Realizing you lost or forgot your keys can be a frustrating experience, and added stress and fatigue only worsens your ability to remember where they are. However, there are solutions to mitigate this problem. Below, we provide four tips to help homeowners reduce the risk of getting locked out of their homes by using best practices and installing smart locks.
1. Pay Attention to Surroundings
Homeowners are often too busy to pay attention to small details throughout the day, making it harder to remember mindless tasks such as setting their keys down. Fortunately, there are ways to help keep your memory sharp and reduce the chance of misplaced or forgotten keys. A few best practices for remembering include:
- Designate a regular spot. Select one spot to store keys to help you remember where they’re most likely to be.
- Note visual surroundings. Take note of the surface and surroundings when setting down your keys.
- Stop multitasking. Focus on completing one task at a time to avoid distractions. Actively think about what you are doing and say it out loud to help your brain fully process the information.
- Spark your memory. Physically or mentally retrace your steps starting from the place you last remember having your key.
2. Trust a Close Friend or Neighbor
Ask a close friend or neighbor to hold onto a spare key should you need it. By doing so, you eliminate the risk of an intruder finding your key and ensure a spare key is always accessible if needed. Make sure that whomever you give your key to is trustworthy, as you’re handing over full access to your home.
3. Hide a Spare Key on Your Property
Many homeowners choose to keep a spare key somewhere on their property. However, it’s important to be smart when selecting a hiding place. To effectively hide your spare key, consider these secure places:
- Hidden on your property (e.g., fake rocks or sprinkler heads).
- In a password protected lockbox only you have access to.
- Away from street view to prevent burglars from discovering where your key is hidden.
- In your wallet or purse to ensure you have it on hand at all times.
Additionally, avoid predictable hiding places such as under your doormat, in potted plants or above your door frame to prevent intruders from gaining easy access into your home.
4. Install Smart Locks
Eliminate the need to remember and carry around your key by installing smart locks, which can be controlled remotely through your smartphone and provide additional home security insights, such as information on who enters your home and when. Customize your security system to receive mobile alerts when your door has been tampered with. If an issue arises, program your system to dispatch emergency personnel. Everyone forgets once in a while. With these best practices and automated technology, you can prevent lockouts and eliminate the need for keys.
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