Locksmith Company-Johnson City: Creative Ways and Tips on Where to Hide a Spare Key Outside

A locksmith company in Johnson City and elsewhere will tell you that hiding a spare key outside of your home is an excellent idea as long as you ensure that you're doing everything possible to keep it safe. We are familiar with the ways our parents or someone in the movies hide spare keys. Locksmith Johnson City has some general and creative tips where you can hide a spare key, even in these most popular spots.

Should you hide a key outside? Let's Ask a locksmith company in Johnson City!

Before we dive into the tips, let’s answer this question first by looking at the pros and cons of hiding a key outside.

Pros

One pro is that it's an easy way to give yourself or others access to your house. Another pro is that it's an excellent way to hide your key if you don't have a lockbox or key safe. Also, everyone in your family can have access to your house without waiting for anyone.

Cons

One con of hiding a key outside is that it can be challenging to find a good hiding spot. If you're not careful, your key could be easily found by someone who knows where to look. Another con is that hiding your key outside leaves it vulnerable to weather damage.

Ultimately, whether or not to hide a key outside is all up to you. Locksmith company-Johnson City recommends considering all of the pros and cons before making a decision.

There are risks when hiding a spare key outside of your home, but if done properly, it can be a lifesaver.

Furthermore, Locksmith in Johnson City has the following creative ways to hide your keys even in the most familiar places.

General Tips

Tip 1: Hide Your Key in the Usual Spot but…

One way to hide your spare key is by placing it in the usual spot that we’ve seen other people do. Same as what we may have seen in the movies. This could mean the usual time-tested places like hiding it under or inside a fake rock or a flower pot. 

The key (no pun intended!) is to employ a little creativity. Check out our ideas below —they may be the same old tricks but they can still foil any intruder. 

Locksmith company-Johnson City recommends being creative with where you hide your key so that it's not easily discovered.

Locksmith Johnson City - Hiding a Spare Key Outside - Not Under a Small Rock
Not under a rock that doesn't cover the key!

Tip 2: Make Sure Your Key is Well-Hidden

Another way to keep your spare key safe is by making sure it's well hidden. Locksmith company-Johnson City recommends placing your key somewhere difficult to see or reach. This could mean hiding it in the bushes or on the roof of your house. If you have a tall fence, you could also bury your key at its base.

Tip 3: Use a Lockbox or a Safe

If you don't want to hide your key outside, you can also use a lockbox. A lockbox is a safe that can be opened with a key. Locksmith company-Johnson City recommends keeping your locker in a place where it will be hard for others to find it. 

Locksmith company-Johnson City recommends choosing a weatherproof key safe that has a good locking system. 

Tip 4: Give Your Key to Someone You Trust

Locksmith Johnson City - Hiding a Spare Key Outside - hand dropping a key to a receiving hand

If you don't want to hide your key outside, you can also give it to a trusted person like a friend or a neighbor. Locksmith company-Johnson City recommends choosing someone whom you know is reliable and trustworthy. You should also make sure that your neighbor knows when you'll be away so they can keep an eye on your house.

If you decide to hide a key outside, Locksmith Johnson City recommends following the tips above. With these tips, you can be sure that your key is well-hidden and safe. Locksmith - Johnson City recommends using your best judgment when choosing a hiding spot.

Creative Hiding Places

Flower Pot

Locksmith Johnson City - Hiding a Spare Key Outside - Arrows pointing to a flowerpot by the entrance door

A flowerpot is a great place to hide a spare key because it's not too obvious, but it's still easily accessible. Keep in mind which pot contains your spare key by labeling your pots or putting the key in a decorative pot that will stand out in your garden.

You can either hide the key under the pot, which is common, but if you bury it in the mulch, or the plant itself, it will be harder to find.

Under a Rock

Another great place to hide a spare key that's not too obvious is under a rock. Just make sure that the stone is heavy enough so it doesn’t move around when someone is working in your yard but light enough so you can roll it away to retrieve your secret.

Under a Fake Rock

Another good option for hiding a spare key is in a fake rock. These rocks can be bought at most home improvement stores and come in a variety of sizes and colors.

When choosing a fake rock to hide your key, make sure it's big enough to hold the key and that it's a color that will blend in with your landscaping. You can also paint the rock to match your surroundings.

Brick on the Side of the House

If you have a brick wall outside your house, this is a great place to hide a spare key. Find a brick that is loose enough to fit your key or carve out a cavity that is just right to fit a key.

