30 Uncommon But Useful Tips From Women To Women Who Have Been Living Solo For Years

Save enough money for all kinds of emergencies. Money makes problems easier to deal with. Too sick to cook? Order in for some days. Too depressed at work? Take a break, go for vacation. Roof leaking? Hire a repair person. The independence money offers is nice, so keep some for needy days.

DO NOT USE DRANO or any of the equivalent drain gels, especially if you live in an older house. Get a little drain snake at a hardware store for like $4. Please learn from my $800 mistake.

My other tips: get a ladder tall enough to reach your smoke detectors. A bicycle air pump fits inside of the hose that connects your dishwasher to your disposal and can unclog food bits, with a bit of creativity. Regularly tighten the screws on door knobs so you don't get stuck. Recaulking the tub is shockingly easy, a quick YouTube video and some painters tape are key. They sell oven mitts that have grippy bottoms that are great for opening jars. Clean your ice bin regularly. Change your filters for your HVAC unit!

I set my phone down next to the shower within arm's reach just in case I fall.

My mom (single) and I text each other every morning to make sure we're both still kicking.

Someone told me to park at the end of the driveway during snowy season so I only need to dig out a little bit of the driveway if there's a lot of snow.

My Marine guy friend who had kids and weapons told me he rarely kept weapons at arms' length to protect himself because he was afraid his kids would get there. He told me to keep a steel bat under my bed and a can of pepper spray on my nightstand. No idea how that would work out, but I do it anyway. I have a child so I never felt confident having a gun within arm's reach.

For me personally a little strategy helps. Get to know your neighbors, let friends visit regularly, and create a routine that doesn’t make you look isolated. I’ve invested in security, cameras, smart lock, some motion lights. If you can, stash tools in unexpected spots, places most people wouldn’t think to check.

I don't live alone anymore but still have a Birdie alarm by my bed and a Ring panic button. Someone went on our property through a side gate and tried to get in, but thankfully he didn't break any windows and gave up when the door didn't unlock. Whenever my partner is traveling I make sure the button and alarm have batteries.

Also, shoes by bed in case of earthquake or other emergency, and a window-hanging emergency exit ladder in our bedroom.

Last tip: get a portable power drill and a drill brush kit set. I use it to scrub my shower, sinks, car, shoes, counters, etc. I know which attachments I use with which materials and it saves SO much time and is pretty affordable.

I have a ring camera on my front door and make sure both locks are locked at all times if I’m home. A drawer full of kitchen knives near the entry. I honestly don’t feel the need to panic and be paranoid. I have never felt in danger in my place.

Besides that, I always make sure I have medicine at home so that if I’m sick, I at least have something to take. A few freezer meals too.

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- Fake name

- Fake home address that’s a few doors down

- Never answer honestly about living there/visiting.

When I lived alone I got a PO Box and had my physical address be a complete secret.

I don’t live alone, but I’m home alone a lot and ever since we moved to house with a water closet this has been my fear!

I’m honestly surprised I don’t hear about it more!