How to Avoid Getting Locked Out

Getting locked out of your house is one of the experiences in life that is most stressful. It also feels embarrassing because why did you forget your key, and how? One minute you’re trying to take the bins out and the next, you’re staring at a locked door the wind blows shut behind you. It’s difficult to manage and while lockouts happen to almost everyone at some point, there are some things that you could be doing to reduce the chances of finding yourself stranded outside.

Out of the smartest things you can do? Have the phone number of a locksmith on your phone ready for such an emergency. Sure, you may never use it and the hope is that you don’t have to but that doesn’t mean that you have to necessarily be stuck barefoot outside the house. Having a reliable contact ready to go could save you a lot of time, stress and frantic online searches. If a lockout does ever happen, you’ll be ready for it.

Another helpful habit to start is creating a consistent routine with your keys so you don’t forget them in the first place. Many people place them in random spots and then spend some time playing detective when they need them. Having a dedicated space or hook in the house will mean that you don’t have to hunt for them every time. You can then make your life much easier and cheaper when you don’t have to contact a locksmith for help. 

Spare keys are great, so make sure you get new ones but also handle them the right way. Give a key to someone you trust locally to you or find a good spot to hide it where you can actually find it. Under the doormat is a stupid idea so you need a different option that people wouldn’t think about. It provides you the peace of mind that you need without creating a security risk and with that, comes some technology. Smart locks and keypad entry systems are way better than metal keys because it takes finger print recognition to get into the house. You could also airtag your keys so that you can find them when you do lose them.

While you don’t have to have smart locks, they’re a good way to ensure that you don’t make your keys disappear. Before you leave your house, you need a mental checklist: keys, phone, wallet – if you can’t see them, don’t shut the door behind you! If you need to add a note to the door, do that so that you can check it again on the way out. Of course, even the most organised of people still get locked out occasionally. Life gets busy, distractions happen – you’re only human. All you can do is everything we’ve mentioned and go from there. 

And, if all else fails at least try making sure that you’re fully dressed if you have to take the bin out! If the door blows shut, you won’t be cold.