Living alone is your ticket to the good life. It’s your first step into real independence, away from your parents and roommates, and gives you the freedom to enjoy things how you want, when you want. It literally is everything it’s cracked up to be!
The thing is, living alone comes with its fair share of downsides as well. Sure, you might be able to decorate the bathroom however you like, but a floral shower curtain won’t protect you from would-be intruders. A plaid sofa doesn’t offer much comfort against lurking neighbors. Basically, you have plenty more than bills to worry about when it’s just you. There’s no need to be a Nervous Nellie, but there are a few rules you should be aware of.
Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite
First and foremost, you deserve security—but that doesn’t just mean locking up at night. Even those in apartment buildings should invest in security cameras; Ring cameras keep track of who’s outside, while indoor cameras can keep tabs on beloved family members (like children or pets), and even alert you to any nosy landlords.
You also have plenty of other gizmos and gadgets to choose from. For example, not every renter feels secure with a flimsy chain lock, so you can always grab portable door locks. (You’d be surprised just how much added peace of mind a bit of plastic provides.) Peephole covers, alarm systems, and even two-by-fours for sliding doors also provide that extra pinch of security.
Now, as much as technology has become the scourge of our society, it’s still useful for some things. Smart devices can be your best friend if you live alone; alerts are sent right to your phone, and specific apps provide emergency contacts with important information as well. It’s best to stick with one camera company, however, because the more variety you have, the more apps you’ll need to download.
Practical Ways to Stay Safe
Is someone going to break into your apartment while you sleep? Doubtful, but that’s no reason to ignore your safety. Before you rent a place, scope the area at night and get a feel for the clientele. Remember: not every open house provides an accurate picture of the neighborhood, so checking it out unannounced is always wise.
If you feel safe in the area, opt for an apartment that isn’t on the ground floor. Unless that would-be burglar is Spider-Man himself, he’s not going to scale multiple floors just to steal your coffee machine. Opting for a higher unit also keeps you further away from any nightlife; no one wants to hear a group of stragglers shambling home from the bar at two in the morning.
Don’t underestimate the power of friendship, either! No, seriously. Make friends with your neighbors. Befriending them not only provides a greater sense of community, but it also alerts you to any suspicious activity around the building. You don’t need to become best friends to recognize strangers or unfamiliar cars on the street. Should the worst happen, specifically calling a bystander’s name over aimlessly crying for help, encourages people to act faster.
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, the most powerful tool you have at your disposal is your gut. The longer you live somewhere, apartment or house, the more accustomed you become to your surroundings. You’ll recognize sketchy behavior or when something is amiss; it’s just up to you whether it warrants any action.
Of course, you don’t even need to wait for your instincts to kick in. Stay alert and work to keep everyone else safe as well. Don’t open the door to strangers. Communicate with people through your Ring camera. Keep some sort of personal safety device on you; plenty of apps link themselves to your emergency contacts, alerting them of your location and sending alarms if people don’t hear from you.
Make sure your loved ones know your address and how to get to you in the event of an emergency. Let them know of any plans, too. There’s a reason people ask you to text them when you get home! Do yourself a favor and let people know when you arrive safely—better yet, let someone know when you’re in an Uber or a taxi on the way home.
Common safety tips provide peace of mind without turning into an anxious wreck. There’s a big difference between being aware of your surroundings and reporting any shadow to the police, so don’t freak yourself out! Remain aware, remain vigilant, but don’t forget to enjoy your life. Keep loved ones in the loop and recruit technology for that added touch of security. Don’t worry, living alone is still the awesome adventure you thought it would be!
