Living alone can be safe and comfortable with a few habits: secure entry points, careful sharing of personal information, regular check-ins, and clear plans for emergencies.
Whether you live alone by choice or circumstance, you are the only person watching over your home. Good routines give you freedom and peace of mind. Most of them are free and take little time.
Secure Your Home
- Lock doors and windows every time you leave and when you go to bed.
- Fit sturdy locks and a door viewer or chain, and keep entrances well lit.
- Do not hide spare keys outside. Leave one with a trusted neighbor or friend instead.
Be Careful at the Door
- Check who is there before opening. You do not have to open the door to anyone you were not expecting.
- Verify service staff by calling the company on a number you looked up yourself.
- Accept deliveries safely, at the door or through a delivery point, without letting people inside.
Share Less About Yourself
- Avoid announcing that you live alone or that you are away, in person or on social media.
- Use initials or a family name on mailboxes and nameplates where possible.
Set Up Regular Check-Ins
- Agree a daily message or call with a relative or friend, and a plan if you miss it.
- Know your neighbors well enough to ask for help or to notice when something is wrong.
Prepare for Emergencies
- Keep emergency contacts and medical information in a visible place and on your phone.
- Install and test smoke alarms, and check gas and electrical equipment regularly.
Build Habits You Can Keep
Choose a few habits and repeat them until they are automatic. Keep your local emergency contact information readily available, and stay connected with people who would notice if you needed help.