Going on Vacation? A Lock and Key Checklist

A few minutes before you leave makes the house a much harder target.

• Lock every exterior door, including the one from the garage into the house.
• Use the vacation lock on your garage door opener, or unplug it.
• Put a bar in the sliding door track.
• Don’t hide a key outside. Leave one with a trusted neighbor instead.
• If a house-sitter needs access, give them a code on a keypad lock you can change after.

Fix weak spots before you go

A sticky deadbolt or a door that doesn’t latch fully is worth fixing first. Door lock repair or a new deadbolt is cheap insurance. Lost track of who has keys? Rekey before the trip.

Locked out when you get back?

It happens after long trips. A house lockout or car lockout call gets you in.

Tips from Choice City Locksmith, serving Fort Collins and Wellington.

Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.