Secure ways to hide a key that also have major curb appeal.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Don’t touch that fake rock! There are so many places to hide a spare key that are more secure than in a plastic imitation of a stone that never fooled anyone.
1. Birdhouse
We’re firm believers that a key hideaway doesn’t have to be just a hideaway. Use a birdhouse to secret away your spare while also adding some curb appeal and lending some assistance to local wildlife. A trick bottom to the birdhouse, like this one from Good Housekeeping, lets you stash your key without having to dig through whatever your feathered friends left behind.
2. Mini bottle
Good Housekeeping is also one of several groups that suggests hiding your key in a medication bottle or other small container. You can then glue a pinecone or other decorative piece to the top to help you find the key after you bury it someplace safe. If you’re worried about a sneaky squirrel running off with your spare, try making that decorative element something you can tuck in a potted plant without drawing attention.
3. Brick
If your house has a brick façade or walkway , this is the smarter cousin to the fake rock. It will blend in with the rest of your home better, which adds to the security. Simply tuck the key in a hole in the back of the brick – carving out a notch might require a bit of effort – and rest easy knowing your spare key will be ready when you need it.
4. Sprinkler head
Part of great curb appeal is a well-manicured lawn. If you have a sprinkler system to achieve that, you can get a fake sprinkler head that doubles as a key hideaway.
5. Tree
Sometimes a good hiding place is right in plain sight. If you have a wooded area in your yard, go ahead and nail the key to a tree. It’s not likely that would-be-thieves are going to search there. Just make sure to put it somewhere less obvious, like up high but still within reach or toward the base of the trunk.
6. Smart lock
Of course, the best way to not lose a spare key or have it stolen is to not have one at all. With a smart lock, you can program access codes to gain entry to your home using the touchscreen or your smartphone. Not only is it more secure, it’s also more convenient. Go for that run without carrying keys. Give an access code to your trusted dogwalker, house cleaner or neighbor instead of handing them a mechanical key and then trying to remember who has all the spares. And with a variety of styles and finishes, these locks look stunning on any home.
Learn more about Schlage smart locks at Schlage.com and get help deciding which is the right one for you with our interactive Get Help Deciding tool.
