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Keep the keys in the lock -

If you have a lock on the inside of your front door, leave your keys in it! This way you’ll always see them before leaving the house, and you’ll never accidentally lock yourself out.

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Stock up the medicine cabinet -

When you live alone it’s not as easy to get someone to run to the pharmacy for you when you’re feeling sick. It’s a good idea to have a stock of the most common items in case you’re too sick to go out. It’s a good idea to have something for pain, fever, nausea, and a first aid kit.

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Keep the pantry in full -

Another way to give yourself a sense of security and self-reliance is to have some general emergency supplies. This might include things like a flashlight in case of a black out, and non-perishable foods in case you can’t get to the store for some reason (some people say putting bread in the freezer is sacrilege, but it’s practical as heck!).

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Fire extinguisher - Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it! Even if you already have a fire extinguisher in your home, you might not have thought about actually using it before. It’s a good idea to figure that out before you need it.

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The spider slayer -

Get an extendable vacuum if you can’t stand dealing with bugs and spiders. A long vacuum cleaner will take care of the problem and you don’t need to get too close.

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Get the practical basics -

Get yourself a few household basics that are likely to come in handy. It’s good to have basic tools, especially screwdrivers, as well as spare light bulbs, and a plunger.

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The ultimate trick for dressing alone -

If you’re trying to zip up the back of a dress alone and totally failing, there’s a simple hack you can use. Tie a ribbon to a clothes peg, then attach the clothes peg to your zipper, and pull it up using the ribbon.

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Feeling safe -

Living alone for the first time can feel a little spooky. Some people will find they start thinking of all the “what if” scenarios and get completely freaked out. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to give yourself a greater feeling of security in your home.

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Change the locks - When you first move into your new place you can change the locks. This way you know you’re the only one who has the keys.

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Get to know your neighbors -

The majority of people tend to feel safer when they get to know their neighbors. (assuming their neighbors aren’t terrible). Knowing you have someone nearby who could help you out in a pinch is a real comfort.

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Spare keys -

Give a key to a friend or family member who lives nearby, if you can. It’s good to have someone who could let themselves in if you had an emergency, or needed them to check on the place when you’re away.

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Danger bells! -

If you are very easily spooked when you hear noises at night, there’s a trick you can use to reassure yourself that no one has broken in. Hang bells on the doorknobs and window latches of your home, anywhere someone can access from the outside. This way, even if you hear a weird noise, you’ll know no one is inside because the bells didn’t jingle.

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Host friends and family -

Invite friends over for movie or games nights. This will help to make your home feel more lively and less disconnected from the outside world. Having company may also force you to clean!

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Get out and about -

Find a reason to get outside. Even if you don’t really need to, remember that it’s good for your mental health to get outside. Go for a walk, bring your book to a park or café, or shop in real life instead of online.

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Get a pet - What better time to get a pet than when you’re living in your own place? It’s wonderful to have an animal companion when you live alone. Cats, for example, are pretty great company, as long as you don’t get in their way...

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Get a pet -

If you have a dog, then it’s a great excuse to get out of the house at least once or twice a day. The exercise is great, and there are usually numerous social interactions with other dog lovers during the walk!

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Find ways to meet people -

If you’ve moved to a new place where you don’t know anyone, try searching for local meet-up events. If there’s a sport or activity you really enjoy, that might also be a good way to meet people.

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Stay connected -

Make sure to keep in touch with your loved ones and supportive friends. Perhaps schedule a weekly call with friends and family so you don’t become too disconnected.

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Cooking for one - Cooking for one can often lead to a lot of food waste, so it’s a good idea to plan your meals ahead and ensure you don’t over-buy at the grocery store.

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Freeze in individual portions - Get some good microwaveable single-serving containers. This way, you can do batch cooking and make a full recipe without trying to scale it down to one serving. Put the leftovers in the freezer in individual portions for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Work with versatile ingredients - Plan meals based around ingredients. If you’ve got a bunch of random leftover food in your fridge, try to build a meal around them. Lots of vegetables can work in soups, stews, stir frys, pasta dishes, or omelettes. You’ll most likely start to get a feel for what fresh produce is most versatile for you after a while.

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Make it feel like home -

If you’re used to other people making your home feel like home, it can be difficult to create that feeling when you live alone.

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Create your sanctuary -

Since this place is just for you, you’re free to make it your sanctuary. Consider what would make you feel happiest and most comfortable. You can do whatever you want! Within the limits of your rental agreement if you're renting, of course.

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Decorate without breaking the bank -

There are lots of ways to make a place feel homey without spending a ton of money. The jungle aesthetic is big right now, so even simple white walls and as many plants as you can squeeze into the room will look right on trend.

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Plants are key -

In a strange way, having living plants can almost feel like company. Caring for them and watching them grow is quite therapeutic.

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Get crafty -

You can also search for online DIY hacks for home decor and see what inspires you. It’s a fun way to focus your energy on something crafty and artistic too.

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Enjoy the solitude -

Living alone can feel strange if you’re used to living with other people. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, and you don’t have to consider anyone else in your decisions.

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Get to know yourself -

This can leave you feeling slightly adrift at first, but use it as an opportunity to get to know yourself. You’re free to watch a guilty pleasure TV show that your ex-partner or family hated, skip doing the dishes for a night, and sing your heart out in the shower.

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Last, but not least... -

And the final tip, courtesy of one passionate Reddit user: always keep extra toilet paper within reach of the toilet. Nobody is going to bring you more if you run out at the wrong moment!

Sources: (BuzzFeed) (Life Storage) (Ranker)

See also: Tried and true tricks to meet locals while traveling alone

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