Where To Hide A Spare Key (Spoiler: It’s Not Under The Mat)
Need a backup plan? Here are safer places to hide a spare key, plus a few obvious spots to avoid.
Need a backup plan? Here are safer places to hide a spare key, plus a few obvious spots to avoid.
You have a pet sitter stopping by, a neighbor watering plants, or a family member who needs backup access. A spare house key can make life easier, but only if it is stored in a safe, intentional place.
The goal is simple: make the key accessible to the right person and hard for the wrong person to find. From lockboxes to trusted neighbors, here is where to hide a spare key without relying on the usual under-the-mat trick.
If you live in a house, you may have more outdoor space and more options. Still, the best spare key hiding places are not the most obvious ones. Skip the doormat, planter, mailbox, and door frame. Those are the first places someone may check.
Here are safer, more weather-resistant ways to store a spare key outside your home:
Bonus tip: Good lighting helps your entryway feel active and less inviting to unwanted visitors. A video doorbell or outdoor camera can add another layer of visibility when someone approaches your door.
Some spots are popular because they are convenient, but that also makes them risky. Try to avoid hiding a spare key in places that are obvious, easy to reach, or directly connected to the front door.
If a hiding spot feels too easy, it probably is. A secure key safe or trusted person is usually a better backup plan.
Apartments are different because there is usually less outdoor space and more shared access. A fake rock in a hallway is not going to blend in, and some buildings have rules about items left in common areas.
Instead, try these apartment-friendly options:
A spare key can be part of an emergency plan, but it should not be your only home security measure. If a pet sitter, housekeeper, neighbor, or family member uses your spare, an Arlo Video Doorbell or security camera helps you see who came by and when.
Arlo cameras and video doorbells can help you monitor key entry points, receive motion alerts, and use 2-Way Audio when someone approaches. With a broader Arlo home security setup, you can keep better watch over your front door, side entry, driveway, and other access points.
The safest spare key plan is simple, secure, and easy to manage. Avoid obvious hiding places, use a lockbox or trusted person when possible, and add smart visibility around your entry points. With Arlo cameras, video doorbells, and home security solutions, you can leave the house with more confidence and fewer lockout worries.
