6 Tips on How to Feel Safe Living Alone

According to Statista, more than 37 million people are living alone in the United States, which is an increase from previous years. Though there are many benefits to living alone, for some, there may also be some downsides, such as feeling unsafe without the support of a loved one around in the event of an emergency. But living alone shouldn’t mean compromising your safety. 

No one who lives alone should have to feel unsafe at any time. In the post, we’ll share safety tips for those who live to give you the confidence you need to continue your independent life. 

1. Make Some Trusted Neighbor-Friends

Not everyone finds it easy to connect with neighbors. In fact, Pew Research reported that in 2019, 57% of those surveyed said they only knew some of their neighbors. And, many don’t know any neighbors at all. 

For those who live alone, knowing your neighbors is a simple way to enhance your safety. By getting to know your neighbors – whether they live next door, down the block or on the floor above you in an apartment building – you both will mutually benefit from having a friendly face to look out for package deliveries or water plants when you’re not home, or to simply check-in once and a while to ensure you’re healthy and happy. 

Spend some time walking in your community, attending local events, or even utilizing apps like NextDoor to get to know others in your neighborhood. 

2. Consider Getting a Pet

Getting a pet is certainly not practical for everyone for a wide variety of reasons. but having a cat or dog at home might help you feel a bit safer when living alone. Not only can they provide physical protection – as is the case with some larger dogs – but emotional connection throughout your day.

If you’re not ready to commit to a pet, you can consider pet-sitting for others instead. By pet-sitting, you’ll get the benefits of having a pet when it comes to safety, but without the full-time responsibility. 

3. Find a Housesitter

Speaking of pet sitting for others when they're away, you can also consider finding a house sitter for yourself when you go away. The neighborhood friends you’ve made can serve as housesitters or dogwalkers, or you can hire someone to do the job instead. Knowing that your home is protected by a family member, friend, or hired help will allow you to fully enjoy your time away. 

4. Utilize Best Practices for Locking Up

Even if you find yourself constantly losing your house keys, it’s never recommended to keep your key hidden under a doormat or around the doorframe itself. If you can find your key in a hideaway spot, it’s likely an intruder will too. 

Consider installing a Smart Lock so you can easily lock your front door while on the go. 

5. Be Careful What You Post on Social Media

Letting those you know and trust where you are is important, but you must be mindful about how and where you share your travel plans. Many of us don’t realize how much we post online, and many more of us don’t realize that even the simplest social media update could jeopardize our safety. A Facebook story or Instagram post could reveal to a clever burglar or home intruder whether or not you’re home. To feel safer living alone, limit your location sharing on social media. 

6. Invest in a Smart Home Security System to Feel Safe Living Alone

At the end of the day, dangers can present whether or not you live alone or not. But that doesn’t mean you should just shrug your shoulders and become complacent. Instead, take a proactive approach to your home protection and consider installing a smart home security system. There are a wide variety of different systems on the market that fit a variety of different home types. From video doorbells to outdoor cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks, a little bit can go a long way for your sense of security.