Hiding a spare key outside is a practical solution for preventing lockouts and ensuring you can always access your home. While it’s an easy way to avoid the inconvenience of being locked out, it’s crucial to choose the right location for your spare key to enhance security. The ideal spot should be discreet and secure, minimizing the risk of the key falling into the wrong hands. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ideas for the safest place to hide a key outside, examine why certain spots are more secure than others, and provide tips on avoiding common mistakes.

 

7 Ideas for the Safest Place to Hide a Key Outside

When selecting a hiding spot for your spare key, the goal is to blend it into your surroundings while keeping it secure from potential thieves. Here are some creative and effective ideas for the safest place to hide a key outside:

1. Fake Rock or Garden Ornament

A fake rock or garden ornament is specifically designed to hide keys and blend seamlessly into your garden or landscaping. These items come with a hollow compartment to securely store your spare key.

Why It’s Safe: The realism of a high-quality fake rock or garden ornament makes it difficult for thieves to identify as a key holder. Additionally, they are usually placed in less obvious locations within your garden.

Tip: Ensure that the fake rock or ornament is made of durable, weather-resistant material to withstand the elements and remain inconspicuous.

2. Under a Flower Pot

Place the key inside a small, waterproof container and bury it under a flower pot or garden container. This method utilizes existing garden decor to hide your key.

under a flower pot hide a key
Why It’s Safe: Flower pots are commonly used and not typically associated with hidden keys, making this a less suspicious location. The key’s waterproof container protects it from the elements.

Tip: Choose a flower pot that is not too close to the front door, as this area is often the first place thieves will check.

3. In a Magnetic Key Holder

A magnetic key holder can be attached to any metal surface, such as a grill, downspout, or metal fence. It usually features a strong magnet to secure the key in place.

Why It’s Safe: Magnetic key holders are designed to be discreet and blend into their surroundings. They are less likely to be noticed compared to more obvious hiding spots.

Tip: Place the magnetic holder in a location that is not immediately visible or easily accessible to passersby, such as the underside of a metal surface.

4. Inside a Birdhouse

A birdhouse mounted on a post or tree can serve as a clever hiding spot for your spare key. Choose a birdhouse that is functional and blends into your outdoor decor.

inside a birdhouse hide a key
Why It’s Safe: Birdhouses are decorative and not typically associated with hiding keys. They also offer a bit of elevation, making them a less obvious choice for a thief.

Tip: Ensure the birdhouse is securely mounted and not easily removed. Choose a design that complements your garden or outdoor area.

5. In a Secured Box

A combination lockbox can be hidden in an inconspicuous location, such as under the eaves of your house or inside a garden shed. The lockbox allows for secure storage of your key.

Why It’s Safe: The combination lock provides an added layer of security, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to access the key.

Tip: Choose a lockbox with a robust construction and a combination that is not easily guessed. Store it in a location that is not obvious but still accessible to you.

6. Behind a Loose Brick or Stone

Hide the key behind a loose brick or stone in your garden, pathway, or near a wall. This method leverages existing features of your landscaping for concealment.

Why It’s Safe: Loose bricks or stones are often part of the natural landscape and may go unnoticed by thieves. This hiding spot can be particularly effective if it blends in well with the surroundings.

Tip: Ensure the loose brick or stone is securely replaced after placing the key to avoid drawing attention.

7. In a Gutter Downspout

Place the key in a small, waterproof container and secure it inside a gutter downspout. This location utilizes existing home features for discreet key storage.

gutter downspout hide a key
Why It’s Safe: Gutter downspouts are elevated and out of immediate view, making them a less likely target for thieves. The waterproof container protects the key from rain and debris.

Tip: Regularly check the container to ensure it remains secure and that the key is not exposed to moisture.

 

The Worst Place to Hide a Key

While there are many creative hiding spots for a key, some locations are far from secure and should be avoided. Here are the worst places to hide a key outside:

1. Under the Doormat

Doormats are one of the first places a thief will check. It’s a classic hiding spot that is far too obvious and provides no real security.

Alternative: Opt for more discreet locations that are less likely to be immediately checked by someone casing your home.

2. In a Flower Pot Near the Door

Flower pots close to the door are too obvious and can easily be noticed by a potential thief. They are often the first place burglars will look.

Alternative: Choose locations further from the entrance or use items that blend into your garden decor.

3. Under a Rock Near the Entrance

Large rocks or stones near the entrance are common hiding spots and are known to thieves. This area is often scrutinized by those looking for a spare key.

Alternative: Utilize less conventional hiding spots that are not immediately associated with key storage.

4. In a Mailbox

Mailboxes are not secure and are often the first place burglars will look when searching for a spare key. They are easy to access and highly visible.

Alternative: Use more secure methods, such as a lockbox or hidden compartment, to store your spare key.

5. In a Barbecue Grill

While it may seem like a clever spot, barbecue grills are often checked by thieves and are not a secure hiding place. They are also exposed to weather elements.

Alternative: Choose a spot that is both secure and protected from the elements, such as a hidden compartment or a lockbox.

 

Conclusion

Hiding a key outside requires a balance between accessibility and security. The safest places to hide a key are those that blend seamlessly into your surroundings and are not immediately obvious to potential thieves. Creative options like fake rocks, magnetic holders, and secured boxes can provide effective solutions for concealing your spare key. Avoid common and obvious locations like under doormats or in mailboxes, as these are easily discovered by burglars.

By carefully selecting your hiding spot and considering the security of your key, you can ensure that you have access to your home when needed while keeping it safe from potential threats.

 

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For added security and peace of mind, consider upgrading your door lock. Park Avenue Locks offers a wide range of high-quality locks designed to keep your home secure. Contact us to explore the best lock solutions and enhance your home’s security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you get inside your home if you don't have a spare key?

If you find yourself locked out and without a spare key, your best option is to call a professional locksmith for assistance. They have the tools and expertise to help you regain access to your home. Additionally, consider contacting trusted family members or friends who may have a spare key.

Is it a good idea to hide a key outside?

Hiding a key outside can be a convenient solution but comes with security risks. To minimize these risks, choose a discreet and secure location for your spare key. Consider using a lockbox or other secure methods to keep the key safe.

Where do thieves look for hidden keys?

Thieves are often aware of common hiding spots such as under doormats, flower pots, and large rocks near entryways. They may also check mailboxes and other obvious places. To protect your home, use less conventional hiding spots and consider additional security measures.