17 Apartment Safety Tips Every Woman Should Know

Living alone as a woman comes with a lot of peace… and a little bit of fear you don’t always admit out loud.

Like, yeah, you love your space. Your candles, your silence, your little routines. But there’s always that tiny voice in the back of your head going, 

“Wait… did I lock the door?”
“Was that knock something I should worry about?”
“What if someone tried to get in and no one’s around?”

And you know what? It sucks that we even have to think about this stuff.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to live scared. You just need to live smart. 

And that’s what this list is for — the stuff most women learn the hard way. The little habits. The “I never thought of that” tricks. The things that quietly say, “Not today.”

So if you’ve ever felt a little uneasy in your own apartment — or just want to feel safer without turning your place into Fort Knox — these tips are for you.

Let’s talk woman to woman.

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1. Never say you live alone — even casually

I know it feels harmless. 

You’re chatting with the maintenance guy, the Uber Eats driver, the new neighbor down the hall… and before you even think about it, you’ve said something like, “Yeah, I live alone.”

Please, don’t.

You never know what someone’s intentions are — and once that info is out, you can’t unsay it. 

Even if the person seems nice. Even if they’re just making small talk. You’re not being paranoid — you’re being private. There’s a difference.

Instead, get used to saying things like: 

“Oh, we’re still settling in.”
“My roommate’s out.”
“He’s not home right now.” 

Even if it’s a total lie. That lie might be what keeps you safe.

Also read: Cheap Ways to Make Your Apartment Safer

2. Put a fake name or initial on your doorbell and mailbox

I know, I know — it feels weird to not use your real name. But here’s the thing: strangers don’t need to know exactly who lives in your apartment. Especially not that it’s just you and only you.

Instead, use something that sounds neutral. 

An initial. A last name only. Even a made-up roommate name.

Something like “J. Carter” or “The Millers” works way better than your full first and last name — especially if it clearly signals you’re a woman living alone. 

You’re not being secretive. You’re being smart.

It’s a tiny change that keeps you from becoming an easy target for creeps who scan mailboxes looking for solo women. And trust me, they do.

Also read: Best Ways to Make Your Place Feel Like Home (on a Budget)

3. Always check the peephole — even if you’re expecting someone

I don’t care if it’s your Amazon order, your pizza, or someone who said they’d “be there in 5.” 

Still look first.

And if your door doesn’t have a peephole? Get one of those cheap stick-on viewers from Amazon — they’re like 10 bucks and take two seconds to install. Totally landlord-friendly.

It’s not about being rude. It’s about giving yourself a second to decide. A second to pause and think, “Does this feel off?”

Because once you open that door, you can’t undo it.

And honestly? If something feels weird — don’t open it. You don’t owe anyone an explanation from the other side of the door.

Also read: Front Door Safety Hacks for Women Who Live Alone

4. Say “we’re not interested” — never “I’m not interested”

This one’s sneaky — but powerful.

You know those door-to-door people? The ones selling stuff, asking questions, handing out flyers? Even if it’s totally innocent, don’t tell them you’re not interested.

Say “we’re not interested.” 

Even if it’s just you and your houseplants.

It makes them think you’re not alone. That someone else might be inside. Someone who could walk up behind you at any second.

You don’t have to slam the door or be aggressive — just plant that seed of doubt.

Because people with bad intentions? They’re not looking for a challenge. They’re looking for easy.

So don’t be easy.

Also read: Unique Ways to Hide Valuables in a Small Apartment

5. Leave a pair of men’s shoes outside your door (or a big dog bowl)

Okay, this one’s old-school… but it works.

Big, muddy sneakers. Heavy boots. Something that screams “a man lives here.” 

Leave them by your front door — especially if you live in an apartment where your door opens straight to a hallway or outside.

It instantly changes the story strangers tell themselves. Instead of “oh, a woman lives alone here,” it becomes “someone else might be inside.”

No man in your life? Doesn’t matter. 

Thrift a pair. Borrow from your brother. Fake it. Same with the dog bowl — you don’t need an actual dog to leave one out.

It’s subtle. It’s psychological. And honestly? It makes a difference.

Also read: Signs Someone Might Be Watching Your Apartment

6. Leave a light or the TV on when you step out

You don’t have to turn your apartment into Times Square. Just leave something on.

A hallway lamp. A bathroom light. Your TV low on a random channel. Something that says, “Hey, someone’s home.”

Especially if it’s getting dark out or you’re just running to the store for “five minutes.”

Creeps don’t need much time — they’re looking for empty places and quiet doors.

So even if you’re just grabbing takeout or walking the dog, make it look like someone stayed behind.

7. Use smart plugs to set random timers

This one’s for when you’re out late, working weird hours, or traveling. 

Get a couple of cheap smart plugs — plug in a lamp, your TV, even your coffee machine if you want — and set them to turn on at different times.

But here’s the trick: don’t set them for the exact same time every day. 

Mix it up. Make it unpredictable.

That way, it looks like someone’s home living their life, not like some boring automatic timer going off at 7:00 PM sharp.

And you can control most of these from your phone — so if plans change, or you’re out later than you thought, you can still light up your place like someone’s there.

It’s quiet protection. But powerful.

8. Don’t tag your apartment or neighborhood on social media

You’d be shocked how many women unknowingly drop pins right on their front door.

A balcony selfie with the street name in the background. 

A cute video of your hallway with your apartment number showing. 

Even tagging your favorite local coffee shop every day, people can start putting the puzzle together.

So here’s the rule: don’t show exactly where you live. 

No building names. No unit numbers. No street signs in your stories. Keep your safe space… private.

Even if you trust your followers, you don’t always know who’s watching.

9. Hang a “Beware of Dog” sign — even if you don’t have one

It sounds silly… but it works.

