Gong Xi Fa Cai! The excitement is building—reunion dinners, ang pao packets, and quality time with lovely family. But amidst the joyous balik kampung preparations, there’s one crucial task that can’t be overlooked: securing your home. But don’t worry! With this practical, step-by-step on Balik Kampung Security Checklist For CNY Holiday.
So, you can enjoy your celebrations without a single worry about what’s happening back home.
Why This CNY Checklist Is Different
Unlike generic home security tips, this guide is specifically crafted for the balik kampung context—considering our local housing types (landed properties, apartments, condos), community dynamics, and typical pre-CNY routines. Let’s get straight to your 10-point action plan.
Your 10-Point Balik Kampung Security Checklist
1. The Digital & Social Media Blackout
Before you even pack your bags, please ensure:
- Turn off location tags on all social media apps
- Avoid real-time posting of “at the airport” or “on the highway” stories
- Schedule festive posts in advance if needed, but never indicate your home is empty
- Consider sharing holiday photos after you’ve returned home
2. Create The ‘Lived-In’ Illusion
Burglars often stake out homes for days. Make yours convincingly occupied.
- Use multiple timer plugs for living room, bedroom, and kitchen lights
- Set different on/off schedules for each—don’t have all lights pop on at 7 PM sharp
- Leave curtains/blinds in their normal positions (half-open is most natural)
- If you have a radio or TV, put it on a timer for daytime hours
3. Always Double Check
This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised what’s missed in the last-minute rush.
- Check every single entry point, including:
- Main door & grill
- Back door and side gates
- All windows, especially bathroom and kitchen ones
- Store room and garage access
- Test all locks—sometimes a lock turns but doesn’t fully engage
- For sliding doors/windows, place a wooden rod or security bar in the track
Extra tips: For terrace houses, pay special attention to the small bathroom window—a common overlooked entry point.
4. Manage Your Mail And Parcels Visibility
A piled-up mailbox screams “no one’s home!”
- Temporarily pause newspaper delivery
- Notify Pos Malaysia to hold your mail (many local post offices offer this service)
- Cancel any parcel deliveries scheduled for the holiday period
- Ask a trusted neighbor to collect any unexpected flyers or packages
Important: Don’t let promotional materials from banks or supermarkets accumulate in your gate or door—remove them all before leaving.
5. Inform Your Next-Door Neighbor
This is perhaps your most powerful security measure.
- Give a spare key to one trusted neighbor, not multiple people
- Share your contact number and approximate return date
- Ask them to:
- Occasionally park in your driveway (if landed property)
- Put out and bring in your trash bins on collection days
- Hang some clothing on your drying area mid-week
- Consider a small CNY gift as a thank you—it strengthens this vital community bond
6. Invest In Home Security Systems
You don’t need a full security system for effective protection.
- Equip CCTV camera system for indoor & outdoor that can provide live video feed to your phone (like ezviz cctv camera)
- Secure With Wireless Intrusion Alarm Systems at entrances, stairs, windows (Hikvision Wireless Alarm System)
- Combine With Smart Lock that alert your phone to any unlocking attempts like VLOCK V18F Face Recognition Smart Lock With iSiri features
Tech Note: If using smart cameras, ensure they’re mounted high and clearly visible to act as a deterrent first.
7. Safeguard Valuables And Documents
Some items are irreplaceable.
- Move obvious valuables (jewelry, watches) out of master bedroom drawers
- Store important documents (passports, property deeds) in a discreet, secure location
- Consider a safety deposit box for heirlooms and critical paperwork
- Take photos of serial numbers for electronics as insurance backup
Practical Tip: The last place to hide items should NOT be the bedroom wardrobe—this is the first place burglars check. Consider creative spots like kitchen pantry containers or children’s toy boxes.
8. Appliance And Utility Safety Check
Prevent accidents while you’re away.
- Unplug non-essential appliances (TV, computer, chargers, microwave)
- Empty the refrigerator of perishables to avoid smells and power waste
- Check that the iron, hair straighteners, and stove are definitely switched OFF
- Adjust water heater to vacation mode or turn off completely
- For longer trips, consider shutting off the main water valve to prevent pipe leaks
Safety First: Leave one small light (on a timer) plugged in so the circuit doesn’t appear completely dead to anyone monitoring the house.
9. The Outside Perimeter Review
Don’t forget what’s visible from the street.
- Trim bushes and trees near windows and entrances (remove hiding spots)
- Store ladders, tools, and bins inside the locked garage or store room
- Ensure exterior lights are working properly
- For landed properties: Lock side gates and consider a padlock for the back fence
- Remove any ‘spare key’ hidden under mats, pots, or rocks
10. Final Pre-Departure Walkthrough
Before you lock the door for the final time:
- Go through this checklist physically with a printed copy
- Test all timer lights to ensure they’re programmed correctly
- Double-check windows on upper floors that are often forgotten
- Set your air conditioner to a higher temperature or turn it off
- Take out all garbage to avoid pests and odors
- Leave a contact list for your neighbor (your number, police, nearby relative)
Bonus: The “Last-Minute” 5-Minute Plan
Forgot everything until the last minute? Do these ABSOLUTE essentials:
- Put several lights on random manual schedules
- Ask your immediate neighbor to keep an eye out
- Hide visible valuables from plain sight
- Lock ALL ground-floor access points
- Keep your travel plans off social media
Final Thought
Completing this Balik Kampung Security Checklist For CNY Holiday might take an hour or two of your pre-CNY preparations. But the return is priceless: complete peace of mind. When you’re laughing around the reunion dinner table or exchanging ang pao with nieces and nephews, you won’t have that nagging worry in the back of your mind.
Happy Chinese New Year 2026! May your home be safe, your travels smooth, and your celebrations filled with happiness and good fortune.
For more details, contact us for a consultation. We provide installation for Home Security Systems.