7 security tips to put your mind at ease when you live alone
Living on your own can be good for your budget and mental health. You can live how you want, eat when you want, dress how you want and live your life on your own terms. But doing all that can also come at a cost: your peace of mind. It can be difficult to feel safe and secure when you are routinely the only person in your home.
Stop the stress with our expert tips on what to do when you’re alone: From cheap safety features to important settings, these best practices are perfect for living alone.
Read more: Essential security tips when staying in an Airbnb or vacation rental
1. Set up a motion sensor or ringing bell
A simple motion sensor is an inexpensive way to see if someone is nearby.
One of the best safety measures you can take when you live alone is to know when someone else is around. A traditional option is to attach a bell to your door handle (also to make it holiday ready), but nowadays we have more reliable choices, such as this $12 light-up LED motion sensor.
If you prefer an outdoor alarm or a motion sensor that can cover a long hallway/open floor plan, you can choose this $35 weatherproof sensor and hub with an adjustable bell.
This tip works especially well for people who live alone, as old or new detectors can easily be triggered by children or partners, creating more confusion than confidence. You’ll also want to place them in locations and heights where pets can’t reach or activate them.
2. Get a portable door lock for the room you are in
Portable locks aren’t just for travel: they can make bedrooms, home offices, and other spaces feel more secure.
Portable locks can give any traditional door without a deadbolt an extra lock for protection. You can easily place them on bedroom doors, rental doors, or any other door where you want more protection, no matter what other security the house has. It’s a handy, versatile solution if you’re not sure how long you’ll be living alone and want something extra for a specific room.
Portable locks are also affordable. Here it is a two-pack for just $17. And if you want a more substantial upgrade, you can always opt for a smart lock with app control.
3. Choose a portable camera that you can move wherever you want
Ring’s battery camera is on the pricier side, but offers a versatile, weatherproof option for viewing from anywhere.
A security camera can be a welcome view of your home if you live alone, but our experts recommend a portable, wireless indoor model in this case. You can move a portable camera to look at whatever room you want, or into a particular hallway, corner, or shadow that gives you the creeps.
Our favorite cams for these purposes include the Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Camera ($180) and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery ($100). Both cameras can also work outdoors if you are concerned about a dark garden.
4. Equip the front door with a video doorbell
Blink’s affordable doorbell is a well-rounded, inexpensive choice.
A video doorbell warns you when someone is approaching, allows you to talk to a visitor remotely and can even sound sirens or record automated messages. It’s an all-in-one security device that’s especially useful if you’re home alone, and we’ve got a full guide to the best models right on your doorstep. If you’re watching your wallet, we can also recommend some excellent cheap video doorbells.
Please note that most doorbells require a subscription or microSD card to store video footage. Some even let you set the doorbell to recognize familiar faces and alert you to an unknown face, which users may prefer.
5. Set your indoor and outdoor lights to come on at night
Smart Ring lighting makes a home appear active and full.
Most random trespassers or burglars don’t do that know you are home alone. You can make the illusion even more convincing with smart lighting that turns on at set times, so it looks like more people are coming home and are active in multiple rooms.
Smart bulbs are more affordable than ever, with options like this Amazon Basics 4-pack available for $40. They’re made to fit into standard household sockets, and many no longer require hubs to operate, so they’re very flexible. Set a switch-on schedule and forget it, so your home looks busy no matter what.
6. Change the passwords for your device and lock logins
Change the password on your wireless network for extra security.
People who live alone, especially women, They are much more likely to be attacked by someone they know when they are home. Therefore, when your living situation changes, I recommend that you prioritize changing the passwords of your security apps, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, and even your phone. Don’t forget to change the codes on your locks and garage door if necessary. This is a basic safety step that’s all too easy to forget as you get used to living alone.
Read more: We asked a criminologist about the most common ways burglars enter
7. Choose a high-quality keychain pepper spray
A keychain pepper spray is not only useful outside if you live alone.
You never want to be in a situation where you feel physically threatened by someone, but if it does happen, it’s nice to have a small can of mace or pepper spray on hand. This Saber spray retails for $12 and attach it to your key ring, so you always have it at hand. You can even attach it to a phone case, purse or belt. It has a quick release clasp for easy access, plus a twist lock for security.
Bonus tip: Invest in a panic button
A panic button is a more expensive option in a solo home, but it does give you immediate emergency access.
If you want to take solo safety a step further, grab a panic button that you can carry with you or place nearby to immediately contact emergency responders when needed. These panic buttons are a common part of home security systems. Ring Alarm offers one for $30while SimpliSafe has a $20 wall-mounted model. Systems like ADT Plus combine panic buttons with their access keys, and you can even find standalone models from brands like Silent Beacon.
These devices require a subscription to work properly and aren’t for every budget, but they do round out your home security when no one else is around (or home security for a loved one in a similar situation).
For more up-to-date security tips, check out whether you can use a security camera in an apartment building, how to deter burglars from your home, whether a dog is good for home security, and the worst places to put a security camera.
