Do you often get locked out of your own home? In this case, a spare key hidden somewhere can save the day. But since it’s a security issue to leave a key outdoors, you should know how to hide a key in plain sight, so it won’t fall into the wrong hands.
A hidden spare key is also useful when you’re expecting someone yet you’re out doing errands. This is also a solution for family members who keep losing a copy of their keys. In such situations, it’s always a good idea to have a plan B.
Below, we discuss several sneaky ways how you can secure a spare key on your property. Remember that you should always keep your chosen method a secret.
How to hide a key in plain sight
Not sure where to hide that key? Here are some tried and tested ways that will save you from the trouble:
1. Under a stone
The easiest way to hide a house key is under a stone. However, this isn’t just about sliding a key under a large rock since it’s one thing that burglars often check.
Instead, choose a medium-sized stone and then glue the cap of a pill container on it. After that, place your key inside the container then screw it to the cap that’s attached to the stone.
To hide this, you’ll press the pill container into the soil until it’s completely buried. Choose the most inconspicuous spot in your yard to do this, like your flowerbed, mulch, and other areas with other stones on them.
Remember that you should never mark or paint the stone as this will make it more visible to burglars. Just leave it plain, so it will blend with the surroundings.
Overall, this method is effective, especially if you have a large yard. A burglar will have to turn every stone on your property just to find it. And in most cases, a burglar won’t suspect a small stone to be hiding a key.
2. Under your door knocker
If you don’t have a garden, you can hide your key behind a door knocker.
To do this, you should remove your door knocker and then glue a magnet behind it. Make sure that your key is magnetic.
After that, screw your door knocker back to your door. Make sure that you place the key indoors so nobody will see that you’re actually hiding something on the knocker.
Overall, this works well for emergencies. However, make sure that you also have a screwdriver ready in your yard, so you can unscrew the door knocker to retrieve the spare key.
3. Inside a brick
Another way to hide a spare key in plain sight is to use a brick in your yard. Choose an old one that doesn’t stand out, so it wouldn’t look suspicious if someone tries to break into your home.
You need to carve a hole on the backside of the brick big enough to hide a small pill container. If you have a camera fill container, it would be better since it’s opaque.
After that, place your spare key inside the container and then the container into the hole in the brick. You can put back the remnants of the brick to cover the hole.
Lastly, place the brick somewhere in your yard where it blends. It’s best if you can actually put the brick on actual use as a material for your flower path. This way, the burglar won’t suspect that a key is hidden in it.
4. Behind your car’s license plate
If your yard doesn’t have enough features to hide a key, you can use your car instead. Take note that this method is only useful if the spare key is intended for your own use. Otherwise, your family member would still have to wait for you to get home to retrieve the key.
To hide a key on your car, you simply have to screw it at the back of your license plate. Simply remove one of the top screws of your license plate, put the key at the back, and install the screw back in.
You should check this once in a while to ensure that your key isn’t falling off the screw. Also, if you’re planning to sell your car, make sure that you remove the key.
5. Inside a fake socket cover
If you want a hideout that’s easy to access, you can install a fake socket in one of your sidings. I recommend choosing a hidden area like the one at the side or back of your house. Never install it right next to your door as this can be easily seen by burglars.
You install the socket cover then glue a magnet inside it. From there, you can secure the key inside and pop the cover back in.
Overall, this method is convenient, but I only recommend it in neighborhoods with low criminal incidents. It’s because the fake socket technique doesn’t offer a lot of security.
6. Inside a birdhouse
Another great spot to hide a spare key is your birdhouse. You can install one if you don’t have it yet, but please know that birdhouses require upkeep to keep them clean.
Nevertheless, it’s a very effective spot, but make sure that large birds won’t fly away with it. Instead of using magnets, I recommend gluing them on the internal walls of the birdhouse. While it’s harder to remove, you’re assured that the birds won’t take it off.
7. Under your sidings
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of installing anything, your sidings will do. You only need your spare key and a transparent nylon string to make this happen.
First, tie the nylon string to your key, ensuring that it’s secured and snug. After that, slide the key into one of your sidings’ seams until it’s out of sight.
You can also wedge the nylon string into the seam, leaving only a small portion for you to retrieve it once needed. Also, make sure that the seams of your siding aren’t too loose or easy to peek through.
Aside from that, try to pick a spot of your siding that’s not too close to the door. This will increase the efficacy of this method as burglars often search within the vicinity of the main entrance.
8. Inside your barbecue grill
Do you have a barbecue grill in your yard? If so, you have another great key hideout spot!
You can place your spare key in any part of the grill, but avoid any area that’s in a direct line of vision. I suggest sticking it on the underside of the grill using a strong magnet. You can also wedge it into a small gap that you can find on the grill.
After that, cover your grill for added secrecy. So far, this has proven effective based on our personal experience.
9. Using a lockbox
While this isn’t really a mode of hiding, a lockbox still offers protection on your spare key. A lockbox is a more practical option if you have family members or authorized guests that need to access your home.
Also, a lockbox has a code, so you can limit who can open it. So far, it has been well-received by Airbnb rental owners since it allows them to give a key to the guests without personally meeting them.
You can also choose between a traditional lockbox or a smart type, which you can monitor through your phone.
Overall, these tools allow you to hide a key in plain sight. And while burglars know that there’s a key inside it, they will have a hard time opening it. That’s because lockboxes are made of tough materials same as those used on safes and bank locks.
What to avoid when hiding a key in plain sight
Aside from knowing where to your hide your key, it’s also important to know where NOT to hide it. Below are some reminders you should keep in mind to ensure the safety of your home:
- Never hide it under your doormat. Hiding a spare key under a doormat is the most overused tactic that every burglar knows. You might as well hand the key to the burglar if you’re planning to do this.
- Don’t trust easily. You should never leave a spare key to your neighbor unless you know them well. While it’s not your intention to suspect them of wrongdoing, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
- Labeling the key. When hiding a key around your property, you should never label it in any way. If you do, it will just make the thief’s job of breaking into your home easier. Just leave the key plain, so only you or your family members know what it’s for.
- Telling other people where you hide it. You should never tell other people where you’re hiding your keys. It’s also safer not to tell your family members as well until they need it. This way, the hiding spot will remain a secret and unlikely to be discovered by a burglar.
- Hiding a key for your main door. While this isn’t an absolute suggestion, you should at least try not to hide a key for your main door. Since a hidden key is for emergencies, you might as well hide one for a different door like the one at the back of your house or other exit points.
Final words
Knowing how to hide a key in plain sight is a useful ‘Plan B’ in case you get locked out of your house. It’s also helpful for family members who may accidentally lose their keys.
However, make sure that you’re careful in hiding the spare, so no unauthorized person can take hold of it. You should also keep in mind that hiding a key outdoors is always at your own risk.