21 Front Door Safety Hacks for Women Who Live Alone

If you’re here, you probably know that weird, uneasy feeling when you’re alone at night and someone knocks on your door. 

Or worse, when you wonder if your lock is really enough. I get it.

Living alone means no one else is there to answer the door with you. And that can be scary. 

That’s why I wanted to share some of the best front door safety hacks I know. Real things you can actually do. 

Some are super simple. Some cost next to nothing. But every single one is about giving you more control, more confidence, and more peace of mind in your own space.

You deserve to feel safe at home. Let’s make sure you do.

1. Add a Reinforcement Lock

I’d recommend these – Amazon

You know how the usual door lock feels kind of… weak? I really don’t trust it alone. 

So I always suggest adding a second lock, like one of those swing bar locks or extra deadbolts. 

It’s such a small thing, but it makes your door way harder to push open. If you rent, just ask if you can add it—it’s usually just a couple of screws. 

It really helps you feel safer, especially at night.

Also read: How to Know Someone is Watching Your Apartment

2. Use a Door Security Bar

I got mine from here – Amazon

This is one of my favorite things. 

You know those metal bars you can wedge under the doorknob? They’re so simple, but make it really hard for anyone to force the door open. 

I like that you don’t need to drill or install anything. Just put it in place at night or whenever you’re home alone. 

It’s such an easy way to feel safer.

3. Always Use a Peephole or Camera

I have this one – Amazon

Honestly, never open the door without checking first. 

If you have a peephole, use it every single time. And if you can, get one of those non-subscription doorbell cameras—even the basic ones work fine. 

It’s just good to see who’s there before you even think about opening up. It gives you that little bit of control we all want when we’re alone.

4. Add a Door Alarm Stopper

This is the one I use – Amazon

You know those little wedge-shaped door stops with built-in alarms? They’re amazing. 

You just slide it under the door before bed. 

If someone tries to force it open, it lets out this super loud alarm. It’s cheap, no installation needed, and it can really scare someone off fast.

5. Keep the Area Outside Your Door Bright

You know how darkness just invites trouble? Make sure the space outside your door is well-lit. 

Even a simple solar motion sensor light can help if you can’t change the main lighting. 

It’s such an easy way to scare off anyone creeping around and to make you feel safer walking up to your own door at night.

6. Don’t Open the Door for Strangers

I know it can feel rude, but please don’t do it. 

If you don’t know them, you don’t have to open the door. Just talk through the door or use your peephole or camera. 

It’s okay to say “I’m not interested” or just ignore it completely. 

Your safety matters more than being polite.

7. Use a Smart Lock or Keypad

I use these keypad lock, but these smart locks are amazing too.

You know how easy it is to lose keys? Or worry about someone having a copy? 

A smart lock or keypad lets you lock and unlock without a key. 

You can even change the code anytime. 

It just gives you more control, especially if you ever feel weird about who might have an old key. Super helpful if you live alone.

8. Put Up a “No Soliciting” Sign

It sounds so small, but it really helps. 

A simple “No Soliciting” sign can stop random people from knocking on your door in the first place. 

It sets a clear boundary. 

Fewer people at your door means less chance you’ll feel pressured to open it for someone you don’t know.

9. Use a Fake Security Camera

I’d recommend these – Amazon

If you can’t afford a real camera yet, get one of those cheap fake ones with the blinking light. 

It actually works as a deterrent. 

Most people won’t want to mess with a door that looks like it’s being watched. 

It’s such an easy, budget-friendly way to make your front door feel safer.

10. Always Lock Your Door, Even When You’re Home

I know it sounds obvious, but so many of us forget. 

Don’t leave your door unlocked just because it’s daytime or you’re inside. 

Make it a habit to lock it the moment you close it. It’s such a simple thing, but it really cuts down on someone just walking right in.

11. Check for Gaps and Seal Them

You know those little gaps around some doors? They’re not just for drafts. They can make it easier to pry the door open. 

Just get some weatherstripping or door seals. 

It’s cheap, easy to install, and it not only keeps you warmer but also makes your door harder to mess with.

12. Don’t Announce You’re Home Alone

It’s so tempting to tell people you live alone, but try not to. 

Don’t mention it to strangers at the door. Even delivery people don’t need to know. 

Just say “we’re not interested” or “we’re busy” if someone asks. 

Keeping that little mystery can really help you feel safer.

13. Keep a Spare Key Somewhere Safe (But Not Outside)

Please don’t hide a key under the mat or in a flowerpot.

It’s the first place anyone will check. 

If you need a spare, give it to a trusted friend or neighbor instead. That way, you’re not making it easy for someone to just let themselves in.

14. Practice Answering the Door Confidently

I know it can feel awkward, but try to sound firm when you talk through the door. 

Even if you’re nervous, don’t let it show. 

Just a strong “Who is it?” or “I’m not interested, thanks” can make someone think twice. Confidence is such an underrated safety tool.

15. Use a Door Chain for Extra Control

I suggest these – Amazon

You know those simple little chains? They’re old-school, but they work. 

It lets you crack the door open just enough to talk, without letting anyone push their way in. 

Super easy to add if your landlord’s okay with it, and it gives you that bit of control when you need it.

16. Install a Strike Plate Reinforcement

Go for these – Amazon

You know the metal plate where your lock goes into the door frame? The standard ones are usually really weak. 

Upgrading to a heavy-duty strike plate with longer screws makes it way harder to kick in the door. 

It’s such a small, cheap change but really boosts your front door’s strength.

17. Keep Your Entry Area Clear

Try not to stack packages, shoes, or anything big right by the inside of your door. 

You want a clear path in case you need to shut it fast or use your security bar. Plus, it keeps you from tripping if you’re in a hurry. 

Simple, but it really matters when you’re home alone.

18. Put Up a Security Company Sign (Even If You Don’t Have One)

Honestly, you don’t even need the real service. 

Just putting a security company sticker or sign near your front door can make someone think twice about trying anything. 

It’s all about looking like you’re prepared. Such an easy, cheap way to make your place seem less like an easy target.

19. Do a Quick Check Before Bed

Every single night, just take a second to double-check your front door. 

Make sure it’s fully locked, the extra lock or bar is in place, and any alarms or wedges are set. 

It’s such a small routine, but it helps you sleep better knowing you did everything you could to keep yourself safe.

20. Cover Glass Panels or Sidelights

This is the one I use – Amazon

If your front door has those little glass windows or side panels, try covering them with frosted film or curtains. 

You don’t want anyone peeking in to see if you’re alone or if the place is empty. 

It’s such a simple fix, but keeps your privacy—and your safety—intact.

21. Trust Your Gut Every Time

This is the most important one. If something feels off—even if you can’t explain why—listen to that feeling. 

Don’t open the door. Don’t engage. You don’t owe anyone anything. Your safety matters more than being polite. 

Trust yourself. Always.

One Last Thing Before You Go

Listen—I know this can all feel like a lot. 

But you don’t have to do every single thing tonight. Just start with one. Even one small change can help you feel safer and sleep a little better.

You deserve to feel secure in your own home. You really do. 

So please, take what works for you and make it yours. 

And if you have any little safety hacks you swear by, I’d honestly love to hear them. 

Let’s keep sharing and helping each other feel just a little less alone, and a whole lot safer.