Best Places to Stash a Spare Key

Keeping a spare key is a practical solution to avoid the frustration and inconvenience of getting locked out of your home or car. However, where you choose to stash this spare key is crucial. A poorly hidden key can be an open invitation for intruders, while a well-thought-out hiding spot can ensure peace of mind and accessibility. This guide explores the best, most secure places to hide a spare key while balancing safety and practicality.



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Why Choosing the Right Hiding Spot Matters

When hiding a spare key, the objective is to keep it accessible yet out of reach for burglars. Many people make the mistake of placing their keys in obvious spots like under the doormat or a flowerpot near the door, which are the first places thieves check. A well-hidden spare key ensures you have a backup in emergencies without compromising the security of your property.

1. With a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

The safest place to keep a spare key is not on your property but with someone you trust. Whether it’s a neighbor, friend, or family member, handing over a key ensures it won’t be found by an intruder. Ensure this person lives nearby and is someone you can rely on during an emergency.

Why It’s Effective:

• No physical hiding spot on your property for burglars to find.
• Immediate access in emergencies, provided the person is available.

Consideration:
Ensure they’re available during odd hours if you might need the key unexpectedly.

2. Magnetic Key Box on Your Car

For car keys, a magnetic key box can be attached underneath the vehicle in a less conspicuous location. These boxes are durable, weatherproof, and can blend seamlessly with the car's undercarriage.

Why It’s Effective:

• The key remains hidden but easily accessible when you’re locked out of the car.
• Mobile solution for those constantly on the move.

Pro Tip: Avoid attaching the box near the exhaust or any heated components to prevent damage to the key.

3. Fake Rocks or Outdoor Decorations

A fake rock designed to hold a spare key is a clever way to stash it in plain sight. Modern versions are realistic and can blend seamlessly with your landscaping.

Why It’s Effective:

• Blends in with the natural surroundings.
• Easily accessible if placed thoughtfully.

Placement Tip: Avoid placing the fake rock too close to the entryway, as this could draw attention. Instead, integrate it into a garden or near a tree.

4. Hidden Compartments in Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture often has hidden compartments or spaces underneath where a key can be stashed securely. For instance, under the cushion of a patio chair or inside the base of a planter.

Why It’s Effective:

• These spots are not immediately obvious to anyone looking for a key.
• Dual-purpose use of outdoor furniture.

Consideration: Ensure the area is weatherproof to prevent damage to the key over time.

5. Inside a Lockbox

A lockbox is a small, secure device that can be mounted near your door or hidden elsewhere on your property. These boxes require a combination code to open, making them a safe option for spare key storage.

Why It’s Effective:

• Intruders cannot access the key without knowing the code.
• Can be placed inconspicuously, such as behind a planter or on a side wall.

Pro Tip: Regularly change the code for added security.

6. Under a Deck or Behind a Fence Post

For homes with decks or fences, the nooks and crannies underneath or behind these structures offer discreet hiding spots. Use a waterproof container to protect the key from the elements.

Why It’s Effective:

• Less obvious to burglars compared to traditional hiding spots.
• Keeps the key out of sight but within reach.

Placement Tip: Choose a location that isn’t overly cluttered, so you don’t struggle to find the key when needed.

7. Attached to Your Pet’s Collar

For pet owners, attaching a spare key to your dog or cat’s collar is an innovative and mobile solution. Most burglars won’t think to check a pet for a key.

Why It’s Effective:

• Always moving and not stationary like a traditional hiding spot.
• Only accessible to those familiar with the pet.

Consideration: Ensure the attachment is secure and doesn’t cause discomfort to your pet.

8. Inside a Weatherproof Electrical Outlet Cover

Empty electrical outlet covers can be repurposed as discreet hiding spots for spare keys. These covers blend seamlessly with the exterior of your home and are unlikely to attract attention.

Why It’s Effective:

• Invisible to intruders unless they specifically check outlet covers.
• Protects the key from weather damage.

Placement Tip: Install an additional, non-functional outlet in a strategic location specifically for this purpose.

9. Inside a Secure Garage

If you have a garage, consider hiding the spare key inside, such as on a high shelf, behind tools, or in a labeled but unrelated container.

Why It’s Effective:

• Keeps the key indoors, away from potential thieves.
• Accessible if the garage itself has an alternate entry method.

Consideration: Ensure the garage is always locked to maintain security.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiding a Spare Key

• Under the Doormat: This is the first place anyone, including burglars, will check.
• Inside a Mailbox: While convenient, it’s too exposed and often targeted.
• Near Windows: Placing keys close to windows makes it easy for intruders to find and use them to gain entry.

Conclusion

Choosing the right place to stash a spare key is about finding a balance between accessibility and security. By selecting creative hiding spots like magnetic boxes, fake rocks, or trusted neighbors, you can ensure that your spare key is there when you need it without compromising the safety of your property. Brothers Locksmith encourages you to explore secure and innovative solutions for spare key storage to keep your home and family safe.