Locking yourself out of your home or losing your keys can be very distressing, especially since your other plans get delayed in the time it takes you to come up with a solution. It's even worse if this happens at night when all you want to do is get inside and get to bed. This article discusses some tips you can apply to reduce likelihood of being stranded outside your home at the most inconvenient times. Read on to learn more.
1. Embrace the spare key
Entrust one of your spare keys to a friend or relative that lives close to you. Better still, making friends with your neighbour means you have a safety net even closer. If this isn't an option for you, embrace creative hiding spots for your spare key. Don't place it under your mat or potted plant; select a hiding spot that isn't immediately obvious.
It's much easier if you have a lot with a compound, as hiding spots are endless compared with apartments. Storage chambers resembling rocks are a common choice. Just be sure that the rock isn't in a conspicuous place, and try to ensure no one is looking when your retrieve the keys. You can also place a spare key inside an item you carry or wear daily, such as in your wallet.
2. Don't give your keys to the baby
Don't allow your children to use your keys as toys because, if you place them in an accessible point, they can easily take the keys to play and end up leaving them someplace you don't know. This makes it easier for you to leave them behind when going out. In addition, if the keys have an electronic component, a child could drool on or knock them and ruin the functionality, which leaves you unable to open or close your doors.
3. Place a reminder
Place your keys in one place every time you come into the house, and work on double-checking that you have keys when you leave. If you're forgetful, you can put a reminder on your phone for five minutes before departure or place a note on the door to remind you to pick up your keys.
4. Consider keyless locks
Keyless locking systems are becoming more popular because they drastically reduce chances of getting locked outside when you don't have keys. There are many systems depending on your budget, but the most common are keypad alarms and electronic card access systems. The former is even better since you don't have to carry around a variation of keys.
Keyless systems can also be linked to your phone so that you can operate them easily regardless of your location. In addition, such systems are easy to reprogram instead of rekeying or changing locks with the conventional locks.
Contact a local locksmith for more tips and for lockout services if you do leave your keys inside your house.
Share1 September 2017
When I decided to become a freelance designer, I decided I would work from home. I was sick and tired of being in an office all day and to be honest, some of my workmates were pretty annoying. However, I did not consider that I might have to make some changes to my home in order to make it suitable. On the first day of my new life working from home, I realised I would need much more natural light, so I had new windows installed. I then realised that I would need a larger work table to work on my cut out designs. In the end, I made hundreds of changes and I learnt an awful lot about home improvement.