"Oh no, where did I put my keys?!"
It's a feeling we've all had at some point – that sinking sensation when you realize you can't find your house keys. Whether you're running late for work or just trying to get inside after a long day, it can be frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your own home.
Losing your house keys can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially if you're in a hurry to get inside your home. But don't panic just yet – you can try a few things before calling a locksmith. Here are some simple steps you can take to get back into your house without causing any damage.
1. Check All The Usual Spots
Before you start tearing apart your house or car, take a deep breath and try to think logically. Where do you usually keep your keys? On the kitchen counter? In your purse or pocket? In a designated key bowl or hook by the door? If you have a routine for where you put your keys, start by checking those spots first. You might just find them sitting right where you left them. Check all your pockets and bags. It may seem obvious, but it's worth double-checking to make sure you didn't simply misplace your keys.
2. Ask Someone You Trust If They Have Seen Your Keys
If you live with roommates or family members, or if you have a neighbor who has a spare key to your house, reach out to them and see if they've seen your keys. Ask a neighbor or trusted friend if they have a spare key. Many people keep a spare key hidden outside their home or with a trusted neighbor in case of emergencies. It's possible that someone else picked them up by accident or that they're just misplaced in another part of the house.
3. Look For a Hidden Key
If you have a hidden key for emergencies, now is the time to use it. This could be a spare key hidden in a plant pot, under a rock, or in a mailbox. Just be sure to let someone you trust know where it is in case you ever lose your keys again.
4. Consider Breaking in (but only as a last resort)
If you've tried all of the above and you still can't find your keys, you may need to break into your own home. Before you do this, consider whether it's worth the potential damage to your door or window. If you do decide to go this route, try using a credit card or thin object to slide between the door and the frame to unlock the latch. Just be careful not to damage the lock or cause any permanent damage to your door. But if all else fails, try to break in. Don't worry, we're not suggesting you resort to breaking windows or forcing doors open. Instead, try using a credit card to gently slide between the door and the frame to unlock it. This technique should only be used as a last resort and may not work on all types of locks.
5. Call a Locksmith
If all else fails and you can't get inside your home, it might be time to call a professional. A locksmith can help you get into your house without causing any damage, and they can also rekey or replace your locks if needed. Just be prepared to pay a fee for their services. Likewise, consider using a smart lock. Smart locks are a convenient and secure option for homeowners who are prone to losing their keys. These locks can be controlled through a smartphone app, allowing you to unlock your door without a physical key.
Wrapping Up
If you've lost your house keys, it can be stressful, but don't panic. By following these steps and staying calm, you'll be back inside in no time. And in the future, consider keeping a spare key with a trusted friend or family member, just in case this happens again.