Smart Door Lock Holiday Mode Settings and Secure During Vacation

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings with it a heightened risk of home break-ins. With the increased number of guests and deliveries, it's crucial to ensure that your home remains secure. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by using smart door locks with holiday mode settings. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of smart locks, how they can be used to secure your home during the holidays, and provide detailed instructions on setting up holiday mode.

The Importance of Smart Door Locks During the Holidays

Smart door locks have become an essential component of home security systems. These locks offer a range of features that make them ideal for securing your home during the holidays. Here are some key reasons why smart door locks are a must-have:

Remote Control

One of the primary advantages of smart door locks is their remote control capabilities. With a smart lock, you can check to ensure all doors are locked and lock them as needed even when you're away visiting relatives or on vacation. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing that your home is secure even when you're not there to monitor it personally.

Setting Scenes

Smart locks often come with the ability to set scenes that can include doors locking or unlocking, outside lights turning on, and shades opening and closing. This feature can make any potential uninvited guests think that the home is occupied, adding an extra layer of security.

Invited Guests Are Welcome

Homeowners can assign time-sensitive user codes to trusted individuals who need access to the property. This way, you're not passing out physical keys that can be lost or stolen. Instead, you're granting access to trusted people who can check in on your property and pets.

Key-Free is Stress-Free

Smart locks eliminate the need for hiding keys under mats or inside fake rocks. This reduces the risk of keys falling into the wrong hands, making it easier for criminals to gain access to your home.

Information is Power

Smart locks connected to a home automation system can provide homeowners with an audit trail of who has been granted access to their homes and when. This feature is invaluable for tracking activity and ensuring that only authorized individuals have entered the property.

How to Set Up Holiday Mode on Your Smart Door Lock

Setting up holiday mode on your smart door lock is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your home's security during the holiday season. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose the Right Smart Lock
   Before you begin, make sure you have a smart door lock that supports holiday mode settings. Some popular brands include Yale, Schlage, and Kwikset. Each brand may have slightly different instructions, so it's essential to consult your specific lock's user manual.

2. Download the App
   Most smart door locks come with a companion app that allows you to control and monitor the lock remotely. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and log in using your credentials.

3. Enable Remote Access
   Once logged in, enable remote access to ensure you can control the lock from anywhere. This feature is usually found in the settings menu of the app.

4. Set Up Vacation Mode
   Look for a specific setting labeled as "vacation mode" or "holiday mode." This feature temporarily deactivates all user codes, ensuring that no one can enter the property without your explicit permission. For example, with Schlage smart locks, you can turn on vacation mode to temporarily deactivate all codes.

5. Assign Temporary Codes
   If you need to grant access to trusted individuals, such as house sitters or pet caretakers, assign temporary user codes through the app. This way, you can control who has access and for how long.

6. Configure Notifications
   Set up notifications to receive alerts when certain events occur at your door. For instance, if someone uses a code or if there is an impact or disturbance detected at the door, you'll receive a push notification on your phone.

7. Integrate with Other Devices
   Smart locks can be integrated with other smart home devices like security cameras and lighting systems. This integration allows you to create scenes that simulate occupancy even when you're away, making it harder for potential burglars to target your home.

8. Monitor Activity Logs
   Regularly check the activity logs to see who has accessed the property and when. This feature provides valuable insights into who has been granted access and when, helping you maintain a secure environment.

Additional Security Measures

While smart door locks are a significant step towards securing your home during the holidays, they should be part of a comprehensive security system. Here are some additional measures you can take:

Outdoor Lighting

Automated outdoor lighting can deter burglars by making it seem like someone is home. Smart lighting systems can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, creating the illusion of occupancy.

Security Cameras

Installing security cameras, especially video doorbells, can provide real-time monitoring and alerts. These devices can help you see who is at the door and even communicate with them remotely.

Fire Safety

The holiday season often involves increased use of candles and lights, which can pose a fire risk. Smart smoke detectors can alert you immediately if there is a fire, even when you're not home.

Package Protection

With the rise of online shopping, it's common to have packages delivered to your doorstep. Smart doorbell cameras can monitor and protect your deliveries from porch pirates, ensuring that your packages are safe.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy, but it also requires extra vigilance when it comes to home security. Smart door locks with holiday mode settings offer a robust solution for securing your home during this period. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your home remains safe and secure even when you're away.

Remember, smart safety isn't just for the holidays; it should be a part of your daily routine to ensure year-round security and peace of mind. By integrating smart locks with other smart home devices and maintaining a comprehensive security system, you can significantly reduce the risk to your home and family, making the holiday season a joyous and worry-free time.

References Yale Home. (2022, August 29). How to Protect Your Home Whilst You're On Holiday. Retrieved from https://www.yalehome.com/ae/en/stories/blogs/how-to-protect-your-home-whilst-you-re-on-holiday Security Sales. (2023, November 3). The Season of Giving Attention to Securing Your Home With Smart Locks. Retrieved from https://www.securitysales.com/access/secure-homes-smart-locks/ Alert360. (2023, December 20). Smart Safety During the Holidays: Essential Tips for Home and Travel Security. Retrieved from https://www.alert360.com/2023/12/smart-safety-during-holidays-essential-tips-home-and-travel-security Schlage. (n.d.). 3 Reasons to Get a Schlage Smart Lock Before You Go on Vacation. Retrieved from https://www.schlage.com/en/blog/technology/smart-locks-for-vacation.html Enso Connect. (2023, January 21). Unlock Benefits of Smart Locks for Vacation Rentals and Hotels. Retrieved from https://ensoconnect.com/blog/benefits-of-smart-locks-for-vacation-rentals-and-hotels/