Lockouts at home can be annoying. They can even be dangerous. It’s possible that something will get lost in the shuffle of your busy schedule. Your house keys should not be one of those things. Millions of people lose their keys each year or have them stolen. How can you avoid this common, but totally avoidable problem?
Find out how to prevent you from locking yourself out of the house and increase your safety. These are our top tips for avoiding home lockouts.
Make it a habit to check for your keys
Prevention is the best solution. Prevention is the best solution. You can combine the habit of checking your keys every time you leave your house with another ritual, such as putting your shoes on. Check your wallet, pocket, and purse for keys. These two habits will become second nature over time and you’ll be able to do them without thinking. You will feel more secure and protected when you leave your home.
Check your keys and locks for signs of wear
Consider the date of your last lock change if you live in an older house, apartment, condo or other dwelling. As they age, keys and locks can lose their grip or become harder to use. This can cause damage to keys and locks, as well as other problems. You should change your locks at least once every 10 years. It is possible to do more if you live in a special situation, such as if you are a frequent traveler, rent your home frequently, or have more wear and tear.
Keep a spare key handy
While we don’t recommend the “key under your welcome mat” method, spare keys should be kept in easy reach. It may be best to keep your spare key in your glove box, center console, handbag, wallet, or outside of your home. You should not leave spare keys in places where they can be found easily. You want to be able find your keys in an emergency, but thieves won’t be able to locate them easily.
Do not use interior locks on exterior doors
You may feel tempted to install and maintain simple knobs and locks in certain areas of your home such as patios, sunrooms, and washrooms to avoid being locked out. If used incorrectly, interior knobs and locks can pose security threats to your home. Exterior-facing doors are better served by deadlocks than lock systems without. This improves the security of your home and keeps vulnerable areas to a minimum.
Use a key holder
You can be creative with spare keys storage to keep them hidden from view. You can store your keys in discreet key holders of many sizes and shapes. Key holders that look like flashlights, sprinkler heads, or camera devices are all available. Keep your key’s location hidden from thieves and others who want to take over your home.
To Keep a Spare Key, choose a trusted person
If you feel it is appropriate, give the spare key to someone outside your home.
The person you choose to have your key may be a neighbor, a relative, or a friend. This person will be able to retrieve your key for you, and they can also enter your home in case you are not able. You should ensure that the person you choose is responsible for your personal belongings, and available whenever needed.
Use smart locks and keyless entry
A smart lock with digital access can solve your problem if you have trouble keeping track of keys. You can select a passcode to unlock and lock your doors with keyless entry locks and doorknobs. Many smart locks can be biometrically operated using a fingerprint reader. You can create passcodes that can be used to identify family members or guests. A master code can also be created which can be used to bypass any system. This entry method eliminates the need to have physical keys and provides greater security for your home. Only remember to enter the passcode that you’ve chosen!
A phone key holder is a great idea
A key holder can be attached to your smartphone to help you keep your keys organized. You can keep a separate key holder in your car or handbag, or use a case for your smartphone that has a key holder. This will allow you to securely hold your keys and credit cards as well as your ID. While this can make it easier to find your key, it could also make valuables and keys more vulnerable to theft. When considering this option, be mindful of where you live, what you visit, and how safe you feel in the areas you frequent.
Keep a Locksmith on Speed Dial
You can feel more secure in an emergency situation, whether lockouts are commonplace and you have constant worry about them. When lockouts or break ins occur, professional locksmiths are more than just a call to 911. A locksmith can be hired to enhance the safety of your home by installing security systems, changing locks and performing security inspections. Find a professional locksmith in your area to ensure your safety.