Ever notice how retirees seem to have their routines down to a science? After decades of rushing out the door to beat traffic, many now take a more measured approach to departing their homes. One practice stands out among retired individuals – performing a comprehensive security check before stepping outside. This simple habit not only protects their property but also provides peace of mind while they’re away enjoying their hard-earned retirement years.
Double-checking all entry points before departure
When retired homeowners prepare to leave their residence, they typically start with a systematic check of all doors and windows. Unlike working adults who might rush through their morning routine, retirees take the time to ensure every potential entry point is secure. This includes not just the front and back doors, but also garage doors, basement windows, and even pet doors that could provide access to their home. Many retirees develop a specific route through their home, moving from room to room in the same pattern each time to ensure nothing is overlooked.
The importance of this systematic approach increases for those who plan to be away for extended periods. Retirees who travel frequently often invest in door and window sensors that connect to their smartphones, allowing them to verify security even after leaving. These affordable devices provide immediate alerts if a door or window is opened unexpectedly. For sliding doors or windows, many use secondary locking mechanisms like bars or pins that prevent them from being forced open, even if the primary lock is compromised. This thorough approach to home security helps prevent unwanted entry and provides valuable reassurance during time away.
Setting timers for lights and electronics
Creating the appearance of occupancy while away from home ranks high on retirees’ security checklists. Before leaving, they often set timers for various lights throughout the house to turn on and off at different times, mimicking natural patterns of movement and activity. This simple strategy helps deter potential intruders by making the home look occupied. Many retirees keep track of sunset times during different seasons and adjust their timer settings accordingly, ensuring lights come on at appropriate times rather than at the same hour regardless of seasonal daylight changes.
Beyond basic lighting, tech-savvy retirees increasingly use smart home systems that allow them to control everything from lights to televisions and even window blinds remotely. These systems provide flexibility to change settings based on unexpected schedule changes or weather conditions. Some retirees program their televisions to turn on during evening hours, creating both light and sound that suggests someone is home. Others have embraced programmable thermostats that maintain efficient temperature settings while away but can be adjusted remotely before returning home, ensuring comfort upon arrival without wasting energy during their absence.
Arranging for mail and newspaper management
Nothing signals an empty house quite like an overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers on the driveway. Before departing, particularly for extended trips, retirees typically arrange for mail handling through one of several options. Many request a temporary mail hold from the postal service, which keeps all correspondence at the local post office until they return. Others prefer having a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member collect their mail daily, which provides the added benefit of having someone regularly check on the property and remove any flyers or packages that might accumulate.
For longer absences, some retirees opt for mail forwarding services that send their correspondence to their temporary location. This approach works particularly well for snowbirds who spend entire seasons in warmer climates. Similarly, newspaper delivery is either temporarily suspended or redirected. Many retired individuals have transitioned to digital subscriptions, eliminating this concern entirely. For those who maintain print subscriptions, most newspaper companies offer vacation holds that can be easily arranged online or through a quick phone call. Retirees who travel frequently often establish relationships with neighbors who benefit from reading their newspapers during their absence, creating a win-win arrangement.
Unplugging non-essential electronics and appliances
Safety concerns extend beyond security for many retirees, who recognize that electrical issues can arise even with modern appliances and electronics. Before leaving home, many follow a ritual of unplugging non-essential items throughout the house. This practice not only prevents potential fire hazards but also reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. Common items on the unplugging checklist include toasters, coffee makers, desktop computers, televisions, and phone chargers. Some retirees keep a laminated list of items to unplug, checking them off systematically before departure.
In addition to unplugging individual items, many retirees turn off power strips that connect multiple devices, ensuring everything is truly disconnected from electrical current. For appliances that must remain plugged in, such as refrigerators and freezers, some perform quick maintenance checks before longer trips. This might include checking water connection hoses on washing machines for signs of wear or replacing the water filter in refrigerators to prevent leaks during their absence. Some invest in water leak detectors that sound an alarm or send smartphone alerts if moisture is detected near appliances, providing early warning of potential problems.
