20 Safety Tips for Women Who Live Alone

Living alone can be empowering. 

You decorate how you want, eat cereal for dinner, and dance in your kitchen with zero judgment.

But let’s be real — feeling completely safe when you live solo? That takes more than just good vibes and locked doors.

I remember when I first moved into my own place. 

Cute little apartment. Top floor. 

But that first night? I slept with the light on and a hammer under my pillow. (It wasn’t even a real hammer… it was one of those baby toolkit ones from IKEA.)

No one really teaches you how to feel safe when you’re on your own — not your landlord, not your parents, not YouTube. 

So I had to learn it one habit at a time.

This isn’t a list full of generic advice like “be aware of your surroundings.” 

This is the stuff I actually do. The stuff I wish someone told me sooner. 

And the kind of real-world safety tips that every woman who lives alone deserves to know.

1. Change the locks — even if the place seems safe

It doesn’t matter if your landlord said, “We reset everything.” 

It doesn’t matter if the last tenant seemed chill. 

If you didn’t personally swap out that lock, someone else might still have a key.

I know it feels like a weird thing to ask for right after moving in, but trust me… It’s not. 

It’s basic safety, not paranoia.

And if you’re renting and can’t change it yourself? 

Ask. Push a little. 

Tell them you’re a woman living alone and it’s non-negotiable. 

Worst case, buy a portable door lock that works with the existing one — they cost like 15 bucks and take 30 seconds to install.

Because feeling safe in your own space… That should never be optional.

2. Install a doorbell cam

Even if it’s just a $30 one from Amazon, it’s worth it. 

Not because someone’s definitely going to show up at your door, but because you don’t want to wonder who did when you hear that knock at 9 PM.

And here’s the trick: you don’t even have to install the camera for it to work. 

Sometimes, just the sticker or fake camera is enough to make someone think twice.

When people think you’re watching, they behave differently. 

That goes for delivery guys, maintenance workers, or that one neighbor who stares too long in the hallway.

It’s not about living in fear. 

It’s about having eyes on your front step when you’re in your pajamas at midnight — and that tiny extra layer of control?

It’s powerful.

3. Always double-lock — even during the day

A lot of people think locking the door is a nighttime thing. 

But here’s the truth: most weird stuff happens during the day, when you’re home, relaxed, and least expecting it.

Double-locking (deadbolt + knob) takes literally 2 seconds, but it creates that extra barrier. 

And when you live alone, that barrier means everything.

Even if you’re just inside folding laundry or watching Netflix, keep it locked. 

Not because you’re scared, but because you’re smart.

It’s not overkill. 

It’s just your new normal.

4. Use a door jammer bar when you’re home alone

Okay, this one’s a game-changer. 

A door jammer (also called a security bar) goes right under your doorknob and wedges into the floor. 

So even if someone has a key or tries to force it, the door doesn’t budge.

I got mine after reading some Reddit thread where a woman said her landlord randomly let himself in. 

That was enough for me.

They’re cheap, easy to use, and honestly? Just knowing it’s there makes you sleep better.

No drilling. No tools. Just pop it under the handle before bed or when you’re home alone. 

It’s like giving your front door a backbone.

5. Keep curtains closed at night — even on upper floors

I used to think, “I’m on the third floor. No one can see me.” 

Until one night, I walked into my kitchen in a tank top… and noticed the construction scaffolding across the street.

Yeah. Someone could see me.

So now? Curtains. Always. Especially once the lights are on inside. 

Because here’s the thing — at night, your apartment becomes a lit-up stage and you’re center frame.

Even sheer curtains help. It’s not about hiding — it’s about not inviting strangers to study your space.

You deserve privacy, even if you’re not doing anything “private.” 

That’s your space. You choose who gets to see inside.

6. Don’t put your full name on the mailbox

I know it feels super official to have “Elle Thompson” printed on your door or mailbox… but trust me, first name only is more than enough.

You never know who walks through your building. 

Delivery guys, maintenance staff, random visitors… your full name gives them one tiny thread to pull. 

Google it. Find your Instagram. Maybe your number. Maybe more.

That’s how harmless turns into creepy real quick.

My rule now?

• Apartment packages? First name only.
• Doorbell label? Initials or “E. T.” (which, low-key, makes me sound like a mysterious neighbor from a movie anyway.)

Keep it low-key. Let the people who need your full name already have it. 

Everyone else? Doesn’t need to know.

7. Create a “fake roommate” setup (shoes, jacket, etc.)

A few weeks ago, I went to visit one of my girlfriends who just moved into her own place. 

Cute little studio, full of plants, soft lighting — totally her vibe.

But right by the door, I noticed a huge pair of men’s sneakers and this faded old hoodie hanging on the coat rack. 

I was like, “Girl… are you hiding a boyfriend in here or what?”

She laughed and said,

“Nope. It’s just my fake roommate setup. Keeps weirdos guessing.”

And honestly? GENIUS.

You don’t need to lie to anyone. 

You just need to leave little hints that make people think you’re not alone.

