Losing your house keys or getting locked out of your home can be a frustrating and stressful experience. But with a little planning and preparation, you can create a house key backup plan to ensure you always have a way to get back inside.
In this blog, we'll explore a few options for making a house key backup plan, including keeping a spare key with a trusted friend or family member, installing a keyless entry system, hiding a spare key, keeping a spare key with your car keys, and hiring a locksmith.
By following these steps, you can be prepared for any emergency and have peace of mind knowing you have a plan in place. Losing your house key can be a stressful and inconvenient experience, but it's important to have a backup plan in case of emergencies. Here are some steps to help you make a house key backup plan:
Create a Spare Key
Keep a spare key with a trusted friend or family member. If you have a trusted friend or family member who lives nearby, consider giving them a spare key to your home. This way, if you ever lose your keys or get locked out, you'll have someone you can call on to let you in.
Just be sure to choose someone you trust and communicate with them about your plans. You might also consider giving them a copy of your house key and keeping the original with you, so you'll always have a backup in case you lose your key.
Use a Keyless Entry System
Keyless entry systems allow you to use a code, fingerprint, or smartphone app to unlock your door, eliminating the need for physical keys. This can be a convenient and secure way to ensure you always have access to your home, even if you lose your keys. Just be sure to choose a reputable brand and regularly update your system to reduce the risk of hacking or unauthorized access.
However, there are some downsides to keyless entry systems. Be sure to look at our blog on the pros and cons of keyless entry systems to your home so you can truly make an informed decision.
Hide a Spare Key
If you don't want to rely on someone else to have a spare key to your home, you can try hiding one yourself. Just be sure to choose a secure spot that's not easily accessible to burglars or other unauthorized people. Some popular options include hiding a key in a plant pot, under a rock, or in a mailbox. Just be sure to let someone you trust know where the spare key is in case you ever need it.
Install a Lockbox
Installing a lockbox is another option for creating a house key backup plan in case of emergencies. A lockbox is a small, secure container that you can attach to your door or gate. Inside the lockbox, you can store a spare key to your home, along with any other important documents or items you want to keep safe.
To use a lockbox, you'll need to set a combination or code that you can use to unlock the box and access the contents. Some lockboxes may also come with a keypad or a Bluetooth connection, allowing you to unlock the box with your smartphone or other device.
One advantage of using a lockbox is that it allows you to securely store a spare key to your home without having to rely on someone else to hold onto it. This can be especially helpful if you don't have a trusted friend or family member nearby, or if you're worried about losing your keys while you're away from home.
However, there are a few potential drawbacks to using a lockbox. First, lockboxes can be expensive, especially if you opt for a high-tech model with additional features. Second, lockboxes are not foolproof – it's possible for someone to crack the combination or figure out a way to break into the box. Finally, lockboxes may not be as convenient as other options, such as keyless entry systems
Keep a Copy of Your Key
If you do lose your key, it's important to have a copy on hand. You can have a duplicate key made at a local hardware store or locksmith, or you can use a key duplication service like KeyMe.
If you often drive to and from your home, consider keeping a spare key with your car keys. This way, if you ever get locked out of your home, you'll be able to get back in through your car. Just be sure to keep your car keys in a safe and secure spot so they don't get lost or stolen.
Contact a Locksmith
If you're worried about being locked out of your home and you don't want to rely on a spare key or a keyless entry system, you can hire a locksmith to install a lock that can be opened with a key or a code.
This way, you'll have multiple options for getting back into your home if you ever get locked out. Just be prepared to pay a fee for the locksmith's services.
Make a Custom Key
Instead of dealing with the hassle of losing your house keys, have you considered making a custom key that’s easier to find?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, having a house key backup plan is essential for any homeowner. Whether you're worried about getting locked out, losing your keys, or having them stolen, it's important to have a backup plan in place to ensure that you can get into your home when you need to.
There are several different options for creating a house key backup plan, including hiding a spare key on your property, giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member, or using a keyless entry system.
Whichever method you choose, it's essential to consider the security and accessibility of your backup plan, as well as the cost and convenience. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that you always have a way to get into your home, even in an emergency.