We didn't have a pack n play or even a crib for that matter, so I can say with confidence that you won't *need* one. You may decide that you'd like one, but it is not the only solution and probably not something you need to buy in advance.
I'm alone in the house virtually all the time with my little mobile one (I'm a single mom) and we've gotten on just fine. I took my crawling DD with me everywhere (now she follows me around
); they really like to be with you where the action is. If you need to go to the bathroom, Baby comes with you.
It seems like you'd need your hands free more than you actually will; you get used to doing alot of things while holding the baby. Slings and carriers are also life-savers, I couldn't live without mine.
I'm alone in the house virtually all the time with my little mobile one (I'm a single mom) and we've gotten on just fine. I took my crawling DD with me everywhere (now she follows me around

It seems like you'd need your hands free more than you actually will; you get used to doing alot of things while holding the baby. Slings and carriers are also life-savers, I couldn't live without mine.