Where to Hide a Key Outside Your Home: Smart Key Hiding Spots

We've all been there—standing outside our homes, patting our pockets in disbelief as the realization sets in: we're locked out. A hidden spare key can be a lifesaver in such moments. However, hiding a key outside your home comes with its own set of risks. Picking the wrong spot could turn a minor inconvenience into a major security risk. Let’s dive into the best and worst places to stash that spare key to keep your home secure and accessible, and how to prevent your hidden key from being stolen with security cameras and a video doorbell.

Where to Hide a Key Outside Your Home

Finding the right spot to hide a key outside your home requires some creativity and common sense. You want a location that’s accessible to you but hidden from prying eyes. Let’s explore some smart and secure places to stash your spare key.

1. Fake Rock with a Key Compartment

A fake rock is a classic choice to hide a key outside for a reason. When mixed in with other rocks in your garden or landscaping, it can be quite inconspicuous. Just make sure it blends well with your existing outdoor decor and isn’t placed in an obvious spot.

2. Under a Deck

If you have a deck, consider attaching a magnetic key holder to the underside. It's unlikely someone will go crawling under there to find a key, especially if it's hidden in a discreet corner.

3. In a Lockbox

When it comes to hiding a key outside your house, a lockbox provides an extra layer of security. These are typically used by real estate agents and are designed to hold keys securely while requiring a combination to open. You can attach one to a sturdy fixture like a fence or a railing.

4. Behind a Thermometer

Outdoor thermometers can be a perfect place to hide a key outside your home. The key can be taped to the back of the thermometer, which is then mounted on a wall or a fence.

5. Inside a Birdhouse

If you have a birdhouse in your yard, it can double as a hiding spot for your key. Just make sure it’s not too easy to access and that the key is secure inside.

6. In the Doghouse

Have a dog? The doghouse can be a clever place to hide a spare key. Most intruders won’t think to check a place that's so closely associated with a potential barking alarm system.

7. Under a Garden Gnome

Similar to the fake rock, a garden gnome or any other garden ornament can serve as a good hiding spot. Just ensure it’s not too obvious and blends in with your other garden decorations.

Where NOT to Hide a Key Outside Your Home

While some spots might seem convenient, they’re also the first places potential intruders will check. Avoid these common hiding places to ensure your home remains secure.

1. Under the Doormat

This is the first place anyone, including potential intruders, will look. It’s a cliché for a reason and offers no real security. While it might be tempting to slip your key under the welcome mat for easy access, it’s just as easy for someone with ill intentions to find it there.

2. In the Mailbox

Mailboxes are too obvious and easy to access. Plus, if your mailbox is located on the street, it’s even more accessible to anyone passing by. Intruders know to check here, so it's best to avoid this spot altogether.

3. Under a Flowerpot

While it might seem like a good idea, it’s another common spot that intruders will check. Avoid placing your key under a flowerpot, especially if it’s near the entrance. Flowerpots are often within easy reach and can be overturned without much effort.

4. Above the Door Frame

Another classic mistake. Above the door frame is an obvious hiding spot and can be easily reached by anyone. Even a slight stretch will reveal your hidden key, making this a risky choice for key storage.

5. Inside a Fake Key Hider That Looks Out of Place

If you use a fake rock or any other fake key hider, ensure it blends in with its surroundings. An out-of-place object will draw attention rather than deter it. For example, a lone fake rock in a sea of grass or an oddly placed garden gnome will stand out and can easily be discovered.

6. In a Plastic Hide-a-Key Case Stuck to Metal

If you’re using a magnetic hide-a-key case, make sure it’s not attached to something that’s easily accessible and visible, like a car bumper or an exposed metal pipe. These spots are too obvious and can be quickly checked by someone looking to gain entry to your home.

Practical Tips for Hiding Your Key

Hiding a key isn’t just about finding a good spot; it’s also about how you approach the task. These practical tips will help you keep your spare key secure and your home safe.

• Rotate Your Hiding Spots: Don’t leave the key in the same spot for years. Change the location periodically to enhance security.

• Tell Trusted People: Inform a trusted neighbor or family member where the key is hidden in case you forget.

• Use High-Quality Key Hiders: Invest in well-made, weatherproof key hiders to protect your key from the elements and prevent it from being easily spotted.

• Avoid Over-Obvious Spots: Think creatively but cautiously. The best hiding spot is one that blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior.

How Security Cameras Can Help Prevent Your Hidden Key from Being Stolen

Imagine having an extra layer of security that not only deters intruders but also keeps a watchful eye on your hidden key. Integrating aosu security cameras into your home system can be a real game-changer. From video doorbells to outdoor cameras, these devices offer real-time alerts and valuable features that significantly enhance the safety of your hidden key and overall home security. Let’s delve into how aosu’s security products can make a difference.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells are an excellent first line of defense in preventing your hidden key from being stolen. Equipped with advanced features, they offer multiple layers of protection.

• Human Detection: This technology identifies when someone approaches your entryway. Real-time notifications alert you immediately, allowing you to see who is at your door via a smartphone app. This immediate awareness is crucial in preventing theft.

• Real-Time Notifications: You receive instant alerts when someone is detected at your door, providing you with timely information about potential intruders.

• Two-Way Talk: Video doorbells come with two-way talk functionality, enabling you to communicate directly with visitors. If someone appears suspicious, you can warn them that they are being monitored and should leave the premises.

• Custom Siren: Many video doorbells feature a custom siren that activates if someone tries to tamper with or violently detach the device, startling the intruder and drawing attention to the area.

These features combined make video doorbells a powerful tool in protecting your hidden key and enhancing your home’s security.

Outdoor Cameras

Outdoor cameras also play a significant role in safeguarding your hidden key. Here are the key features and benefits:

• Deterrence: The mere presence of these cameras can act as a strong deterrent to potential thieves. Seeing a camera installed can discourage intruders from attempting to search for your hidden key or break into your home.

• Two-Way Talk: Advanced outdoor cameras come with two-way talk capabilities, allowing you to warn intruders loudly if they approach. This direct communication can scare off potential intruders.

• Spotlights: Some models are equipped with spotlights that can be activated to illuminate the area, making it difficult for thieves to operate unnoticed. These spotlights can also disorient and scare off potential intruders.

• Clear Night Vision: Night vision capabilities are essential for monitoring your property after dark, ensuring that any suspicious activity is visible and can be addressed promptly.

• Solar-Powered and Waterproof (IP68): Additional features such as being solar-powered and having waterproof IP68 ratings ensure that outdoor cameras function reliably in various weather conditions, maintaining security coverage without interruption.

By integrating video doorbells and outdoor cameras into your home security system, you create multiple layers of protection. These devices not only help prevent your hidden key from being stolen but also enhance the overall safety of your home by deterring intruders and providing immediate, actionable alerts.

Wrapping Up

Finding the perfect hiding spot for your spare key involves balancing convenience with security. Avoid the obvious spots and opt for more creative, inconspicuous places. Remember, the goal is to ensure you can access your home when needed without compromising your security.

Additionally, enhancing your home security with devices like aosu outdoor security cameras and video doorbells can provide an extra layer of protection. These smart gadgets not only deter potential intruders but also keep a watchful eye on your property, giving you peace of mind and ensuring that your hidden key remains safe.