So now I do the same:

• Pair of guys’ shoes by the door
• Oversized hoodie on a hook
• Maybe two mugs in the sink, even if I drank from both

Because whether it’s a plumber, an Uber driver, or that one sketchy guy who always walks his dog too slow, if they glance in and think someone else lives there?

They’re way less likely to test boundaries.

It’s not about living in fear — it’s about controlling the narrative.

8. Keep a flashlight by the bed, not just your phone

Most of us rely on our phones for everything, right? 

Flashlight, alarm, emergency calls — all of it.

But what if your phone’s dead? Or out of reach when something feels off in the middle of the night?

One of my worst habits used to be tossing my phone across the bed or leaving it on the kitchen counter to charge. 

So when I heard a weird noise at 2 AM? 

Yeah. No light. No phone. Just me… and panic.

Now? I keep a tiny flashlight in my nightstand. 

Battery-powered. Simple. Always there. 

It’s one of those $10 ones that’s so bright it could probably signal aliens.

Because when something wakes you up and your brain’s running wild, reaching for light without fumbling feels like having a superpower.

9. Use a smart plug to leave a light on at night

You ever walk into your place after dark and it just feels… off? 

Too quiet. Too empty. Like the walls are holding their breath.

That used to be me every single night after coming home late.

Then one day, I bought a $20 smart plug. 

Now, one little lamp near my hallway turns on at 6:45 PM — like clockwork. 

Warm light. Soft glow. Instant comfort.

It sounds small, but it changes how your space feels. 

And more importantly? 

It makes it look like someone’s always home — even if it’s just you, reheating leftovers in a hoodie.

You can control it from your phone or set it on a timer. 

And just like that, your place goes from dark and empty… to calm and claimed.

10. Know exactly where your keys and ID are before bed

I used to just toss my keys on whatever surface was closest — couch, dresser, purse, floor. 

Until one night, there was a fire alarm in my building at like 1:30 AM.

Total false alarm… 

But there I was, barefoot, panicking, digging through my tote bag for my keys and ID while everyone else was already outside.

Now? I keep my essentials in the same spot every single night. 

Keys, ID, a little cash, and my spare charger — all in a pouch by the door or on my nightstand.

Because if you ever need to leave fast, whether it’s a fire, a bad vibe, or your gut just says go, you don’t want to be scrambling.

You want to grab and move.

It’s not just about safety. It’s about staying calm when things get loud.

11. Keep a personal alarm within reach — bedside, purse, keys

If I could hand every woman living alone one thing, it wouldn’t be pepper spray. 

It’d be a personal alarm.

Those tiny keychain-sized ones that let out a scream so loud it could wake up your entire building. 

I have one on my keys. 

One in my bag. 

And one right on my nightstand — just in case.

Because here’s the truth: 

You might never need it. 

But the second you do… You’ll want it within arm’s reach — not buried in your tote behind lip gloss and gum.

And they’re legal pretty much everywhere, don’t expire, and don’t require you to aim or fumble. 

Just pull the pin, and the noise does the rest.

It’s one of those “I hope I never use this” tools that makes you feel 10x more in control just by owning it.

12. Never post your location in real time on social media

I used to love posting cute snaps from my coffee runs, Trader Joe’s hauls, or even “just got home” stories. 

Until one day, a random guy from Instagram DM’d me:

“Hey, were you at that café near 5th Ave this morning? Thought I saw you.”

I hadn’t told him where I lived. Or what neighborhood I was in. 

He figured it out from my stories. 

Yeah. Instant chill down my spine.

So here’s the new rule I live by: Post after you leave. 

That’s it. 

Whether it’s a cozy restaurant, your favorite walking trail, or even your own apartment view, wait a bit.

Delay the post. 

Blur the background. 

Keep them guessing.

Because not everyone watching your content has good intentions, and your safety should never be part of the algorithm.

13. Talk loudly on the phone if you feel sketched out walking

This one saved me once — I swear.

I was walking home from the train, it was late, and this guy had been behind me for just a little too long. 

I didn’t want to make a scene, but I also didn’t want to pretend everything was fine.

So I pulled out my phone and said — loud enough for him to hear:

“Yeah, I’m almost home. My roommate’s already inside. He’s watching the door for me.”

I wasn’t on the phone. 

I don’t even have a roommate. 

But you know what? He turned around at the next corner.

Sometimes, the safest thing you can do is make someone think you’re not alone. 

Make noise. Make it clear you’re expected. Say things like:

• “I’ll be there in 2 minutes.”
• “He’s waiting by the entrance.”
• “We’re having people over tonight.”

You’re not being dramatic.

You’re being smart.

14. Say “my boyfriend’s upstairs” if a stranger asks who’s home

You ever had that awkward moment where someone at the door — maybe a delivery guy or random maintenance person — casually asks,

“Is anyone else home?” or “Do you live here alone?”

It might sound innocent. 

But your answer should never be.

I don’t care if you’re single, divorced, or haven’t texted a man back in months, Just say:

“My boyfriend’s upstairs.” or “Yeah, my partner’s in the shower.” or “He’s about to come down.”

