Spare keys are essential for emergencies, but if not stored properly, they can be a security threat. Burglars are aware of the typical hiding spots and will seek out spare keys to easily access your home. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to securely store your spare keys while keeping them accessible when you need them most.
Avoid the Most Obvious Places to Hide Spare Keys
When it comes to hiding spare keys, the first step is to avoid the most obvious locations. Common hiding spots, such as under the doormat, in the mailbox, or beneath flowerpots, are well-known to burglars. Instead, opt for less predictable but still easily accessible locations. Think creatively to ensure your spare key remains safe while remaining easy to access when needed.
Use a Key Lockbox to Safeguard Spare Keys
A key lockbox provides a high level of security for storing spare keys. These small, weatherproof units are equipped with a combination lock or digital keypad and can be installed in hidden areas around your property. Only trusted people should have access to the combination. Many modern key lockboxes are tamper-proof, with some offering smart features like remote code updates or app-based access monitoring. For secure and convenient key storage, a key lockbox is a smart investment.
Store Your Spare Key with Someone You Trust
Instead of hiding a spare key around your property, consider giving it to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. This eliminates the risk of burglars finding it and gaining easy access to your home. When selecting someone to hold the key, ensure they are reliable and can quickly assist you in an emergency. It’s a secure and efficient solution for accessing your home when necessary.
Secure Your Home with Smart Lock Technology
Smart locks allow you to leave behind physical keys altogether, using digital codes, apps, or biometrics to unlock doors. These locks provide numerous benefits, such as the ability to create unique access codes for various people, including family members and guests. You can also issue temporary codes that can be revoked at any time. With many smart locks, you can lock or unlock doors remotely via a mobile app. Although they involve an initial investment, smart locks significantly enhance security and convenience while eliminating the risks of lost or stolen keys.
Think Outside the Box for Spare Key Hiding Spots
If you’re still choosing to hide your spare key around your property, here are some creative and unexpected hiding options:
Bury it: Place your key inside a waterproof container and bury it in your garden. Use a distinctive rock or other small marker to help you find the spot later.
Fake objects: Hide your key in a decoy object, like a fake rock or garden gnome, which you can find at most home improvement stores.
Vents or drain pipes: Attach your key to a string or magnet and hide it inside a vent or drain pipe, ensuring the location is discreet but easily accessible when needed.
These methods help keep your spare key safe from potential burglars while ensuring it’s accessible in emergencies.
Avoid Predictability by Changing Your Key’s Hiding Location
To keep your spare key safe outdoors, don’t leave it in the same place for extended periods. Repeatedly accessing the same spot can lead to others noticing the location. Changing the hiding spot regularly helps ensure your key stays out of sight and out of reach.
Label Spare Keys to Avoid Confusion
If you lose your spare key, you don’t want it to lead someone to your home. Avoid labeling your keys with your address or phone number, as it creates a security risk. Instead, choose non-descriptive labels or keychains that won’t reveal any sensitive personal details.
Secure Your Spare Key with a Bluetooth Key Finder
For those prone to losing their keys, a Bluetooth key tracker offers a quick and easy solution. These small devices attach to your keyring and link to a smartphone app, allowing you to track your keys via a map or sound alert. While the tracker doesn’t add security, it ensures that you can quickly find your keys if lost. Combined with other security measures, it’s an efficient way to manage spare keys.
Track Your Spare Keys with a Key Inventory System
To avoid security risks, keep an inventory of where your spare keys are stored and who holds them. Regularly updating this list ensures that all keys are tracked and accounted for, reducing the chances of misplaced keys being accessed by the wrong person.
Strengthen Your Home’s Security with a Combination of Measures
The most secure method for storing spare keys involves combining several strategies. Use a lockbox for easy access and keep a backup with a trusted neighbor. For even more security, switch to smart locks to reduce reliance on traditional keys altogether.
Protecting your spare keys is crucial for safeguarding your home and providing peace of mind. By steering clear of common hiding spots, using reliable tools like lockboxes, and exploring advanced options such as smart locks, you can achieve a balance between convenience and security.
Taking these precautions helps ensure that your property is safe from unauthorized access and gives you confidence in your home’s security. Spare keys should make life easier, not jeopardize safety. Invest in reliable storage solutions now to secure your home and family long-term.