A spare key can be a lifesaver during emergencies, but if not stored securely, it can become a serious security threat. Criminals are familiar with typical hiding spots and can easily find a spare key to break into your home. To avoid this danger, it’s crucial to store your spare key in a safe and strategic location. In this guide, we’ll cover several methods to securely store your spare keys while ensuring they are accessible when required.
Avoid Using Common Hiding Spots for Your Spare Key
The first rule of hiding spare keys is to avoid the obvious spots. Burglars are well aware that many people hide keys under doormats, inside mailboxes, under flowerpots, or on the door frame. While these locations are convenient, they are also predictable. To keep your spare key secure, think creatively and choose a location that is less obvious but still easily accessible for you or a trusted person. The goal is to stay one step ahead of potential intruders who rely on these common hiding places.
Store Spare Keys Safely Using a Key Lockbox
For secure spare key storage, a key lockbox is a top choice. These durable, weatherproof containers are fitted with either a combination lock or digital keypad and can be mounted in discreet locations around your property. By sharing the code only with trusted individuals, you keep your spare key secure. Many modern key lockboxes are designed to withstand tampering and come with smart features like the ability to update codes remotely or track access via a mobile app. A key lockbox is a must for anyone serious about protecting their spare keys.
Leave Your Spare Key with a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Rather than hiding your spare key, you might want to consider entrusting it to a trustworthy neighbor, friend, or family member. This method removes the possibility of a burglar finding it on your property. When selecting someone to hold your spare key, make sure they’re dependable and live nearby to provide assistance in emergencies. It’s a simple way to improve security and guarantee quick access to your home when necessary.
Upgrade to Smart Locks for Better Home Security
Why bother with traditional spare keys when you can upgrade to smart locks? These innovative locks use digital codes, smartphone apps, or biometric data to unlock doors, eliminating the need for physical keys entirely. Smart locks offer several benefits, including the ability to create unique codes for family members, guests, or service providers. Temporary codes can be issued and revoked as necessary, and many models allow for remote locking and unlocking via a mobile app. Although there is an upfront investment, smart locks greatly enhance both convenience and security, minimizing the risk of a lost or stolen key.
Use Unconventional Hiding Spots for Your Spare Key
If you still prefer hiding a physical key, consider more inventive and less obvious hiding spots:
Bury it: Use a waterproof container to bury your spare key in the garden, marking the location with something memorable, like a special rock.
Fake objects: Store the key inside a fake rock, gnome, or similar decoy objects designed for key hiding, available at most home improvement stores.
Vents or drain pipes: Attach the key to a magnet or string and place it inside a vent or drain pipe. Be sure the spot is easy to retrieve but not immediately apparent.
These creative hiding strategies make it harder for intruders to find your spare key while ensuring it remains accessible when needed.
Keep Your Spare Key Secure by Switching Hiding Locations
When hiding a spare key outdoors, it’s important not to leave it in the same spot for extended periods. Repeatedly accessing the same location can make it easier for others to spot. By changing its location now and then, you reduce the risk of someone discovering and using it against you.
Mark Your Spare Keys for Easy Identification
If your spare key goes missing, you don’t want it to be easily traced back to you. Avoid labeling your keys with personal details like your address or phone number, as this creates a direct security risk. Use neutral keychains or non-descriptive labels instead to keep your keys identifiable without compromising safety.
Use a Bluetooth Key Tracker to Locate Your Spare Key
For those who often misplace their keys, a Bluetooth key tracker can be incredibly helpful. These small devices attach to your keyring and connect to a smartphone app, allowing you to pinpoint your keys’ location through a map or sound. While a tracker doesn’t provide extra security, it helps you quickly locate your keys if they’re lost. Paired with additional security steps, it’s a great way to manage spare keys.
Keep an Organized Key Inventory for Easy Tracking
Stay organized by keeping an inventory of your spare keys and who has access to them. Regularly update this list to ensure all keys are accounted for. A detailed record minimizes the risk of misplaced keys being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Combine Multiple Security Measures for Better Protection
The best way to protect spare keys is to combine several security strategies. You could store your primary spare key in a lockbox and keep a backup with a trusted neighbor. For added security, upgrade to smart locks to minimize reliance on physical keys.
Properly securing your spare keys is crucial for home safety and peace of mind. By steering clear of common hiding spots, utilizing lockboxes, and exploring advanced solutions like smart locks, you can effectively balance convenience and security.
Taking these precautions safeguards your property and ensures your home is protected from unauthorized access. Spare keys should enhance convenience, not threaten security. Invest in secure storage options now to protect your home and loved ones for the future.