Tips for doing jobs solo?

I think many of us are " Solo DIYer's ". Take your time & don't rush to get things done. Rushing leads to accidents.

Get tools that are your helper.

Consider finding a young teenager who needs a little extra cash and teach them or find another solo DIYer and partner up.

Take your time and don't put pressure on yourself. My "got to finish today" attitude has caused me some nasty consequences including falling through the attic floor/bathroom ceiling once.

Unfortunately, some things just require 4 or more hands.

Look at tools with a creative eye. Can this type of clamp be an extra hand? Should I get the leather gloves (yes!) and the knee pads? Will that tall step stool hold my materials high enough for me to reach them when I'm on the ladder? Can I use that bungee, ratchet strap, bucket or belt to hold tools for me while I'm working? Do I need safety glasses (yes!) or maybe a hard hat? You will be amazed at how many things in a hardware store will multitask.

Heavy articles moving them myself......I put hand towels under each foot....and push......don't lift ......where I need to exchange the piece. I do this for moving appliances too......and I have hardwood floors.

I attached a piece of 2 by 4 to my ladder so it is away from the walls

so I don't bruise my elbows and it protects the walls from the ladder feet. When moving long ladders......I tape oven mitts so I can drag the ladder and not mar the floors.

Use simple machines (remember 4th grade science) and the right helping tools. Levers, pulleys, wedges, inclines, etc. are all simple machines that make less effort for people doing a job alone. Wheeled dollies, clamps and other things to make moving or adjusting or holding things easier are also a great benefit. Rig holders (stack of books, a box) for when a sawhorse isn't the right height.

Also, make sure you have the right equipment for the job. I can't tell you how many times I have messed something up a little or scraped or bruised myself because I didn't want to have to go back down the ladder and out to the garage or whatever to get the really right tool. Wear things with pockets (even an apron with pockets) so you can hold and carry stuff safely since you don't have someone to hand you stuff.

Do as much on the ground as possible before heading up a ladder. Assemble pieces where you will use them whenever possible so you aren't trying to carry big, awkward, or heavy stuff on your own.

Use tables (even sturdy folding tables) as temporary work benches so you're not always having to be down on the floor.

As friends to help and offer something in return (help with their project, a home cooked meal, beer and pizza - whatever) for the bigger jobs.

Pay attention to the task at hand. Distractions lead to accidents.

Make sure you have your cell phone on you in case you get hurt and need to call for help. And if you are doing anything that is seriously dangerous (felling trees, climbing on the roof or on scaffolding, cleaning gutters, etc.), call a friend or neighbor over to "babysit." Explain that they needn't actually do anything other than call 911 if you get injured. (I have done this when I went on my roof.)

Most of what I have learned, I learned by watching videos connected to the Hometalk posts. Like Ter said, most of us are Solo for one reason or another and learning from each other how to compensate is essential. For instance, I've seen DIYers use the top of a chair to hold one end of a board in order to cut it. A lot of what I paint, I prep my floors with a drop cloth, put a drop cloth on my dining room table (I don't have a garage or work bench), put the item I want to paint on the table, etc. I make sure I have all the items I need to get the job done and that nothing is in the way of me moving around when I'm working. I'm in my 60's and I do not need to fall! Good luck! And seriously, watch videos!

Hi RC. I do a lot on my own as well. Some things that have helped me are:

1. Make sure the area in which you’re working is clear, clean(ish) and you have enough space to work properly.

2. Assemble all your tools and everything you need in one spot (preferably off the floor). Make sure your tools are clean and in good working order.

3. Review all the steps of your project before starting it so mistakes and frustration are minimized.

4. Wear all appropriate safety equipment and if you wear no other safety equipment, wear safety glasses.

5. Take breaks to have a drink of water and a snack. Dehydrated and hangry leads to mistakes.

6. Tape down any cords that are long so you don’t trip over them (or cover them with heavy mats).

7. If you are using ladders or scaffolding MAKE SURE they are stable and secure.

8. Have easy access to your phone and medical kit in case there is an accident

9. Recognize when you need an extra hand and ask for help.

I hope these tips help. I learned them all the hard way! Lol

Thank you everyone for all your tips! Very helpful! Also, feels good not to be alone in my Handy Woman world. THANKS!