As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many of you are probably booking your flights. But while you're in the car heading to the airport, you might suddenly wonder: Did I lock the front door? And will an empty house stand out too much in the neighborhood?

I remember a time when I went on a trip and spent three days worrying about my home. It was like worrying about the grass on my home field during an away game. So today, I'm sharing tips on how to make your smart home less obvious as an empty house.

First, let me explain the core principle. Burglars usually act based on signals that a house is empty. Therefore, the goal of your smart home setup is simple: make it look like someone lives there.

The first step is lighting. Plug a floor lamp in the living room into a smart plug and schedule it to turn on during the evening hours via the app. A house with lights on all night can actually look more suspicious, so be sure to include a time for it to turn off as well.

Some smart plugs now have features that randomly adjust the on and off times slightly. This is a method often recommended by security experts along with indoor lighting timers. Lights that turn on exactly at 6 PM every day definitely give off a robotic vibe.

Turning the living room and bedroom lights on and off at different times makes it even more convincing. For example, the living room could turn off around 9 PM while the bedroom turns on briefly. Think of it as mimicking the evening movements of a household.

For the exterior, motion-sensor lights are great. When someone approaches the front door or backyard, the lights suddenly brighten, which can be quite discouraging for anyone trying to sneak in. In winter, when it gets dark early, this effect is even greater.

The second step is installing a video doorbell and indoor/outdoor cameras. More important than installation is setting up notifications. Before you leave, make sure to test whether you receive notifications properly on your phone while you're away.

If you receive too many notifications, you'll eventually turn them off. It's best to narrow the detection area to just the front door and driveway so that you're not alerted by passing cars. Keeping only the person detection feature on will reduce surprises from falling leaves.

The third step is a smart door lock. Just being able to check via the app whether you locked it or not, and to lock it remotely, brings peace of mind. For someone like me, this is true peace of mind.

If a neighbor or pet sitter needs to come in, create a temporary password valid for a set period. It's time to retire the classic method of hiding a key under a flower pot. Everyone knows that burglars check there first.

The fourth step is a smart thermostat, which is surprisingly important during winter trips. If you turn off the heating completely because the house is empty, the pipes could freeze and burst. The American Red Cross advises not to let the indoor temperature drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when leaving home in cold weather.

Being able to check the indoor temperature via the app is also a plus. If the boiler stops and the temperature drops suddenly, you'll be alerted right away. Adding a leak detection sensor under the washing machine or sink is an added bonus.

The fifth step is managing your mail and packages. There's no clearer advertisement for an empty house than a pile of boxes and an overflowing mailbox at the front door. This is one area that smart home devices can't solve.

The USPS Hold Mail service is free and can hold your mail at the post office for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 30 days. If you'll be away for more than 30 days, you'll need to apply for a separate mail forwarding service. You can apply online, so be sure to do it about a week before you leave.

However, the hold mail service isn't meant for just one specific package. It's better to schedule delivery for holiday shopping packages for after you return or to have them sent to a pickup location. If you can ask a neighbor for help, that's the most reliable option.

The sixth step is to hold off on social media. Posting beach photos in real-time is like announcing that your house is empty. You can show off when you get back; it'll still be impressive.

It's also worth considering getting help from local police. Some city police departments offer programs to check on vacant homes during vacation periods. The Fairfield police nearby provide this service for homes left empty for more than three days.

In downtown Cincinnati, it's unclear whether there are specific programs available; you can check the official announcements for more information. If you're curious, you can call the non-emergency police number at 311 or 513-765-1212. Of course, if you suspect a break-in, don't hesitate to call 911.

Finally, let me share a checklist for the day before you leave. Check if the lighting schedule actually turns on. Confirm that camera notifications are coming through to your phone.

Make sure the door lock battery is sufficient. Set the thermostat to above 55 degrees. Keep a confirmation email for your hold mail application.

Remember that if the Wi-Fi router goes down, all of this becomes useless. Don't turn off the router carelessly, and if any of your cameras are battery-operated, that will provide extra security in case of a power outage.

Honestly, relying solely on technology is only half the solution. The best security system is still a vigilant neighbor. No matter how advanced technology gets, the culture of neighbors looking out for each other cannot be replaced.

So, I usually take a plate of cookies to my neighbor before I leave and let them know I'll be gone for a few days. When I return, I give them a small gift, and next time, I can watch their house while they're away. This is what true home and away living is all about.

With a few smart plugs and 30 minutes of app setup, along with a brief conversation with a neighbor, you'll be all set. If it were me, I'd start with scheduling the lights and camera notifications first. They provide the most effective results for the cost.

This holiday season, let your smart home and neighbors take care of your home worries, and focus on the turkey and family conversations while you're away. Wishing everyone a safe and warm holiday!