Adjusting thermostat settings to save energy
Energy efficiency becomes increasingly important for retirees living on fixed incomes, making thermostat management a critical part of their pre-departure routine. During winter months, most retirees lower their thermostat settings to between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit – warm enough to prevent pipe freezing but cool enough to significantly reduce heating costs. In summer, they typically raise air conditioning settings to around 80-85 degrees, preventing excessive heat and humidity buildup while minimizing energy usage. This simple adjustment can save substantial amounts on utility bills, especially during extended absences.
Many retirees have embraced smart thermostats that allow remote monitoring and control of home temperatures. These devices provide the flexibility to adjust settings based on unexpected weather changes or modified return plans. Some advanced systems even learn household patterns and automatically adjust to “away” settings when no motion is detected for extended periods. For homes in regions with extreme temperature variations, retirees often implement additional measures like closing blinds and curtains during summer months to reduce solar heat gain or leaving interior doors open during winter to improve air circulation throughout the house.
Securing important documents and valuables
Before leaving home, retirees typically ensure that important documents and valuables are properly secured. Many maintain a home safe for storing birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and other irreplaceable documents. These safes are often both fireproof and waterproof, providing protection against multiple potential hazards. For items that might be needed while traveling, retirees typically create digital backup copies stored securely in password-protected cloud storage, allowing access from anywhere with internet connectivity. This preparation proves invaluable when unexpected situations arise requiring document verification.
Beyond document security, many retirees have established systems for protecting valuable items like jewelry, collectibles, and heirlooms. Some use home safes with digital locks that record access attempts, while others maintain safe deposit boxes at financial institutions for their most valuable possessions. For items with primarily sentimental value that cannot be easily replaced, many retirees maintain detailed inventories including photographs and descriptions. These records prove invaluable for insurance claims if theft or damage occurs. Some even rotate the location of valuable items periodically, making them less predictable targets for potential burglars who might observe patterns of behavior.
Notifying trusted neighbors about their absence
Building and maintaining relationships with neighbors becomes increasingly important during retirement years. Before departing, especially for longer periods, retirees typically inform at least one trusted neighbor about their plans. This communication includes expected departure and return dates, emergency contact information, and any specific requests for property monitoring. Many retirees exchange cell phone numbers with neighbors, creating an immediate communication channel should any concerns arise. Some develop formal neighborhood watch arrangements, while others maintain more casual but equally effective monitoring systems.
These neighborhood relationships often include specific requests that help maintain the appearance of occupancy. Retirees might ask neighbors to park occasionally in their driveway, bring trash cans to the curb on collection days, or clear snow from walkways during winter months. Some provide neighbors with spare key access through secure lockboxes, allowing them to enter the home if necessary to address emergencies like water leaks or alarm malfunctions. In exchange, many retirees reciprocate these watchful services when their neighbors travel, creating mutually beneficial arrangements that enhance community security and peace of mind for everyone involved.
Creating a “last check” routine checklist
Perhaps the most distinctive habit among retirees is the development of a formalized “last check” routine that they follow just before walking out the door. Many create physical checklists they keep by their primary exit, ensuring nothing important is overlooked in the excitement of departure. These lists typically include verification that doors and windows are locked, unnecessary appliances are unplugged, and security systems are activated. The checklist might also include medication reminders, confirmation that needed items like glasses and hearing aids are packed, and verification that water-using appliances like dishwashers are not running.
Beyond the physical checklist, many retirees develop consistent patterns of movement through their homes as a final verification step. This might include a counterclockwise walkthrough of each room, checking windows and electrical outlets, followed by testing each exterior door to confirm it’s properly secured. Some use their smartphones to take quick photos of important items like stove knobs, thermostats, and alarm panels, providing visual confirmation that everything was properly set before departure. These systematic approaches minimize the stress and second-guessing that often accompanies departure, allowing retirees to leave home with confidence that everything is properly secured.
Developing consistent pre-departure habits provides retirees with both practical security benefits and peace of mind. By taking the time to secure their homes properly, they’re free to fully enjoy their activities without nagging worries about what might be happening at home. Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store or an extended vacation abroad, these established routines ensure that retirement living includes both adventure and security.
