15 Creepy Signs Someone’s Been Inside Your Apartment

There’s a certain kind of silence that hits different when you walk into your apartment and something just doesn’t feel right.

You can’t explain it — nothing’s obviously missing, no broken locks, no wide-open doors — but your gut is whispering someone’s been here.

And if you’re living alone, that whisper? It’s loud.

Because this space — your home — is supposed to be your one safe place in the world. 

The one spot where you can drop your shoulders, exhale fully, and feel okay.

So when it feels even slightly off, it’s not “just in your head.” It matters. 

You’re allowed to question it. You’re allowed to trust that little voice.

In this guide, I’m walking you through the subtle signs — the things you might overlook at first — that could mean someone’s been inside your apartment while you were gone. 

Not to scare you. Not to make you panic. 

But to give you clarity, confidence, and ways to protect your space if something doesn’t sit right.

Let’s go through this together, okay?

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1. Items Aren’t Exactly Where You Left Them

You know your space better than anyone. 

Where that mug sits on the counter. How your keys face on the hook. The way your throw blanket falls on the couch.

So when something’s just a little off — not gone, not broken, just… off — your mind notices even if you can’t explain why it’s bothering you. 

That candle’s turned the wrong way. Your perfume bottle is slightly shifted. A book on your nightstand is suddenly on top of the stack instead of the bottom.

Tiny things, yes. 

But when you live alone, there’s no one else it could have been. And that’s what makes it so unsettling.

Don’t brush it off. Write it down. Take pictures if you need to.

These little inconsistencies might be the very first clue that someone’s been inside your home.

Also read: How to Know Someone Might Be Watching Your Apartment

2. Doors or Windows Left Open (or Unlocked)

You double-check your door before leaving. You know you do. 

Same with that little window in the bathroom or the balcony door you never open.

So when you come home and find one of them cracked open — or worse, unlocked — it hits you like a jolt. 

At first, you second-guess yourself. Did I forget? Am I being dramatic? 

But deep down, you know how careful you are with this stuff. Especially when you live alone.

And the truth is, doors and windows don’t just unlock themselves. 

Unless there’s a breeze that can open a latch (unlikely), or someone else has access, that change means something.

If this ever happens, take it seriously. Check for signs of tampering. Change the locks if you can. And trust yourself. Always.

Also read: Warning Signs Your Landlord Is Illegally Entering Your Apartment

3. Strange Smells That Don’t Belong

Smell is powerful. It lingers. And it tells stories even when everything looks normal.

Maybe it’s a whiff of someone’s cologne in the hallway. 

Maybe it’s the smell of cigarettes — and you don’t smoke. 

Or maybe it’s something faint but off… like leftover food, cleaning supplies you don’t use, or just that weird, unfamiliar scent that makes you stop in your tracks.

You know how your apartment smells. It’s your space. 

So when something’s different, even if it’s subtle — pay attention.

Smells can be one of the clearest signs that someone else has been inside, even if they didn’t touch a thing.

Trust your nose. It never lies.

Also read: Cheap Ways to Secure Your Windows in an Apartment

4. Lights or Appliances Turned On (or Off)

You walk in and notice a light on that shouldn’t be. 

Or your fan is spinning. Maybe your microwave clock is blinking like it lost power — but everything else seems fine.

It’s the little stuff. 

A lamp you always turn off before you leave. A nightlight you never use. The AC running when you swear you shut it off. 

At first, you might think, Did I forget? Maybe I was rushing. 

But if you live alone and you have your routine down — you know.

These small changes are often the ones that get overlooked. But they can be big red flags if someone was inside and flipped something on without realizing you’d notice later.

So don’t ignore them. 

If anything looks or feels off, write it down. Start a note in your phone. Keep track. These details matter more than you think.

Also read: Renter-Friendly DIY Security Upgrades for Women Living Alone

5. Toilet Use or Trash You Didn’t Leave

Okay, this one’s… gross. But it’s real.

