The claim “always leave a spilled glass and a piece of paper in the sink before you go on vacation” is a common home-safety tip shared online, but it is often misunderstood.
The idea is usually this:
- A piece of paper in the sink may show whether someone has entered your home or used the sink while you were away.
- A spilled glass or a glass left in a noticeable position is sometimes suggested as a simple “tamper indicator” because its position would change if someone moved it.
However, this is not a reliable security method. A person entering your home could easily ignore or reset these items, and they do not replace proper precautions.
Better steps before vacation include:
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Avoid leaving spare keys in obvious places.
- Ask a trusted person to check on your home if you’ll be away for a long time.
- Use timers for lights to make the home appear occupied.
- Pause mail or package deliveries if possible.
- Consider a security camera or alarm system.
- Avoid publicly announcing travel plans while you are away.
The spilled glass and paper trick is more of a low-tech curiosity than a dependable safety measure.
