Living alone has its perks. You decide what’s for dinner. You control the thermostat. You don’t have to explain why you’re rearranging the furniture at 9 p.m.

It also means you’re the one who notices when something feels off. You’re the one who locks the doors, replaces the batteries, and figures out what to do if something unexpected happens.

Home safety, when you live alone, isn’t about fear. It’s about reducing friction. Making everyday life easier and less vulnerable so you don’t have to think too hard when you’re tired, distracted, or half-asleep.

Most safety issues aren’t dramatic. They’re small. And that’s good news, because small things are easier to manage.

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One of the simplest safety upgrades has nothing to do with security systems.

Light matters.

Exterior lights that work consistently, a porch light that comes on at dusk, and one or two interior lights on a timer can make a home feel occupied even when you’re not there. You don’t need your house lit up like an airport runway. You just don’t want it to look predictable or empty.

This indoor timer is super easy. Simply plug the timer into a wall outlet, turn the dial to the time you want your light to come on

The same goes for routines. If you always leave and return at exactly the same time, it’s okay to mix that up occasionally. Not because someone is watching, but because predictability isn’t your friend when you live alone.

And a gentle reminder most of us already know: posting photos after you’re home is usually better than posting while you’re away.

You don’t need fortress-level security to be safer at home. You need habits that work even when you’re distracted.

Locking doors when you’re home. Using the deadbolt, not just the handle lock. Making sure sliding doors and windows are actually secured. These things matter more than expensive gadgets. Y’all, those sliding door/window locks are the best! I have them on my sliding glass door, and they’ve held up extremely well over the past two years. Install one at eye level. You can unlock it with one hand! It sure beats leaning down to the bottom of the door to remove a broom handle like my mom had when I was a kid. It’s also not nearly as cumbersome and unwieldy as the full bar that installs halfway up the door. I like simple. That’s as easy as it gets.

If someone knocks unexpectedly, you’re allowed to pause. You don’t owe anyone an immediate answer or an explanation. A peephole, door viewer, or wireless camera can help you decide without opening the door. I chose the Ring camera here because they’re a reliable, no-brainer choice. When I installed mine, I had to drill holes in my siding. If you’d rather not do that, here is an easy option to both enclose the camera and give you a drill-free option. You just insert the Ring or similar-sized camera and slide it onto the side of your front door. Super easy!

Delivery culture has made this easier than it used to be. Packages can be left. This one’s a little more expensive than I usually recommend, but it has some great features like the drop top so someone can’t reach in and take what’s in the box. Conversations can happen through the door if needed, or via the Ring two-way talk system. Safety doesn’t require confrontation. I never — and I mean NEVER — open my door to a knock from someone I’m not expecting.

Here’s the part that doesn’t get talked about enough: when you live alone, falls and injuries at home are far more common than break-ins.

This isn’t about age. It’s about physics and gravity.

Clear walkways matter. Especially at night. Rugs that slide, cords that wander, and clutter that creeps back into hallways all increase risk.

Bathrooms and kitchens deserve extra attention. Non-slip mats, a good step stool instead of a chair, and keeping frequently used items within easy reach all reduce the chance of a bad moment turning into a bigger problem. I linked a great little two-pack step stool with up to 300-lb capacity that folds flat. Store one in your kitchen and your hallway or bedroom so you have it handy. You’ll use it if it’s handy.

None of this is dramatic. It’s just thoughtful.

Being safe at home also means being reachable.

That starts with simple things. Keeping your phone charged. Having a charger near where you spend most of your time. Making sure your emergency contact is clearly labeled in your phone. Literally name your emergency contact “Emergency Contact” in your phone. You can also have them listed separately under their actual name.

It also helps to have a short plan written down. Nothing elaborate. Just the basics. Who to contact. Where key information is. What matters if someone needs to step in briefly. I’ve written a short article about what goes into that plan here.

Preparedness isn’t about expecting trouble. It’s about removing guesswork.

This part is harder to quantify, but it matters.

If something feels off, you’re allowed to listen to that feeling without explaining it away. You don’t need to be polite at the expense of your comfort. You don’t need a perfect reason to say no, leave, or not engage.

Living alone often sharpens intuition. You notice sounds. Patterns. Changes. That awareness is not something to dismiss. It’s something to respect.

Safety isn’t just external. It’s internal too.

Sometimes safety advice gets framed in a way that feels limiting. As if being careful means shrinking your life.

That’s not the goal here.

Good safety habits make independence easier. They reduce stress. They let you relax more fully in your own space because you’ve already handled the basics.

Living alone doesn’t mean being unprotected. It means being intentional.

And the truth is, most safety comes down to small choices made consistently. Locking the door. Turning on the light. Clearing the path. Trusting yourself.

Those things add up.

You’re not doing this because something bad is likely to happen. You’re doing it so everyday life can feel steadier, quieter, and more yours.

Onward,
Bobbie Kay

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