How to Prevent Locking Yourself Out: Practical Tips for Peace of Mind
Locking yourself out of your home or office can be a frustrating, time-consuming, and sometimes costly experience. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid this common mishap and ensure you always have access when you need it:
1. Spare Key Solutions
- Hide a Key: Find a discreet but safe spot to hide a spare key. Consider using a lockbox or a fake rock designed for this purpose. Ensure it's not an obvious hiding spot like under the doormat or in the mailbox. Ask us for a quote to supply & install a lockbox for your premises.
- Leave with a Trusted Neighbor: Give a spare key to someone you trust, like a neighbour or a close friend. This is particularly useful if you're going on vacation or might not be home during typical hours.
- Magnetic Key Holder: Place a key in a magnetic holder and stick it in an inconspicuous spot like under a metal bench or your hot water tank.
2. Modern Technology
- Smart Locks: Invest in a smart lock. These allow you to unlock your door with your smartphone, a code, or even your fingerprint. Some smart locks can also share temporary access codes with others. Ask us for a quote to install a smart lock
3. Habit Formation
- Routine Check: Make it a habit to check for your keys before you leave your home. Place your keys in the same spot every time you come in so you don't forget where they are.
- Key Alarm: Some keychains come with alarms that beep when you can't find them, or you can attach a smart tracker like a Tile or an AirTag to your keychain.
4. Maintenance and Updates
- Regular Lock Checks: Inspect your locks regularly to ensure they're functioning correctly. A sticky lock might make you leave the key inside by accident.
- Update Your Locks: If your keys are old or worn out, consider getting new ones or rekeying your locks. Sometimes keys can break, leading to lockouts.
5. Mindfulness
- Slow Down, we live in the Gold Coast: Especially when you're in a rush, take a moment to ensure you have your keys. Rushing often leads to forgetfulness.
- Mind the Doors: If you're the type to step outside briefly (to take out the trash or check the mail), don't close the door. Prop it open if necessary, or take your keys even for that short trip. Ask us for quote to install a magnetic door holder
6. Backup Plans
- Hidden Spare Key: If you're not comfortable leaving a key with someone, consider a hidden spare but think creatively about where to place it to avoid it being found by the wrong person.
- Code Sharing: If you have a keypad lock, share the code with someone you trust, but change it periodically for security.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the chances of locking yourself out, providing peace of mind that you'll always have access to your home or office. Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a lockout. Next week we will share some How-to guides for basic lock Maintenance which may save you from a lockout due to lock or key failure