Your spare house keys are invaluable; you only have one pair, and you want them safe in case a lockout occurs. While some hiding places instantly come to mind, avoid those locations; potential intruders will consider those as well, putting them one step ahead of you. Hiding keys under the doormat doesn’t work anymore, so think outside the box with this helpful guide.

Do:

Get creative

Lockouts happen, and spare house keys could save you a call to the locksmith in the middle of the night. A wall thermometer is the perfect hiding space; simply slip keys behind it for safekeeping.

You can also slip them between your siding seams, dig out a spot in the walkway, or secure your spares within wind chimes, bird feeders, grills, and other outdoor decor. Intruders know where to look, so divert their attention by selecting the last hiding spot they’ll expect. 

Use the buddy system

When you have neighbors you can rely on, give them your extra key. You can grab it quickly, and no matter how creative criminals get, they’ll never find it. You can also switch hiding spots; hide your neighbor’s keys, and let them hide yours. If intruders gain access to either property, they’ll struggle with the wrong house keys once they reach the front door. 

Don’t:

Place them near your front door

Never store keys anywhere near the front door; it’s the first place intruders will look. That clever flower pot you used to put keys under is a no-no; it can easily be lifted when you’re not around, providing an open invitation for burglars. Avoid that space entirely, along with the doormat, porch light, and other go-to spots.

Use obvious giveaways

A fake rock sitting on your front porch screams “come on in,” but if you hide it among others in your backyard, it will be much harder to find, and an unexpected spot to look. If you have other rocks decorating your landscape, use those to your advantage, and steer as far away from your front door as possible.

Misplace your house keys? Turn to Lincoln, NE’s Lincoln Lock & Safe. Whether you need to get back inside, require a key replacement, or need lock repair, our skilled locksmiths will arrive quickly; we offer 24/7 emergency assistance when you need it most, whether it’s at home, at the office, or outside your vehicle. We also supply various safes, so you can keep your valuable possessions protected. Visit our website to learn more or call (402) 475-0002 today!