That said, in case we’ve forgotten in the course of this past travel-less year, vacations aren’t without their worries. Leaving your home unattended can be a plenty stressful process of its own variety. From panicking over whether or not you remembered to unplug your hair straightener, to stressing about your dog at home with the sitter, there are plenty of scenarios that can keep you up at night. And the last thing you want to experience on your getaway is an ever-present anxiety about the place you got away from.
To put your mind at ease, we pulled together a master list of products that will keep your home safe and secure while you're out of town. From state of the art video doorbell systems to self-operating plant water gauges, these are the goods that'll ensure your home remains in good hands (specifically yours thanks to smartphone-accessible apps) in your absence.
Botanium Hydroponic Self-Watering Planter
This self-watering planter waters every three hours, then drains and recycles the excess so your herbs’ or veggies’ roots stay moist. The tank holds enough water to last for weeks — so you won’t have to worry about your rosemary kicking the bucket during your girls’ trip.Botanium Hydroponic Self-Watering Planter, $, available at Bespoke Post
Ring Video Doorbell
Keep an eye on your front door from anywhere in the world with Ring’s next-gen video doorbell. The WiFi-enabled video doorbell system will alert your phone whenever it detects nearby motion.Ring Ring Video Doorbell 3, $, available at Ring
Melnor RainCloud Internet Controlled Smart Timer
If you need to maintain more than a few indoor houseplants, a smart timer may be worth the investment. This attachment fits most garden hoses, drip systems, soaker hoses, and sprinklers. With the accompanying app you can now control your watering from literally anywhere, so long as you have internet access and a smartphone.Melnor RainCloud Internet Controlled Smart Timer, $, available at Home Depot
Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Color Silver Thermostat
You know that panicky moment when you think you may have forgotten to turn off the A/C before leaving home? Invest in a smart thermostat that you can access from your phone or tablet while on the road. It also boasts permanent, temporary, and vacation hold settings so you won’t have to disrupt your auto settings for a weekend getaway.Honeywell Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Color Silver Thermostat with Wi-Fi Compatibility, $, available at Lowe's
Litter-Robot
Asking your neighbor to drop by and feed your cat is one thing, but expecting them to clean the litter box is another. Litter Robot’s self-cleaning litter box sifts out your feline’s waste after each use into a removable tray below. This way, your cat will have a consistently clean box without your sitter ever having to lift a scooper.Litter-Robot Litter-Robot 3 Connect, $, available at Litter Robot
Ring Indoor Camera
Speaking of cats: An indoor camera is another worthy investment if you're a diehard pet person — especially one as sleek and unobtrusive as this one. With this thing, you can watch your pets sleep all day while you’re experiencing separation anxiety from your hotel pool.Ring Ring Indoor Cam, $, available at Ring
PetSafe Microchip Cat Door
While we’re discussing cat habits, here’s another easy gadget to provide some peace of mind: This cat door syncs up with your pet’s internal microchip, allowing them, and only them, to access to your home. While you’re away, your indoor/outdoor kitty can party in the backyard without any unwanted furry friends following her into your home.PetSafe Microchip Cat Door, $, available at Petsafe
LED+ Dusk to Dawn Lightbulbs
Keep would-be snoopers or intruders at bay with these automatically activated light fixtures. With the built-in sensors, GE’s Dusk to Dawn light bulbs trigger on after dark and switch off once the sun rises.GE Lighting LED+ Dusk to Dawn 100-Watt Lightbulb, $, available at Amazon
Ultraloq Deadbolt 1-Cylinder Biometric Electronic Lock
If you'd rather not dole out spare keys to your pet sitters, housekeepers, family members, and the like, a smart lock grants access to your home with just the touch of a few buttons. Through the app, you can change your code at any time and monitor who is coming in and out of your doors.Ultraloq Ultraloq Deadbolt 1-Cylinder Biometric Electronic Lock, $, available at Lowe's
Masterlock Lock Box
Alternatively, a cheaper option is an old-school lock box. Just mount it somewhere outside your home and your guest will be able to access a set of physical keys with a combination code.Master Lock Masterlock Lock Box, $, available at Master Lock
PupProtector™ Waterproof Throw Blanket
Fido might know to not jump up on the couch when you’re around, but even the most well-trained pet can crack when left alone for long periods of time. Cover your bed, couch, or other desired surface with a protective cover while you’re gone. These extra-large throw blankets are even waterproof and machine-washable to combat any accidents your pet may experience.Pup Protector PupProtector™ Waterproof Throw Blanket, $, available at Paw
SentrySafe Fire-Resistant and Water-Resistant Box Safe
Disasters happen when you least expect them. And the last thing you want to deal with when coming home from a vacation is a burst pipe or fire damage. Keep your important documents and keepsakes safe from any major accident with a fire- and water-resistant safe.SentrySafe SentrySafe Fire-Resistant and Water-Resistant Box Safe, $, available at Walmart
BoxGuard Plastic Package Drop
Accidentally order one too many packages before your trip? Prevent porch pirates by hiding all of those Amazon Prime boxes away. Position this package drop box somewhere away from prying eyes and instruct your delivery persons to place your mail inside.Cosco BoxGuard Plastic Package Drop, $, available at Wayfair
WiFi Smart Plug
For those who like the idea of having total control, buy some smart outlets in bulk. Amazon's WiFi-enabled version will allow you to monitor any and all plugged-in appliances (think: hair curlers and living room lamps) through your Alexa or Google Assistant — or you can simply set each outlet on its own timer.Aoycocr WiFi Smart Plug, $, available at Amazon
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