A spare house key can save the day if you accidentally lock yourself out or if you need someone to go inside your home in your absence. You won’t need to call on a locksmith, and you’ll feel more in control of your home. Where you hide that key, though, can make all the difference to your overall security. Here are some basic dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

Look for camouflaged spots.

The more inconspicuous the location, the better the hiding spot for your spare key. If you have stones and rocks on your landscape, for example, you could incorporate a faux hollow stone that blends in with the rest and place the key inside it. A faux sprinkler is another option. However, you’ll need to reposition it in a location where you can be sure it won’t budge. You could also place it behind a loose brick, or tape it securely to the underside of a lawn statue or water fixture. 

Consider leaving it with a person.

While it may not be the first solution you consider, it may be worth giving your spare house key to a person you trust. The caveat is that the person must be within reasonable proximity of your home so they can get the key to you or enter your home if you need them to go inside. This could be someone like a relative or a trusted neighbor, which can provide you with some added peace of mind knowing there’s no chance someone will locate the key outside your home.

Don’t:  

Opt for obvious locations.

It may be easiest to slip the key under the doormat or beneath a flowerpot, but this is also the first place where a would-be intruder is inclined to look. In that case, you’d need a locksmith for a lock change and a new set of keys. Steer clear of such locations so you don’t have to worry about any risks.

Overlook the need for a smart lock.

In the modern world, a smart lock can be an invaluable addition to your home that not only eliminates the need for a spare key, but also makes it easier for you to get back inside if you’re locked out. You can often control the lock with your smartphone, making it easy to unlock the door with a tap.

If you seek a reliable locksmith to rekey your locks or help you get back inside your home, turn to the team at A-1 Alabama Key & Locksmith. Proudly serving clients throughout Tuscaloosa since 1980, these professionals offer 24-hour services when you need them the most. Visit the website for more information, or call (205) 758-8000 to schedule an appointment.