Locked out but leveling up: A solo homeowner’s guide to laughing through home security lessons.

I bought my first home in 2020. It’s in a relatively safe community, but it’s just me and the animals. I thought I practiced safe homeowner habits. Then I spent a week trying various ways to enter my own home. During this time, I received a crash course in home security.

The Week of Lockouts – A Mini Saga

Episode 1: The Simple Fix

I had kept a key lock box near the door with the spare key for such an occasion. My friends can stop by and check on my animals if I’m away for more than five hours. The first time I got locked out was an easy fix. I just used my spare key.

Episode 2: Lockbox Betrayal

Unfortunately, the second time I got locked out, the locking mechanism failed in the locked position. There was no way to get this thing open to get my spare key. To this day, that key is still held hostage in that box in my garage. 

Episode 3: Window Gymnastics

I realized that wasn’t going to work, so I took a step back. I remembered that I had the living room windows open the day before. This window is right there on the porch, so I popped out the screen and tried it. It was indeed still unlocked. The dogs thought I was nuts, climbing in the windows. So I learned to check all the window locks on the main floor on my way to bed every night.

Episode 4: The AC Unit Climb

The third occasion was a couple of days later. I still didn’t have a spare key outside, and all the windows were locked…except for the dining room windows, because it had a window air conditioner. This situation got tricky. The windows are about 5 feet off the ground. I’m 5′ 6″ and was around 275 lbs at the time, so it wasn’t going to be a graceful climb.

Plus, a large air conditioner was in the way. I wiggled the unit to loosen it. Then I gently leaned it onto my shoulder. Finally, I set it on the ground, bending at the knee (didn’t want a back injury). I then stepped on it to give me a boost to get me into the window. Now I have a bar in the window to hold it snug against the AC unit. Once again, the dogs thought I was nuts.

Home Security Lessons from the Inside Out

Every night, I let the dogs out the back door for a final potty break. When they come back in, we do a final walk-through on the way to bed, locking doors and windows. Having it as part of my routine ensures I remember it every night.

Lessons learned also include not relying on only one method of emergency entry. I now have spare keys to both the front and back doors. I also purchased a window lock bar for when I have the AC unit in.

Practical Tips from a (Formerly) Locked-Out Homeowner

So here’s my list of things to check for home security.

Entry Points

• Reinforce all exterior doors with deadbolts and solid frames. If you live in an apartment, look into a door jammer or security bar.
• Use a video doorbell or peephole to screen visitors.
• Keep garage and basement doors locked at all times.

Windows & Sliding Doors

• Lock all windows, including those on upper floors.
• Add rods or dowels in sliding door tracks to prevent forced entry. This also includes windows that can’t be locked or for added security.

Everyday Safety Habits

• Don’t label keys with identifiable information.
• Re-key locks or replace them after moving in.
• Never post real-time location info or travel plans online.
• Make it look like someone’s home—use timers on lights, play audio, etc.

Tech & Devices

• Use motion-sensor lights outdoors and in entryways.
• Install a home security camera system. Also great for spying on fur babies.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your smart devices and apps.
• Use a password manager to protect your information.

Remember, you may be locked out but not knocked down. Those scrambled entries through bathroom windows and side gates aren’t just mishaps. They’re milestones in solo living and can be learning lessons in home security.

Have you experienced your lockout adventure or a clever security workaround? Share in the comments, because every mistake is one step toward a safer, smarter home.