Hide a Key? Top Hiding Hacks for Home Security

It is very much relieving if you have a hidden key kept outside your house for emergency cases. However, hiding a key demands one to think wisely about how to protect it and make it reachable. This article will cover smart ideas about hiding spare keys and things that can ruin it all. So continue reading for the right techniques to hide a key for urgent moments.

Safest Place to Hide a Key Outside

When you are looking for ways how to hide a key outside, you want a location that is easy for you to access but difficult for others to find. You can pick the best place to hide a key from the following spots:

• Buried in a potted plant - Place the key in a plastic bag or watertight box, and bury it under soil in a planter near your door. Just make sure to pick a plant that stays year-round.
• Under a large rock or paving stone - Lift up a heavy decorative rock and place the key underneath on the dirt. The weight makes it hard to move.
• Inside a fake rock or sprinkler head - Special fake rocks and sprinkler heads with compartments are made just for stashing keys. They blend into landscaping.
• Behind/underneath loose siding - Pry up a corner of siding or trim and slide the key behind it. Make sure the siding lies flat when replaced.
• Inside a fence post - If you have a hollow vinyl or metal fence post, drop the key inside and replace the top cap.

Worst Places to Hide a Spare Key

Avoid these common yet unsafe places to hide a key, as burglars know to look in them:

• Under a doormat or plant pot - The first spot any intruder will check is under mats and pots by doors. If you are still wondering where to hide spare key, never hide a key here.
• Above the door or window frame - Keys hidden above the door jamb or window ledge are easy to spot and reach. Don't use this obvious location.
• In the mailbox - Although convenient, keys in mailboxes can be stolen or used for mail theft. You should know that mailboxes are too exposed.
• Under a rock - It may seem like a good idea to hide a key under a large decorative rock, but these are easy to lift and an obvious hiding spot. It is obvious not to hide it under the rock if you are wondering where to hide a spare key.
• Inside a planter - Keys hidden in soil or pots with plants can be found easily by digging through the dirt. Use buried boxes instead.

Genius Ways to Hide a Key: Creative Hiding Hacks

There are also some other genius ways to hide a key, ensuring your spare is both accessible and secure. Here are some of them:

Magnetized Key Container

Buy a small key container with a magnet, perfect for sticking to metal surfaces. Place it under your car or a dumpster. Just don't use it on your own property.

Dummy Rocks

Fake hollow rocks are available that unscrew to store keys inside. Place your fake rock among other landscaping rocks where it blends in.

Inside Large Objects

Think inside the box - or birdhouse, flagpole, lantern, or other large decorative object. Hide the key tucked inside, then return the object to its spot.

Buried and Marked

Bury your key a few inches in the dirt and mark the spot with a small object like a stone. Just don't make the marker too obvious.

In Your Vehicle

Tape a key to the inside of your car's gas cap compartment or wheel well for backup access if you get locked out.

You can also install a security camera near your key's hiding spot. The new Reolink Argus 4 Pro and Argus 4 are excellent choices for this purpose.

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Steps to Take When You Lose a Spare Key

Losing an outdoor spare key is serious. Here are the steps to take right away if it happens:

1. First, check all possible hiding spots thoroughly to make sure the key is really lost. Look inside containers and carefully dig through dirt if buried.
2. Next, change the locks if you are certain the key is gone. A lost key could be used to gain entry or make duplicates. Install new locks on all entrances.
3. Also, alert your neighbors and property manager or landlord about the missing key. They can keep an eye out for suspicious activity around your home.
4. In the end, avoid hiding another spare key in the same outdoor spot. Come up with a more secure location, or consider a lockbox instead of a hidden key.

Bonus Tips: How to Choose the Best Magnetic Hide-a-Key for Car

Magnetic hide-a-key boxes are handy for keeping a spare car key tucked out of sight but nearby in case you lock yourself out. Here are tips for picking the best one:

• Get a strong magnet and make sure the box sticks well to your car's metal frame. Test it out first.
• Choose a weatherproof container that seals tightly and prevents water damage to the key.
• Pick a small, flat style that tucks away out of sight. Large bulky ones are too obvious.
• Opt for a hide-a-key with a combination or key lock to keep the spare key secure inside.
• Go for a durable box made of sturdy ABS plastic that won't break easily.
• Select a neutral color like black that blends with any vehicle.
• Buy two - put one on your car and one on your home or garage exterior.

With the right magnetic hide-a-key lock box, you'll have peace of mind knowing there's a spare key handy in case you need it.

FAQs

Is it a good idea to hide a key outside your house?

Hiding a key outside comes with risks, but can be a good idea if done properly. Choose a very secure, obscure spot, not obvious places. Never hide a key too close to doors or windows. Use a lockbox or buried container, not a loose key. Only hide an extra key, not your main house key. While not foolproof, a well-hidden outdoor key provides backup access in emergencies.

Where do burglars look for hidden keys?

Burglars' first stops when snooping for hidden keys are obvious spots like under doormats, planters, rocks, or ledges. They also check mailboxes, fake rocks, siding edges, and sprinkler heads. Tricky burglars may try digging in flower beds or prodding surfaces to find loose siding or hidden compartments. The best key hides are ones burglars can't easily access or don't think to probe.

What is an object to hide a key?

Creative objects to conceal a spare key inside include fake rocks, bird houses, lanterns, planters, mailboxes, flag poles, statues, and decorative boxes. Look for household objects with compartments or that unscrew to create a hidden cavity for stashing your key securely. Avoid obvious hiding spots like actual rocks and planters.

Conclusion

It is dangerous to keep a spare key outside your house if not done well. However, with hidden places and safe boxes, you can store keys without fear. Avoiding glaring hideouts, employing lockable containers, and never hiding your main house key outdoors are some of the things to consider. Thus for those who hide their keys safely, it means that they can still sleep soundly.

Share some of the unusual places you have discovered for hiding a spare key. Tell us about your ingenious ideas and encounters with keeping outdoor keys secretly.