Nobody plans to get locked out of their Miami home (nobody wants to either), but it’s always a possibility. Having a spare key for at least one of your external doors is a must.
When you a hide a spare key, you have a backup plan for if you ever get locked out of your Miami home, but it’s unfortunately also a security risk.
You shouldn’t have to panic about who might find your spare key, which is why you need to think twice about your hiding spots.
Do I Really Need a Spare Key?
You never know what might happen, so a spare key is recommended. However, if you end up deciding against it, know that there is always help at hand.
Finding a reliable locksmith and keeping their details on your phone means you will never be locked out of your home for long. Plus, you won’t need to worry about a potential intruder stumbling upon your spare key.
Should you decide to go ahead and create a spare key, it’s important to be smart about its placement. Today’s burglars know all about those plastic rocks that are designed to house keys. They also know that door ledges and mailboxes are some of the first places to check for spare keys.
You need to be smart about where you hide your spare keys, which is why we have put these tips together for Miami homeowners.
Unique Ways to Hide Your Spare Keys
Try a Unique Key Holder.
Since burglars are now well aware of some of the more common spare key holders, it’s time to try those more unique options. Instead of the traditional plastic rock, opt for a mock lawn sprinkler, electrical outlet, or drain cap – these are all available to purchase online and in store. Any object that is easy to overlook is ideal for hiding your spare keys.
Invest in a Lockbox
A lockbox is a more obvious place to stash your spare keys, but it is effective. Lockboxes are small and you can only open it if you have the correct code. You don’t necessarily need to install it in a visible place either. If you are concerned about an intruder gaining access, you can also bury it or hide it in some shrubbery.
Get Creative
If you don’t like the idea of purchasing a false key holder, you can always create your own. We’ve seen clients bury their spare keys in a bottle and hide them behind their door knockers – the possibilities are endless. Take a look around your garden and the outside of your home to come up with creative ideas. Just remember, it needs to be something someone would easily overlook.
Place It Out of Reach
Placing your spare key out of reach means you will need to have a ladder handy should you ever need to access the key. However, it’s still an effective option because thieves don’t want to have to work hard to gain access to your home. Trees, windchimes, and bird houses are all popular places to hide spare keys.
Leave It with a Friend
This is the option we recommend most often. If you have a friend or family member who lives close by, leave the spare key with them. This way, you won’t need to worry about a stranger finding your key. It also won’t be a hassle to get hold of the key should you find yourself locked out of your home. Plus, if anything goes wrong at home while you are away, you have someone to check in and assist.
The Spare Key Conundrum
Spare keys are a must but if you’re going to hide them, we suggest that you rather leave them in the hands of someone you know.
If you happen to get locked out before you get the chance to make key copies, contact Quickly Locksmith – we are available 24/7.
If you need help with key copies, we can assist you with that too, regardless of whether you have the original or not.
