If you’ve ever been locked out of your house once or twice, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re busy, thinking about fifteen other things, or rushing to get from one place to another. There are many circumstances that all build up to you locking the door, walking out of the house, and leaving your keys inside.
Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent this from happening ever again. Although you’re likely to have already used one of these methods, we present other precautions you can take to avoid getting locked out of your house:
1. Use a Key Lockbox
A decade or so ago, it was common practice to leave a spare house key in a plant pot or under the doormat. It was even ubiquitous in many movies and TV shows. Unfortunately, burglars and other malicious parties caught on the trend. These areas are no longer safe for spares since these individuals can use your precautionary measures to their advantage.
If you’re still hiding a house key somewhere out in the open, it’s time to take it out and place it in a lockbox instead. A small box with a four-digit combination lock is harder to hide, but it is infinitely safer than your doormat or your garden.
Make sure everyone in the household knows the combination and where the box is hidden. If a member of the household uses that extra key to enter the house, make sure to put it back immediately. This avoids one of you from opening that box and finding it empty.
2. Keep Several Spare Keys
It’s not safe to only have one key to your house. You should make at least one or two copies and keep one of them safely locked in your car or sewn into the lining of your purse or briefcase. Keep it out of reach of other people while making it accessible enough to find in case you ever find yourself locked out.
If you have family members living nearby or a neighbor that you really trust, you should also leave a spare house key with them. This is an excellent safety net to rely on not just when you get locked out but if you have to be away for a trip. While you’re away, you can ask them to check in on your house if you need them to.
3. Adjust Your Habits
Psychologists say that it takes 21 straight days of practice to develop a new habit. So for the next 21 days, you should stop right inside your door and check your pocket or your bag to see if your house keys are there. Make it a truly conscious effort before you step out of the house. Soon enough, it will be second nature to you, and you will never get locked out again!
4. Install Smart Locks
There are many different types of smart locks—keypad combinations, fingerprint detection, and even biometric eye scanners. Purchasing these locking solutions is the most costly option listed here, but a high-quality smart lock is a worthwhile investment. It will keep your family and home safe from intruders, keeping you from worrying about house keys again.
Make sure to do your due diligence before purchasing any smart lock. You need one that’s very secure and one that will suit your door. It’s best to talk to consult with a security professional before taking the plunge.
Conclusion
These simple methods can make sure that you aren’t helpless if you get locked out of your house. If you find yourself without access to your spare key, a local professional locksmith will have the knowledge and tools to help you get back into your home.
Allied Lock and Door Service Co.’s highly trained technicians and locksmiths provide high-quality residential and commercial services in Cincinnati, OH. We can help, not just when you get locked out. We also have door lock installation services if you want to beef up your home security. Contact us today!