A spare key is useful in emergencies, but if it’s not stored securely, it can provide burglars with easy access to your home. To avoid this security risk, you need to store your spare key in a safe, strategic location. This guide will provide practical tips on how to store your spare keys securely while ensuring they’re easy to access in case of an emergency.
Prevent Security Risks by Avoiding Usual Spare Key Hiding Places
The most important rule in hiding spare keys is to avoid the obvious spots. Burglars are familiar with traditional hiding places like under doormats, inside mailboxes, and beneath flowerpots. Instead, choose less conventional locations that are still easy for you or a trusted person to access. This approach helps to prevent intruders from finding your spare key by outsmarting predictable hiding patterns.
Ensure Safe Access to Spare Keys with a Key Lockbox
A key lockbox is one of the most secure ways to store your spare keys. These compact, weatherproof boxes are fitted with a combination lock or digital keypad and can be discreetly mounted on your property. The code can be shared only with trusted individuals to ensure maximum security. Many modern key lockboxes are tamper-resistant and include features such as remote code management or access monitoring through a mobile app. Investing in a lockbox provides a secure and convenient solution for storing your spare key.
Have a Trusted Neighbor or Friend Hold Your Spare Key
Instead of hiding your spare key on your property, consider giving it to someone you trust, like a neighbor, nearby friend, or family member. This removes the possibility of a burglar discovering it. Ensure the person you choose is reliable and accessible during emergencies. This simple step improves security and ensures that help is available when you need it most.
Add Smart Locks for Advanced Security and Convenience
With smart locks, you no longer need to worry about spare keys. These high-tech locks rely on digital codes, smartphone apps, or biometric data to grant access. You can easily assign and revoke unique codes for family, friends, or service providers, and some models even allow remote locking and unlocking through an app. Although smart locks come with an initial investment, they offer improved security and convenience, eliminating the risks associated with traditional spare keys, such as loss or theft.
Hide Your Spare Key in Creative, Secure Locations
For those who still prefer to hide a spare key, try these unique and clever options:
Bury it: Put your key in a waterproof container and bury it in your garden, marking the spot with a distinct object like a rock.
Fake objects: Hide your spare key in a decoy item, such as a fake rock or garden gnome, which can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
Vents or drain pipes: Attach the key to a string or magnet and hide it inside a vent or drain pipe, ensuring it’s easy to retrieve but not easily discovered.
These creative approaches make it more difficult for burglars to find your spare key, while keeping it accessible in case of an emergency.
Switch Hiding Locations for Better Spare Key Security
When hiding your spare key outside, don’t leave it in the same spot for too long. The longer it stays in one place, the easier it is for others to notice. By periodically changing its location, you lower the chances of someone finding it and using it to gain access to your home.
Use Clear Markings on Your Keys for Easy Identification
Don’t risk your spare key falling into the wrong hands by labeling it with personal details. While adding identifiers might seem helpful, it could compromise your security. Instead, use non-descriptive keychains or labels to keep track of your keys without exposing sensitive information.
Locate Your Spare Key Easily with a Bluetooth Tracker
If you’re prone to losing your keys, a Bluetooth key tracker is a valuable tool. These small devices attach to your keyring and sync with a smartphone app, allowing you to quickly locate your keys through a map or sound alert. While it doesn’t enhance security, it ensures that you can find your keys fast if they’re misplaced. Paired with other security measures, it’s an excellent way to manage spare keys.
Use a Key Inventory to Keep Your Spare Keys Secure
To stay organized and secure, keep a detailed inventory of where your spare keys are stored and who has access to them. Regularly review and update the list to ensure all keys are accounted for, preventing any misplaced keys from becoming a security risk.
Maximize Security with a Combination of Effective Measures
To effectively secure spare keys, use a mix of strategies. A lockbox can store the primary key, while a trusted neighbor holds the backup. For even greater security, upgrade to smart locks, which limit your reliance on physical keys and provide more control over access.
Securing spare keys is an essential part of protecting your home and gaining peace of mind. By avoiding common hiding places, using lockboxes, and upgrading to smart locks, you can maintain both convenience and security.
Taking these security measures helps protect your home and gives you the confidence that unauthorized access is prevented. Spare keys should offer convenience, not compromise security. Invest in secure storage solutions today to protect your property and family for years to come.