Getting locked out of your own home is both embarrassing and stressful. You’re left with nowhere to go while you wait for a locksmith to come and let you back into your own place. Not to mention a locksmith can be pricey, especially on nights or weekends.

You could opt for breaking a window, but we wouldn’t recommend that.

The better choice is to have a secondary way of getting into your home, like a spare key.

Spare keys can come in handy in a pinch, but you need to be careful with them. You want them to be accessible in the event that you’re locked out of your home, but hidden well enough that others won’t find it.

Before we get to suggestions, let’s talk about what you should avoid.

What Not to Do

A good rule to follow is if you’ve seen it in a movie or TV show, don’t do it. That means avoiding the stereotypical hiding spots like under the mat, under a plant, in a false rock, inside a light fixture, etc. Really, you shouldn’t want it to be directly by the door it opens.

Also, don’t hide a key in your wallet. If someone happens to steal it, they’ll not only have a key to your house, but they’ll know where you live.

Now that we have that established, let’s look at some places you can put your key.

Leave a Key with a Neighbor

Have a trusted friend or acquaintance next door who is typically home? You can leave a copy of a key with them. Not only will this give you a very safe place to keep your key, but should you run into a situation where you need someone to check on your house, they’re right there with a copy.

Of course, this isn’t a perfect solution. If you end up locked out of your home while they’re not around, you’re out of luck.

Magnetic Key

Magnetic key holders are popular for spare car keys, but they can also work for house keys. Simply put your key into the little box and tuck it away in a discreet location. It doesn’t necessarily have to be on your car.

In fact, it’s probably better if it’s not on your car.

Needle in a Haystack Approach

A more creative option is to get a jar and fill it with false keys of different sizes and colors. Within the jar, place an actual house key as well. It needs to be unique enough that you can spot it, but basic enough that it blends in with the rest.

It’s highly unlikely a burglar would take the time to try out 100 different keys on your front door.

That said, you still shouldn’t leave this in the open. A better idea would be to incorporate it with the following suggestion.

Two-Step Security

Do you have a detached garage or shed? Consider hiding your spare key in there. Of course, you’ll have the shed locked or garage locked, so you’ll want to hide that key somewhere else outside of your home. This extra step adds a nice layer of security, should someone actually manage to stumble upon your initial spare key.

Use a Smart Lock or Button Combination

With today’s door lock options, you don’t really need to hide away a spare key. Instead, you can get a lock that works without one. Whether it’s a simple button combination lock or a more advanced finger print lock, there are plenty of options.

You can even get locks that can be opened with your smartphone.

Whatever you do, make sure your lock is attached to a quality, secure entry door. We can help with that. At Springfield Overhead Door, we provide a great variety of entry doors to Ohio residents. Contact us today, and we’ll make sure your entrances are secure, yet attractive.