9. Establish a Strict Social Media Blackout During Travel

It is incredibly tempting to post photos of your beachside vacation or your visit to see the grandchildren while you are still enjoying the trip. However, sharing your location on social media platforms is the modern equivalent of taking out an advertisement announcing your home is vacant.

Even if your profiles are set to private, the interconnected nature of social networks means you never truly know who is viewing your updates. A friend’s compromised account could expose your vacation status to strangers. Adopt a firm rule: take as many photos as you want, but wait until you are physically back inside your home before posting them online. Your friends will still enjoy the pictures, and your home will remain secure.