How Do You Change Smoke Detector Batteries?

Do you know how to change smoke detector batteries without being able to stand? I’ve always just suffered the incessant beeping for a few days until a friend can come over to help, but I’m starting to get more independent.

Honestly, I pay a guy. I have a handyman I’ve used for years come by once a year to change all the batteries in the smoke detectors (in addition to other small odd-jobs around the house).

Paying somebody to do work you can’t (or don’t want to) do doesn’t make you any less independent. Able-bodied people pay other able-bodied people to do shit for them all the time.

If you’re wondering how the fuck you find yourself a reliable person you can pay to do shit for you, I recommend you hire them on a site like Taskrabbit. Now, this is the important part: if you like the quality and reliability of the work the person did for you, ask if they’d be willing to work with you directly (not through the app you hired them on) and get their contact information. Paying them directly means they get to keep all of the money you give them and you (potentially) get better rates.

Now, please don’t hire a handyman to just change your smoke detectors: keep a running list of tasks you need done around the house that can be done at the same time as the smoke detectors: changing air filters, light bulbs, dryer vents, etc. Your job is to make the trip out to your place worth their time.