Although living alone has its own benefits for lowering stress, you may be more concerned about home security. Many smart home technologies may also be helpful, in addition to commonplace advice like getting to know your neighbors, shutting your blinds at night, and configuring your doors to automatically lock.

For your protection while hanging alone, our specialists have selected the finest and most affordable gadgets. Here’s what functions and how user-friendly it is.

See also: Crucial Security Advice for Renters and Airbnbs

1. Install a tinkly bell or motion sensor.

Motion sensors for the driveway in an owl motif with a CNET backdrop.
A simple motion sensor is an inexpensive method of detecting presence.

Knowing when someone else is nearby is one of the finest safety precautions to take while living alone. Attaching a string of bells to your door handle is a classic alternative, but these days, there are more reliable options, such as this $12 light-up LED motion sensor.

This $35 weather-resistant sensor and hub with an adjustable chime is a good alternative if you want an outside alert or a motion sensor that can cover a long corridor or open floor plan.

This approach is particularly useful for single people since both new and old detectors are readily set off by spouses or children, which causes more uncertainty than confidence. They should be placed at heights and places that pets cannot access or activate.

2. Secure the door of the room you are in using a portable lock.

A CNET backdrop with two portable door locks made of plastic and metal.
Not only are portable locks useful for travel, but they may also provide a sense of security to home offices, bedrooms, and other spaces.
Any conventional, non-deadbolt door may benefit from an additional lock for security thanks to portable locks. No matter what other security measures the property has, you may simply install them on bedroom doors, rental doors, or any other door where you want additional protection. If you want something additional for a certain space and you’re unsure of how long you’ll be living alone, this is a practical and adaptable answer.

Additionally, portable locks are reasonably priced. A two-pack is available here for only $16. Additionally, a smart lock with app controls is always an option if you’re looking for a more significant update.

3. Select a portable camera that you can take with you wherever you go.

A charging table with a Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on a hardwood table.
Although the Ring battery cam is more expensive, it provides a flexible, weatherproof way to view from anywhere.
If you live alone, a security camera might be a helpful addition to your house, however in this situation, our experts advise getting a portable, wireless indoor type. You may move a portable camera to keep an eye on any room you like, as well as any corridor, corner, or shadow that’s unsettling you.

The Google Nest indoor/outdoor camera ($158) and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery ($100) are our top picks for these kinds of cameras. If you’re concerned about a dark yard, both of these cameras may also be used outside.

4. Install a video doorbell at the front entrance.

The Blink video doorbell is placed on white outside cladding by a hand.
The reasonably priced doorbell from Blink is a good value.
With a video doorbell, you can communicate with guests from a distance, hear alarms, and get automatic notifications when someone is coming. We offer a comprehensive guide on the finest models for your door, and it’s a multipurpose security tool that’s particularly helpful if you’re home alone. If money is a concern, we can also suggest a number of great low-cost video doorbells.

Remember that the majority of doorbells need a microSD card or subscription in order to save video. Some even let you program the doorbell to identify known faces and alert users when they see someone they don’t recognize, which some users could find more appealing.

5. Turn on your lights, both inside and out, at night. ring-smart-lighting-whole-home-promo

Ring smart lighting gives the impression that a house is lively and full.
The majority of haphazard burglars and trespassers are unaware that you are home alone. Smart lighting that activates at predetermined periods to create the appearance of more people entering their homes and moving about in various areas may further enhance the realism of the scene.

With alternatives like this Amazon Basics 4-pack, which costs $42, smart lights are now more reasonably priced than ever. They are particularly versatile since they are designed to plug into regular household outlets and many no longer need hubs to function. To keep your house appearing occupied no matter what is going on, set and forget a “turn on” schedule.

6. Modify your device’s passwords and secure logins.

For further protection, change your wireless network’s password.

Individuals who live alone, particularly women, are far more vulnerable to attacks by acquaintances when they are at home. Therefore, I advise you to make changing the passwords on your security applications, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, and even your phone a top priority whenever your living situation changes. Remember to update the codes on your garage door and locks, if needed. When you’re getting acclimated to living alone, it’s all too easy to forget to take this simple security precaution.

See also: We Consulted a Criminologist on the Most Typical Methods of Burglary

7. Select a premium pepper spray keychain.

a circle-shaped fanned collection of Sabre keychain pepper spray in various tints.
You may use a pepper spray keychain inside as well as indoors if you live alone.
The Sabre

Although you should never feel physically threatened by someone, it’s a good idea to have a small can of pepper spray or Mace handy in case it does happen. For $10, you can have this Sabre spray, which you can keep close at hand by attaching it to your keychain. You may even attach it to belts, handbags, or phone cases. It has a twist lock for security and a quick-detach clasp for convenience.

Bonus advice: Get a panic button.
A wooden table with a book and glasses and a Ring panic button.
For single people, a panic button is more costly, but it provides instant access to emergency services.
If you want to go above and beyond for your own safety, you may get a panic button that you can keep with you or keep close at hand to instantly call for help anytime you need it. A typical component of home security systems are these panic buttons. SimpliSafe has a $20 wall-mounted model, while Ring Alarm sells one for $30. Access fobs and panic buttons are combined in systems like ADT Plus, and standalone variants from companies like Silent Beacon are also available.