If you live alone, you know when you’ve used the bathroom. You know how you leave things — lid up or down, seat position, toilet paper folded just so. 

So when you walk in and something’s off — the seat’s up, the paper’s gone, there’s water in the bowl, or a faint flush sound just as you open the door — it’s more than just weird. 

It’s disturbing.

Same goes for the trash. Maybe something’s been added — a wrapper you didn’t eat, a tissue that wasn’t yours, or even just more trash than you remember. 

It doesn’t have to be obvious. Just… off.

And let’s be honest — no one breaks into an apartment just to use the bathroom. 

So if you notice this, it’s a big deal. Your privacy was crossed. Period.

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

6. Curtains, Blinds, or Windows Look Different

You know how your curtains fall. How your blinds tilt. 

Maybe you like them half open to let the light in. Maybe you always close them before stepping out.

So when you come home and they’re drawn differently — pulled open, closed tighter, or just… uneven — it’s enough to make your heart drop for a second.

It seems small. But this is one of those things that’s so specific to you, anyone else messing with it feels like a violation.

Same goes for windows. 

Were they cracked open a bit when you left? Why are they shut now? Why is one fully open?

Pay attention to these shifts. They’re not loud. They won’t scream “break-in.” 

But they might be the quiet clue you need to realize someone’s been inside when you weren’t.

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

7. Missing Food or Items That Seem “Borrowed”

You open the fridge, and your leftovers are gone. Or maybe that snack you were saving? Half-eaten. 

Nothing major. Nothing expensive. But still… it wasn’t you.

Sometimes it’s not food. 

Maybe a towel’s been used. A mug’s in the drying rack that you don’t remember using. Or you’re sure you had three rolls of toilet paper left — now there’s only one.

It’s these little things that can feel extra creepy. Because whoever it was? 

They weren’t stealing. 

They were lingering. Living. Touching things like they belonged there.

And that’s what makes it feel so personal — like your home was treated like some casual stop-by, instead of your safe space.

It’s not just weird. It’s a warning sign. So please don’t ignore it.

8. Dust or Dirt in Odd Places

Your floor was clean when you left. You’d swear on it. 

But now? There’s a faint shoe print near the entry. A weird smudge by the doorknob. Maybe a little dirt on the windowsill — and you never open that window.

You don’t need to be a detective to notice these things. Just observant. 

And when you live alone, you become very observant — because there’s no one else to blame it on.

This kind of stuff often shows up in the most overlooked spots:

• Dust wiped off a shelf like someone brushed by
• A fingerprint on a mirror
• Slight scuff marks on the inside of your door

It’s subtle. But it matters. 

So if something looks off, don’t clean it right away. Take a photo. Look around. Ask yourself: Did I really do this? Or did someone else?

9. Pets Acting Super Anxious or Out of Character

Animals know. 

Before you even sense something’s wrong, your dog might be pacing. Your cat might be hiding. 

They don’t need proof. They feel energy shifts instantly — especially when a stranger’s been in their space.

If your usually chill pet suddenly seems nervous, avoids certain rooms, or acts clingier than usual when you get home… pay attention. 

That behavior change isn’t random.

Some pets might bark at nothing. Others may sniff the floor endlessly like they’re tracking something. Some might even seem scared of your apartment — tail tucked, ears down, body low.

And listen, you don’t have to “prove” anything to trust what your animal is showing you. 

They’re trying to tell you something.

Please, don’t ignore it.

10. Motion Sensor or Smart Lock Notifications

If you’ve got any kind of smart tech — a door camera, a smart lock, a motion detector — check the logs.

Even if you didn’t get a real-time alert, most apps keep a little timeline of activity.

Look for:

• Door unlocks when you weren’t home
• Motion inside your apartment at weird hours
• Failed code attempts
• A doorbell press you didn’t expect

Sometimes people dismiss this tech like it’s overkill — but it can give you answers you deserve to have.

