Every relationship quietly divides up the invisible work — and when it ends, a whole list of tasks you never thought about lands squarely on you. The leaky faucet, the lawn, the flat-pack furniture, the "is the house locked?" feeling at night. Two truths at once: you're more capable of all of it than you think, and you also don't have to do any of it alone. Here's help for the stuff that used to be theirs.
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What just became your job?
- A specific task (mount the TV, fix the leak, build the furniture) → handyman & task help.
- The yard → lawn care, done for you or DIY.
- Feeling safe on your own → a simple home security setup.
- Worried about a big repair bill → a home warranty (with caveats).
Get a task done (handyman & help)
TaskRabbit
By the hour
Book a vetted "Tasker" by the hour for the specific things — mounting a TV, assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging shelves, hauling away the stuff that reminds you of them.
Best for: one-off tasks
Same-day help
Upfront hourly rates
Honest note: ideal for the "I just need one person for two hours" jobs, including moving furniture you can't shift solo. Quality depends on the individual Tasker, so check reviews — and re-book a good one.
Angi
Bigger jobs
Find, compare, and book local pros for the larger stuff — plumbing, electrical, repairs — with reviews to help you choose someone you can trust in your home.
Best for: real home projects
Reviews & ratings
All trades
Honest note: the place to go when a job needs a licensed pro, not a handyman. Requesting quotes can trigger a wave of calls, so be ready for some outreach — and get anything major in writing.
The yard
LawnStarter
Done for you
Book recurring lawn mowing and care online in a couple of taps — one less outdoor chore you didn't sign up for, handled on a schedule.
Best for: outsourcing the yard
Recurring or one-time
Book online
Honest note: genuinely convenient if the yard was never your job and you'd rather not learn now. Pricing varies by lawn size and area; confirm the quote and what's included before the first visit.
Sunday
DIY on a budget
A DIY lawn-care subscription — they analyze your lawn and mail you exactly what to apply and when, so you keep it healthy without hiring anyone.
Best for: cheaper, hands-on care
Tailored to your lawn
No pro needed
Honest note: cheaper than a lawn service and more eco-minded than generic chemicals — a good middle ground if you don't mind spending 20 minutes on it now and then. You still do the mowing yourself.
Feel safe on your own (home security)
Important — if the worry is an ex
A doorbell camera is great for peace of mind, but if you feel unsafe because of a specific person — harassment, stalking, or an ex who won't respect boundaries — that needs real support, not just a gadget. In the US, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 (call/text), free and confidential, 24/7, and can help with safety planning.
SimpliSafe
Easy, no contract
A DIY home security system you set up yourself in an afternoon — sensors, alarm, and optional monitoring, with no long contract and easy to take with you if you move.
Best for: peace of mind living alone
No contract
Renter-friendly
Honest note: the reassurance of an alarm can genuinely help the first nights alone feel less exhausting. Monitoring is an optional monthly add-on — the equipment works on its own, so start simple and add later if you want.
Ring
See who's there
Video doorbells and cameras that let you see and speak to whoever's at the door from your phone — affordable, easy, and reassuring when you're home alone.
Best for: awareness on a budget
Doorbell + cameras
Phone alerts
Honest note: a cheap, easy way to feel more aware of your space. Cloud video recording needs a subscription; and if privacy matters to you, it's worth reading up on Ring's data practices before you buy in.
Protect against big repair bills (home warranty)
American Home Shield
Repair cover
A home warranty that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing major appliances and home systems when they break — a buffer against a surprise bill you'd now face alone.
Best for: older homes & appliances
Systems & appliances
Monthly plan
Read this carefully: home warranties help some people and frustrate others — the industry has high complaint rates over denied claims. It can be worth it if your appliances are older and a surprise $1,000+ repair would genuinely hurt. Read the exclusions and service-fee details closely, and note it's not a substitute for homeowners or renters insurance.
The empowering (and free) version — no commission
You're more capable than you feel right now
- YouTube can teach you almost anything — unclogging a drain, patching a wall, resetting a breaker. There's a calm 8-minute tutorial for nearly every household task.
- Buy a basic toolkit — a drill, a few screwdrivers, and a wrench (about $40) covers 90% of home jobs, and using it is quietly confidence-building.
- Ask a handy friend or neighbor — most people are happy to show you once, and it's a reason to connect.
- Free safety habits — lock up at night, add a cheap door-stop alarm or motion light, and get to know your neighbors. Small, free, and reassuring.
- Know when to call a pro — anything electrical, gas, roof, or structural is worth paying for. Being capable also means knowing what not to DIY.
Questions people ask
I've never done any of this. Where do I start?
A basic toolkit and YouTube, honestly — start with something small and low-stakes (hanging a picture, unclogging a drain) and let the little wins build. Hire out anything risky: electrical, gas, roof, or structural work is worth every penny. You'll surprise yourself with the rest.
Is a home warranty actually worth it?
Sometimes. It can make sense if your appliances and systems are older and a sudden four-figure repair would be a real hardship on one income. But complaint rates in the industry are high, and claims get denied over fine print — so read the exclusions and service fees closely. It's not the same as, or a replacement for, homeowners/renters insurance.
What's the easiest home security setup?
A DIY system like SimpliSafe or a Ring doorbell — no installer, no long contract, and renter-friendly. Start with the basics (a doorbell camera and door/window sensors) and add monitoring only if you want it.
I rent — can I still do these?
Mostly, yes. Task help, lawn services, and no-drill security options are all renter-friendly — just check your lease before mounting anything, and remember your landlord is responsible for many repairs, so ask before you pay to fix them yourself.