Hey everyone, I just moved into an apartment and I’m living alone for the first time. I’ve never had to seriously think about home security before, but now I want to make sure I’m protected. What do you all recommend? Guns, security systems, door locks, anything—open to all ideas!
My neighbor, who also lives alone, set up smart lights using Philips Hue bulbs so her whole apartment lights up when she comes home. She also leaves a pair of big worn-out work boots by the front door to make it look like a guy lives there.
@Sloan
That’s actually a pretty smart trick.
It costs nothing and might make someone think twice. Just gotta keep a little dust on them so they don’t look staged.
Make it obvious your apartment isn’t worth the trouble. A fake security sign, visible cameras (even if they’re just decoys), or even a dog bowl outside the door can help. Keep your place well-lit so there are no hiding spots, and keep your curtains closed so no one can peek in.
Secure all entry points—door and windows. A simple wooden rod in the track of sliding doors or windows makes them way harder to open.
If you can, get a doorbell camera and a basic alarm system to alert you to break-ins.
Have a plan. Know your exits, where you’d hide if needed, and keep some kind of protection in easy reach. Example: If you hide in your closet, keep a can of bear spray or a taser in there.
If you decide to get a gun, get proper training. Knowing when and where you’d confront an intruder is just as important as knowing how to shoot. And most importantly: training, training, training.
@Haru
Extra tip: If you do hide in your closet, open a window to make it look like you escaped. Stay quiet and snack on some chips while they leave.
Never leave your doors unlocked, even when you’re home. So many break-ins happen just because someone didn’t lock up.
What kind of building do you live in? First floor or higher up? Is it a secured hallway or an open breezeway?
Start with securing your door. Install longer screws in the strike plate, and if your complex didn’t change the deadbolt when you moved in, ask them to. You might also want to upgrade your peephole for a better view.
There are a bunch of no-drill door security options if you can’t make major changes. Definitely look into those.
If you’re open to firearms, great—but if you’re not willing to train and learn about self-defense laws, focus on hardening your entry points first.
Also, check your apartment’s policy on cameras before installing one.
@Uma
I second reinforcing your door. If your landlord allows it, check out something like the Nightlock system. It makes it a lot harder for anyone to kick in your door.
Home security basics are the same for everyone—make sure your doors are strong, know where your weak points are (like windows), and have a plan.
If you’re open to a gun, start with a 9mm—something full-sized like a Glock 17 or CZ P10F to help with recoil. Train with it. Dry fire practice at home is free and helps a lot. Ammo is expensive right now, so buy a small box of hollow points for defense and a couple hundred rounds of FMJ for training.
If you want to go further, get an AR-15. It’s easier to shoot than a handgun and more effective for home defense. But whatever you choose, practice, practice, practice.
@Oli
I agree with most of that, but why does nobody talk about .380? My wife carries one, and I do too sometimes. It’s easier to handle than a 9mm but still has enough stopping power.
Uma said:
@Oli
I agree with most of that, but why does nobody talk about .380? My wife carries one, and I do too sometimes. It’s easier to handle than a 9mm but still has enough stopping power.
.380 is okay for a pocket gun, but for home defense, you don’t need something that small. If you’re not carrying it all day, you might as well have something bigger and easier to shoot.
Uma said:
@Oli
I agree with most of that, but why does nobody talk about .380? My wife carries one, and I do too sometimes. It’s easier to handle than a 9mm but still has enough stopping power.
9mm has better stopping power and isn’t much harder to shoot. If you’re going to have just one, go with 9mm.
@Oli
What about a smaller 9mm, like the S&W Shield? Would that work well for home defense, or is there too much recoil?
Charlie said:
@Oli
What about a smaller 9mm, like the S&W Shield? Would that work well for home defense, or is there too much recoil?
Smaller guns do have more recoil because they’re harder to get a full grip on. They’re great for concealed carry but have trade-offs, like lower capacity and shorter sight radius.
If you have smaller hands, a compact might feel fine, but if you’re new to shooting, you should go to a range and try both a compact and a full-size. See which one feels better before making a final choice.
My sister is about your age and lives alone. The number one thing I tell her is to always be aware of her surroundings. If something feels off, trust your gut.
Peephole cameras are great for apartments, so you can see who’s outside without opening the door.
If you get a gun, get proper training and practice regularly. Keep it locked up when you’re not home. And don’t advertise that you own one—no bumper stickers, no casual mentions to people you don’t trust.
What floor are you on? If you’re higher up, your front door is your weak point. Reinforce it with something like Door Armor—it makes it way harder to kick in.
Most break-ins happen through the door, so at the very least, replace the short screws in the door frame with 3-inch ones.
From one woman to another:
- Get a flip guard for your deadbolt and reinforce your door frame.
- Make sure your windows have blinds or curtains, so no one can see inside.
- Keep everything locked at all times, even when you’re home.
- Get a gun if you’re comfortable with it. A 9mm full-size is usually easier to shoot than a smaller one. If that’s too much, try a .380.
- If your apartment doesn’t have outdoor lighting, set up motion lights or leave a porch light on overnight.
If you’re serious about self-defense, get a reliable pistol or rifle. Training is just as important as owning one.
Thorn said:
If you’re serious about self-defense, get a reliable pistol or rifle. Training is just as important as owning one.
BUY A SAFE BEFORE YOU BUY A GUN!