Slap a little “Beware of Dog” sticker on your door, your gate, or near your peephole. Doesn’t matter if your only pet is a cactus named Linda — the point is they don’t know that.

Burglars, creeps, anyone scouting out apartments — they don’t like surprises. A dog? That’s a risk. That’s noise. That’s trouble.

So they move on.

It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it adds one more layer of doubt for anyone thinking about messing with your space.

10. Use a door security bar for extra protection at night

If you’ve never heard of these — girl, they’re a game changer.

It’s a heavy-duty metal bar you wedge under your doorknob and angle into the floor. So even if someone has a key — or tries to kick the door in — it’s not budging.

Like seriously, not moving.

You can find them on Amazon for 20–30 bucks. No drilling. No installation. Totally landlord-approved. 

And when you’re home alone at night? It gives you that ahhh, I can finally relax feeling.

I use one every night. Not because I’m scared — but because I deserve to feel safe while I sleep. So do you.

11. Add a portable door lock for when you’re inside

This one’s small enough to fit in your palm, but strong enough to stop someone from barging in — even if they have a key.

It’s called a portable door lock — and it’s perfect if you live in a rental, travel often, or just want extra peace of mind when you’re inside. 

You hook it into the strike plate and close the door — and boom, nobody’s getting in unless you take it off.

What I love about it? You don’t have to install anything. No tools. No damage. 

You can take it with you to hotels, Airbnbs, or even use it in a shared apartment if your roommates make you feel a little… ehh.

It’s cheap, easy, and honestly? Feels like a little secret weapon.

12. Cover your peephole from the inside

Okay, hear me out — most people think peepholes are just for looking out. But creeps? They’ve figured out ways to look in.

Yup. There are tiny reverse peephole devices that let people see what’s happening inside your apartment — especially at night when your lights are on.

So here’s what you do: stick a piece of tape, a tiny magnet cover, or even a peel-off privacy sticker over it when you’re not using it. Peel it back when you need to check — then cover it up again.

It’s one of those “you’d never think of it” things… until you do. And once you know, you can’t un-know.

So yeah — block that little hole. No one needs to see into your space but you.

13. Never let delivery people inside — meet them at the door

I know it feels awkward. They’ve got a uniform. They’re “just dropping something off.” They seem nice. 

But here’s the rule: if you didn’t request it, they don’t come in.

You can crack the door. Talk through it. Step outside to grab your order. 

But unless it’s pre-approved maintenance that you personally scheduled? Keep that door closed.

And if someone shows up claiming they’re there to “check the pipes” or “inspect something”? 

You’re allowed to say:

“I wasn’t informed — I need to call the landlord first.”

Don’t let the pressure or politeness override your gut. Your safety isn’t rude.

14. Keep your phone off silent when you’re walking to your door at night

It sounds small, but trust me — it matters.

When you’re heading home late — maybe after work, maybe after a night out — make sure your phone isn’t on silent. 

That way, if something feels off, you can call someone and actually hear it ring.

And honestly? Just the sound of a phone call starting can make someone back off. 

Even if you fake it — like holding your phone up and saying, “Yeah, I’m almost home. Can you meet me at the door?” — it shifts the energy.

You’re not alone anymore. Someone’s listening.

And that makes you look like a way harder target.

15. Send a “home safe” text — even if no one’s expecting it

This one’s more for you than anyone else.

Make it a habit — every time you walk through your front door at night, send a quick “Home safe!” text. 

To your best friend. Your mom. Your group chat. Whoever.

Even if they don’t reply. Even if no one asked you to.

Because if something ever felt off — a weird guy followed you, a door was unlocked, a car was parked too close — and something did happen? 

That little text becomes a breadcrumb. A timestamp. A clue.

But more than that… it’s a way of saying to yourself, “I made it. I’m safe now.” 

And that’s powerful.

16. Do a fake check-in call when you walk into your apartment (if something feels off)

You ever walk into your place and just… feel weird?

Like the door wasn’t shut right. Or something looks slightly moved. Or your gut just whispers, “Something’s off.”

When that happens? Pull out your phone and fake a call — loud enough for anyone hiding to hear.

Say something like:

“Hey, I just got in. Can you stay on the line while I check the rooms?”
“Yeah, he said he’d be back in five. I’m just gonna grab water.”

You don’t have to believe it — they do.

It gives the illusion that someone knows where you are, and that you’re not alone. 

Sometimes that’s all it takes to stop something before it starts.

Always trust your gut. Always.

17. Walk in like someone’s already watching

This one isn’t about a gadget or a product — it’s about energy.

When you walk up to your apartment — especially at night — don’t fumble for keys, don’t scroll your phone, don’t zone out.

Walk in like you’re being watched… because sometimes, you are.

Look around. Stand tall. Unlock the door with purpose. 

And once you’re inside? Lock it immediately — even if you’re just dropping your bag and heading back out.

Creeps look for people who seem distracted. Disconnected. Easy. 

So give them none of that. Make them second-guess it.

You’re not paranoid — you’re prepared. You’re not scared — you’re smart.

One Last Thing Before You Go…

Look, I wish we didn’t have to talk about this. I wish this guide didn’t have to exist. 

But we live in a world where being a woman who lives alone still comes with risks — and no one teaches you how to actually protect yourself.

So if this list felt a little intense at times? That’s okay. It’s not about living in fear — it’s about living with awareness. 

And that awareness? It builds confidence. It lets you exhale a little deeper when you lock your door at night.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one tip. Then two. Make it yours. 

Because you deserve to feel safe in your space — not just sometimes, but always.

And if no one’s told you this lately? I’m proud of you. 

For taking your safety seriously. For protecting your peace. 

For doing life on your own terms.

You’ve got this.