A Fake Electrical Outlet or Switch Plate

If you need a place to hide a spare key that's not too obvious, a fake electrical outlet or switch plate can be a great choice. Just make sure that the outlet or switch plate is in an easily accessible spot and big enough to fit your key.

Hiding a Spare Key Outside - an arrow pointing to a cavity in a tree stump

In a Tree Stump

A tree stump can also be a great option. Just make sure that the tree is big enough to fit your key and that it's in a spot where you can easily get to it if you need to.

Around a Window Frame

On the top of a window frame can be a great choice. If your frames are wide enough, you can hide a key up there. Of course, if you have to use it, make sure no one is looking to discover your secret hiding place.

On Top of Your Door Frame

In the same way that you can use your window frame, on top of your door frame can also be a great choice. Just make sure that you always put the key back in the same spot.

Hiding a Spare Key Outside - Under a Doormat

Under the Doormat

Hiding your spare key under the doormat is a classic choice for a reason - it's easy to remember, and it's not too noticeable. Don’t just throw the doormat over the key, however. Find a way to attach it to the underside of the mat instead. Also, have more than one mat at your door, as this could confuse people looking for your key.

In the Door Wreath

Now, this is an excellent place to hide a spare key, especially if you always seem to forget yours. You can wedge the key through the twigs or ribbons (tie a piece of same-color ribbon as what’s on your welcome wreath and tie it to one of the twigs in your wreath). Needless to say, this works well if you have a grapevine wreath. 

Locksmith Johnson City - Hiding a Spare Key Outside - an arrow pointing to the twigs in a flowery wreath

Other styles of wreath would also work, let’s say the ones with a styrofoam base —you can stick the key right into the styrofoam as an ideal spot to hide it. Primarily a decor, now you’ll appreciate a secondary function for your wreath! 

In a Mailbox

As strange it may be, a mailbox can be a great option. You have to be ingenious about it! Pick a spot inside the mailbox where you have easy access but away from your postal carrier's eyes, for example, hidden behind the back part of the mailbox.

You may make a piece of thin wood or cardboard that is the same size as the mailbox's cavity, paint it the same color as the inside of your mailbox, and push it way back after inserting your key. Your key will then be hidden safely between the cardboard and the backside of your mailbox.

In a Doghouse

Don’t just leave your spare key inside a doghouse. With or without a pet at home, you can stage a dog house and hide your key under a pet bowl or somewhere inside it, like its roof trusses and wooden skeleton —there are plenty of nooks and crannies in there that will house a spare key.

In Your Car

Leaving a spare key in your car can be a great option, as long as you hide it well. Definitely, do not put it inside the glove compartment! If a thief were to break into your car, that's probably the first place they'd look for valuables. 

If you keep a copy of your registration in there, it might have your address, and a burglar might have the idea of breaking into your house also! So make sure you hide your key in a spot where you can easily get to it if you need to but not too obvious to others.

Between the Door and the Jamb

This may not seem safe, but it can work with some creativity. Find a small plastic sleeve that's big enough to house a key and attach it to the side of the door near the hinges. It's easy enough for you to get to it, but an intruder will not be so inclined to look back there. And you'll have to open the door wide to get to the key.

In Your Garden

If you need a place to hide a spare key that's not too obvious, in your garden can be a great option. There are many options here - under a natural element, like a rock, under a fountain, under the brick or cobblestone walkway, attached to a wheelbarrow, or some other tool. The options are endless. You may have to keep your key sealed in a waterproof envelope or something similar. The key is to make it look like it’s part of the tool.

On Your Porch

Another place where you can hide a spare key that's not too obvious is a hook under the porch. Just make sure that the hook is in an easily accessible spot, like perhaps under the seat of your porch furniture like Adirondack chairs. Intruders will never think to look there!

Will You Implement These Tips From This Locksmith Company Johnson City

Hiding a spare key outside of your home can be tricky, but with these tips from Locksmith company-Johnson City plus a few creativity tips, you can rest assured knowing that your key is well-hidden and safe from others.

The Best Locksmith Company in Johnson City Will Work With You!

Just remember to choose a spot that is safe, easy to remember, and not too obvious. If you have any questions about our tips or any other locksmith needs, please don't hesitate to contact Star-Spangled Locksmithing, the best locksmith company in Johnson City!