timers for selected indoor lights
  • Using smart lighting where appropriate
  • Leaving exterior sensor lights active
  • Checking driveway and entry lighting
  • Avoiding a home that looks completely dark every night

Lighting should support your overall security plan, not replace locks, alarms or CCTV.

9. Ask Someone You Trust to Check the Property

A trusted neighbour, family member or friend can help make the home look occupied and respond if something needs attention.

Ask them to:

  • Collect mail and parcels
  • Bring bins in and out if required
  • Check doors and windows after storms
  • Look for anything unusual
  • Respond if you receive an alarm alert
  • Know how to contact you
  • Understand how to use the alarm if they need access

If someone is entering the home while you are away, make sure they know how to arm and disarm the alarm properly. A user code or app access may be safer than sharing your main alarm code.

10. Avoid Advertising That You Are Away

It is tempting to post holiday photos in real time, but public posts can make it clear that your home is empty. Consider waiting until you are back before sharing details publicly.

Be careful with:

  • Public social media posts
  • Travel countdowns
  • Posting airport photos
  • Sharing exact travel dates
  • Tagging locations while away
  • Auto-replies that reveal you are away for a long period

Holiday security is not just about technology. It is also about reducing unnecessary risks.

11. Consider a Wireless Alarm for Existing Homes

If your home does not currently have an alarm, or your existing system is difficult to expand, a wireless alarm system may be a practical option.

Wireless alarms can suit existing homes because they often require less cabling than a fully wired system. They may also suit apartments, townhouses and homes where a low-disruption installation is preferred.

Read our guide on Best Wireless Alarm Systems for Existing Homes.

12. Upgrade Old Alarm Systems Before Future Holidays

If your alarm is old, difficult to use or missing app control, it may still protect the home, but it may not give you the confidence you want when travelling.

You may want to upgrade if:

  • You cannot control the alarm from your phone
  • The keypad is outdated
  • The system keeps false alarming
  • Detectors are old or unreliable
  • You want CCTV integration
  • You want monitoring options
  • You now have pets inside the home
  • The system no longer suits your property layout

CTC Communications provides alarm system upgrades in Sydney, including app control upgrades, detector replacement, monitoring options and CCTV integration.

For more guidance, read Should You Upgrade or Replace Your Old Alarm System?

Holiday Security Checklist by Timing

One to Two Weeks Before You Leave

  • Test your alarm system
  • Check CCTV remote access
  • Arrange alarm servicing if needed
  • Update app passwords if required
  • Confirm monitoring or keyholder details
  • Arrange a trusted person to check the home
  • Review pet arrangements

The Day Before You Leave

  • Charge your phone and check alarm app access
  • Check windows and sliding doors
  • Check garage doors and side gates
  • Remove spare keys from obvious locations
  • Set timers or smart lights
  • Check CCTV is recording
  • Clear mail or parcels from the entry area

On the Day You Leave

  • Lock all doors and windows
  • Arm the alarm system
  • Confirm the app shows the system is armed
  • Check cameras before leaving the street
  • Let your keyholder know you have left
  • Avoid posting your departure publicly

Final Thoughts

A simple home security checklist can make a big difference before going on holiday. Testing your alarm, checking app alerts, confirming CCTV recording, securing doors and windows, planning for pets and reviewing monitoring options can all help protect your home while you are away.

If your alarm system is old, unreliable or missing modern features, it may be worth upgrading before your next trip. Smartphone app control, CCTV integration and monitoring can give you more visibility and confidence when your home is empty.

Need Better Home Security Before Going Away?

CTC Communications can help you choose, install or upgrade a home alarm system with smartphone app control, CCTV integration, pet-friendly options and monitoring support.

Shop Smartphone App Alarm Systems or view Home Alarm Systems.

Related Products and Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I test my alarm before going on holiday?

Yes, you should test your alarm before going on holiday to confirm it arms correctly, detectors are working, app alerts are being received and there are no fault or low battery warnings.

Is app control useful when I am away from home?

Yes, smartphone app control is very useful when travelling because it can let you check alarm status, receive alerts, arm or disarm remotely and see which zone has triggered depending on the alarm system.

Should I use alarm monitoring while on holiday?

Alarm monitoring can be helpful while you are away because you may not always be available to respond to phone alerts. Back-to-base monitoring can provide an added response pathway for alarm activations.

Can CCTV help while I am away?

Yes, CCTV can help you visually check your property and verify alarm events while you are away. It can be especially useful for driveways, garages, entries, courtyards and side access areas.

How can I reduce false alarms while on holiday?

You can reduce false alarms by checking batteries, securing loose doors and windows, cleaning around detectors, managing pets, using pet-friendly sensors and making sure the system is properly programmed before you leave.

What should I do if pets are staying home?

If pets are staying home, check that pet-friendly detectors are installed where needed, pets cannot jump near motion sensors and any person feeding the pets knows how to use the alarm correctly.

Should I upgrade my old alarm before going away?

If your alarm is unreliable, hard to use, false alarming or missing app control, it may be worth upgrading before future holidays. App control, better detectors and CCTV integration can improve peace of mind while away.

Does CTC Communications install and upgrade home alarms in Sydney?

Yes, CTC Communications supplies, installs and upgrades home alarm systems across Sydney metro areas, including app-controlled alarms, CCTV integration, monitoring options and pet-friendly alarm systems.