You’re not lying to be cute. 

You’re protecting yourself with a sentence that shuts down curiosity and puts up a boundary.

And honestly… You don’t owe anyone the truth when it comes to your safety.

Let them wonder. Let them assume. 

You’re not alone — even if you are.

15. Don’t open the door unless you’re expecting someone

Sounds simple, right? 

But it’s wild how many of us still open the door just because someone knocked — even if we weren’t expecting anyone.

I used to peek through the peephole and think,

“Hmm, maybe it’s a package… or a neighbor… or the building guy.” And before I knew it, I was unlocking the door with zero plan for who might be on the other side.

Now? I don’t open the door for anyone unless:

• I know who they are
• I was expecting them
• They’re clearly delivering something, and I see a package in hand

And honestly, you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone.

If someone knocks and it doesn’t feel right, ignore it. 

Let them leave a note. Let them ring the bell again. Let them wonder.

You owe strangers exactly zero access to your home or your energy.

16. Use pickup options for food instead of giving your address

I know, I know — delivery is so tempting after a long day. 

But here’s something I started doing after a weird Uber Eats experience:

I pick up my food now. 

Even if the place is 5 minutes away.

Because when you live alone, giving your exact address out to random delivery drivers every week means dozens of strangers — mostly men — know exactly where you sleep.

And look, most of them are just doing their job. But all it takes is one who starts noticing patterns. 

Like when you’re always home. 

Or what time you usually order.

So now… I switch it up:

• I use pickup more often
• I deliver to a nearby business or a safe spot with a drop-off area
• And when I do get something delivered? I never open the door — I ask for leave-at-door every time

It’s not about being scared of people. 

It’s about limiting who gets that close to your life.

17. Text a friend before and after you take a solo Uber

This one started as a little habit — now it’s second nature.

If I’m taking a ride alone (especially at night), I just send a quick text to a friend that says:

“Heading home — will text when I’m back inside.”

No drama. No oversharing. Just letting someone know I’m in transit.

Then, when I get home? I follow up:

“Made it, locking up now.”

Sometimes they don’t even reply. 

That’s not the point.

The point is: if something ever felt off — or if I didn’t check in — someone would notice. 

Someone would know where I was supposed to be.

It’s a simple 2-text system that says:

“I’m out here, but I’m not invisible.”

And when you live alone, that little tether to someone else? 

It’s everything.

18. Make friends with your building’s cleaner, guard, or super

Not in a “bring cookies every week” kind of way. 

Just enough so they know your face. Your name. Your vibe.

Because if anything ever feels off — a weird delivery, a strange person lurking, even just a door left cracked open — these are the people who’ll notice first.

In my last apartment, there was this older security guy named Miguel. 

I always waved, asked how his day was, nothing too deep. 

But the one time someone tried to get into the building behind me without a key, Miguel stopped him. 

Not because I said anything, but because he knew I lived there, and the guy didn’t.

It’s one of the simplest safety tricks: Be known. 

Not famous. Not chatty. 

Just familiar enough that if something ever seems off, someone has your back.

19. Always trust your gut — even if it feels “dramatic”

You know that weird feeling you get when something just doesn’t sit right? 

Like a knock that’s too persistent… 

Or a guy who lingers a little too long in the hallway… 

Or a maintenance worker asking questions that feel a bit too personal?

That feeling… That’s not paranoia. 

That’s your instinct doing its job.

And listen — it doesn’t have to make sense to be valid.

If something feels off, shut the door. 

If someone gives you a vibe, step away. 

If your gut says “Don’t go out with him,” don’t.

The worst case? You feel a little awkward for a second. 

The best case? You avoid a situation that could’ve turned bad.

You never have to explain why you feel uneasy. 

You just have to listen to it.

That’s survival — and it’s also self-respect.

20. Build little habits now — they become second nature fast

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. 

You don’t need 12 security gadgets and a military-level routine.

What actually keeps you safe? 

Small habits. Done consistently.

Lock the door every time. 

Double-check your keys before bed. 

Turn on that hallway lamp. 

Charge your phone near you. 

Say no when something doesn’t feel right — even if it’s “just a hunch.”

At first, these things might feel extra. 

But give it a week… and they’ll feel like brushing your teeth. 

Effortless. Automatic. Powerful.

Because when you live alone, no one’s there to double-check behind you. 

You are the safety net. 

And you’re damn good at it.

One Last Thing Before You Go

I didn’t write this list to scare you. 

I wrote it because I’ve been you.

That first night alone in a new apartment. 

That moment when a knock on the door makes your stomach drop. 

That weird little voice that says, “Is this normal?” and no one around to answer it.

Living alone is powerful, but it doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. 

So if this list helps you sleep a little easier, feel a little braver, or take one more step toward owning your space? 

Then that’s all I ever wanted.

You deserve to feel safe in the life you’ve built — truly, fully safe. 

And if no one’s told you this lately: you’re doing a damn good job.

Stay smart. Stay soft. 

You’ve got this.