Familiarize yourself with the breaker box in your house or apartment (if you have access to it). Open the cover and look at the grid of breakers. One might now be switched to “OFF” or may display a red marker window that indicates it’s been tripped. Turn off all the lights and appliances connected to that breaker. Then, flip the tripped breaker to the “ON” position (some models will need to be switched fully off before turning them back on again). If the lights and appliances now work—ta-da, you did it! If it trips again, consult an electrician. Safety first: You’re dealing with electricity here, so be mindful never to touch the breaker box with wet hands or if there is water on the floor. Some stud finders use magnets to find nails or screws in the stud, while others (including stud-finding apps) look for disruptions in magnetic fields. If there isn’t a stud in the spot you’d like to hang the shelf, use a drywall anchor or a molly bolt (found at the hardware store). Essentially, the anchor goes into the wall first, then you attach the screw, helping to create a more secure hold. Follow the package instructions for the step-by-step. Safety first: Before you start drilling, be mindful of the placement of electrical wires and pipes so you can avoid hitting them. Be especially careful when drilling in the bathroom or kitchen and steer clear of the area around outlets.
