Living living alone in a house or apartment — or simply spending many evenings by yourself — can prompt safety concerns, especially after a move or other big change.
Worry not! As CNET’s resident home security expert, I’ve collected the best steps for people living alone in any scenario. A few security practices will keep you safer and feeling more at ease.
Read more: Essential Security Tips When Staying At An Airbnb or Rental
1. Put up a motion sensor or tinkly bell
A basic motion sensor is a cheap way to tell if anyone is around.
One of the best safety measures to take when living alone is to know when someone else is around. A traditional option is attaching a string of bells to your door handle (also making it holiday-ready), but we have more dependable choices these days like this $12 light-up LED motion sensor.
If you prefer an outdoors alert or a motion sensor that can cover a long hallway/open floor plan, then you can choose this $35 weather-resistant sensor and hub with an adjustable chime instead.
This tip works especially well for those living alone because detectors old or new can be easily triggered by kids or partners, creating more confusion than confidence. You’ll want to put them at locations and heights pets can’t reach or activate, too.
2. Grab a portable door lock for the room you’re in
Portable locks aren’t just for traveling: They can make bedrooms, home offices and other areas feel safer.
Portable locks can give any traditional, non-deadbolt door an extra lock for protection. You can easily put them on bedroom doors, rental doors or any other door where you want more defense – no matter what other security the house has. It’s a useful, versatile solution if you’re not sure how long you’ll be living alone and you want something extra for a specific room.
Portable locks are affordable, too. Here’s a two-pack for only $17. And if you want a more substantial upgrade, you can always choose a smart lock with app controls.
3. Pick a portable cam you can move wherever you need
Ring’s battery cam is on the higher-end but offers a versatile, weather resistant option to watch from any location.
A security cam can be a welcome eye on your home if you’re living alone, but our experts recommend a portable, wireless indoor model in this case. You can move a portable cam to watch over whatever room you want or any particular hallway, corner or shadow that’s giving 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 these cams can work outside as well if you’re worried about a dark yard.
4. Equip the main door with a video doorbell
Blink’s affordable doorbell is well-rounded cheap pick.
A video doorbell alerts you when someone is approaching, allows you to talk with a visitor remotely and can even sound sirens or speak up with automated messages. It’s an all-in-one security device that’s especially useful if you’re home alone, and we have a full guide on the best models for your door. If you’re keeping an eye on your wallet, we can also recommend several excellent cheap video doorbells.
Keep in mind, most doorbells require a subscription or microSD card to store video footage. Some even allow you to set the doorbell to recognize familiar faces and warn about an unfamiliar face, which users may prefer.
5. Set your indoor/outdoor lights to turn on at night
Ring smart lighting lets a home seem active and full.
Most random trespassers or burglars don’t know you’re home alone. You can make the illusion even more convincing with smart lighting that turns on at scheduled times to make it look like more people are arriving home and 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 home sockets, and many no longer require hubs to work so they’re very flexible. Set and forget a “turn on” schedule to keep your home looking busy no matter what’s happening.
6. Change the passwords for your device and lock logins
Change the password on your wireless network for extra security.
People living alone, especially women, are far more likely to be attacked by someone they know when they are at home. So I recommend that when your living situation changes, you should prioritize changing the passwords on your security apps, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras and even your phone. Don’t forget to change codes for your locks and garage door, if necessary. This is a basic security step that’s all-too-easy to forget when you’re getting used to living alone.
Read more: We Asked a Criminologist About The Most Common Ways Burglars Break In
7. Choose a high-quality keychain pepper spray
A keychain pepper spray isn’t only useful outside if you’re living alone.
You never want to be in a situation where you feel physically threatened by someone, but if it happens it’s great to have a little can of Mace or pepper spray close by. This Sabre spray is available for $12 and attaches to your keychain so you always have it nearby. You could even loop it to some phone cases, purses or belts. It has a quick detach clasp for easy access, plus a twist lock for safety.
For more spot-on security tips, check out if you can use a security cam in an apartment building, how to deter burglars from your home, if a dog is good for home security, and the worst places to put a security camera.
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