And if you don’t have smart devices yet, don’t worry — I’ll link a few budget-friendly options later in this guide. 

Even something super basic can make a huge difference in your peace of mind.

Because when your gut says something’s off, tech can help back you up.

11. Mail or Packages Touched or Moved Inside

You walk in and see your mail stacked differently. 

That envelope you left on the table? Now it’s flipped over. A package you were planning to open later? It’s been opened.

This one’s especially unsettling if you always bring things in and leave them a certain way.

Because mail is personal. It’s private. And if someone’s been nosing through it, they weren’t just “checking in” — they were looking for something.

Maybe they didn’t take anything. Maybe they even tried to put it back the way they found it. 

But you still feel it. That breach.

It’s not about whether something was stolen. 

It’s about someone crossing into your space, into your life — without your permission.

And that’s not okay.

12. Mirrors, Frames, or Wall Décor Slightly Shifted

You might not notice it right away. 

But something catches your eye — your mirror’s tilted. That picture frame looks a little off-center. A wall hanging that used to be straight now leans just slightly.

It’s not like someone came in and wrecked the place. 

But they touched things. Maybe leaned against the wall. Brushed past something. Or even peeked behind a frame.

Creepy? Yes. And it’s exactly why this sign matters.

Because no one randomly shifts wall décor unless they’re snooping… or trying to be slick about where they’ve been.

If you notice this kind of thing, take a moment. Look around. Were they just careless — or were they searching for something?

Your home tells a story. Even the tiniest shift can speak volumes.

13. Unexpected Things in the Sink or Shower

You walk into the bathroom and there’s water in the tub — but you haven’t used it. 

Or the sink has droplets, maybe even a stray hair that’s not yours. A washcloth looks like it’s been moved. A razor shifted. A towel that feels damp.

Or maybe there’s a fork in the sink you don’t remember using. A cup in the dish rack that wasn’t there this morning.

It’s all so easy to second-guess. 

You tell yourself, Maybe I forgot. Maybe I’m being dramatic. But if you live alone, and you’re usually tidy — these aren’t just “oops” moments. 

These are possible signs of someone using your space without your knowledge.

It doesn’t have to be a mess. 

Sometimes it’s the faintest trace of someone else’s presence that makes your skin crawl the most.

14. Closet Doors Opened or Drawers You Didn’t Touch

Closets are private. Drawers are personal. 

So when you come home and notice one of them cracked open — even just an inch — your whole body goes still for a second.

You know you didn’t leave it that way. 

You know which drawer sticks when you open it, which one squeaks, which one you haven’t opened in weeks.

If a closet door that’s always closed is suddenly ajar… or if your underwear drawer is even slightly pulled out — it’s not just unnerving. It’s violating.

Whoever it was wasn’t just inside. 

They were searching. 

And that’s a different kind of fear.

So please, if you ever notice something like this, don’t write it off. Document it. Protect your space. 

Your intuition is trying to take care of you.

15. You Just Know

Sometimes there’s no physical clue. No shifted item, no strange smell, no door left ajar.

But something in your body says, Someone’s been here. 

And it’s not drama. It’s not paranoia. It’s your survival instinct kicking in — and that instinct is wise.

You walk in, and the air feels different. 

You can’t settle. You keep scanning the room, checking things twice. Your heart’s a little louder than usual. Your brain tries to brush it off, but your gut refuses.

Listen to that. 

Because even without “proof,” your intuition is often the first and most powerful sign that your space has been violated.

And the truth is — when you live alone, you have to trust yourself. 

No one else is going to walk in and confirm it for you. 

So if something feels off, even slightly? 

Believe it. And start protecting yourself like it’s real — because it just might be.

What to Do If You Suspect Someone’s Been Inside Your Apartment

Okay. So your gut is telling you something. Or maybe you’ve seen a few signs and you’re no longer sure what’s normal and what’s not.

Here’s what to do — step by step. You don’t have to do them all at once. Just start somewhere:

1. Start Documenting Everything — Immediately

Open the Notes app on your phone or keep a little notebook. 

Jot down every single thing that felt off:

• Date, time, what you noticed
• Photos of anything that looked moved or strange
• Even small things like “cat was acting weird” — write it down

You’re not being dramatic. You’re building a timeline, in case you need it later.

2. Use Subtle “Tells” to Catch Movement

Sometimes you need proof before anyone takes you seriously.

Try:

• A piece of clear tape across the doorframe
• A tiny scrap of paper placed gently in the doorjamb
• A hair laid carefully across a drawer edge
• A rug corner folded a specific way

If someone enters and tries to leave everything as it was, they probably won’t notice these. But you will.

3. Set Up a Cheap Motion-Activated Camera

You don’t need anything fancy. Even an old phone with a free motion-detection app can alert you to movement.

If you’re on a budget, look for small indoor security cams that upload footage to your phone — no monthly plan needed. 

I’ll link a few Elle-approved options at the end.

Place it somewhere discreet. This isn’t just about catching someone — it’s about protecting your peace of mind.

4. Change the Locks (If You Can Legally Do So)

This depends on your lease and local laws. 

In some places, you’re allowed to change the locks — especially if you feel unsafe. In others, you might need to give a copy to your landlord or ask for permission first.

If your landlord refuses and you feel unsafe? It may be time to escalate — or consider moving, if you can.

5. Don’t Tell Anyone Right Away — Unless You Trust Them Deeply

I know that sounds strange. But sometimes, not saying anything is how you learn more.

If you suspect someone with access — like a landlord, maintenance worker, or even a so-called friend — it’s better to stay quiet while you gather proof.

Talk to someone you trust deeply if you need emotional support. 

But hold back from confronting anyone until you feel confident and safe doing so.

6. If It Escalates, Don’t Hesitate to File a Police Report

You are never being “extra” for wanting to feel safe in your own home. 

If anything feels truly wrong — or if you catch solid proof — you have every right to go to the police.

Even if nothing was stolen, even if nothing was broken. 

Someone entering your apartment without permission is a violation. Full stop.

You don’t need to be polite. You need to be protected.

Elle’s Picks: Budget-Friendly Cameras That Can Give You Peace of Mind

If you’re starting to feel uneasy in your own home, these little devices can make a big difference — not just for proof, but for your peace. 

You don’t need a full security system. Just something small, quiet, and smart.

Here’s what I’d suggest:

• Wyze Cam v3 – Affordable, works with Wi-Fi, has motion alerts + night vision. Super solid pick for the price.
• Blink Mini – Tiny but powerful. Sends alerts to your phone and stores clips. Easy to hide on a shelf.
• Tapo TP-Link – A smart, reliable pick with motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, and app access. Great if you want something simple that just works.
• Old iPhone? – Download an app like “Alfred Home Security” and turn it into a motion cam for free.

You don’t need to film your whole life — just a little backup for when your instincts start whispering. 

You deserve to feel safe. Period.

One Last Thing Before You Go…

If you’ve made it this far, I just want to say — I see you. 

I know how heavy it feels when something doesn’t feel right in your own home. 

When your gut is telling you someone’s been here, and you start second-guessing everything… including yourself.

But here’s the thing: you’re not overthinking. You’re not crazy. You’re not dramatic. 

You’re aware. You’re brave enough to listen to that quiet, inner voice that so many people ignore.

And that? That’s powerful.

You deserve to feel safe in your space. You deserve to sleep without fear. 

So whether you’ve noticed one weird thing or ten, your instincts are reason enough to take action.

This guide isn’t meant to scare you. It’s here to remind you: 

You’re allowed to protect yourself. You’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed to take up space — and keep it safe.

I’m proud of you for trusting yourself. I really am. 

And if you ever want to talk about it — I’m just a message away.