Lockouts are a stressful and inconvenient experience, disrupting your plans and leaving you stranded outside your home, car, or business. While everyone hopes it will never happen to them, lockouts are surprisingly common. The good news is that with a little preparation and a few mindful habits, you can significantly reduce the chance of being locked out in the future. By taking proactive steps, you ensure that access is always within reach and peace of mind remains undisturbed.

Develop Reliable Key Habits

One of the most effective ways to prevent a lockout is to establish consistent habits with your keys. Always place your keys in the same spot at home, whether that is a bowl near the front door, a designated hook, or a specific pocket in your bag. Check for your keys before closing doors behind you, especially when leaving for work, errands, or appointments.

Create a mental checklist for your daily routine. Many people find it helpful to pat their pockets or glance inside their bag before locking up. These small, automatic actions can make a big difference over time, lowering the risk of absentmindedly leaving keys behind.

Have Spare Keys Ready

Spare keys are a simple yet essential line of defense against lockouts. Keep extra copies of your house, car, and office keys in safe, accessible places. You might give a spare to a trusted neighbor, family member, or close friend who lives nearby. Having a backup key stored in a secure location outside your home—such as a lockbox or coded key safe—can save you from an emergency call if you ever forget or misplace your keys.

Make sure your spare keys are always up to date, especially after changing locks or rekeying. Periodically check that spare keys work smoothly in their respective locks, as worn keys can sometimes become unreliable over time.

Embrace Smart Technology

Advances in home and automotive technology offer new ways to avoid traditional lockouts. Consider upgrading to smart locks for your home or office. These systems allow you to unlock doors with a code, a smartphone app, or even a fingerprint, reducing your dependence on physical keys. Some smart locks even let you generate temporary codes for guests or deliveries, so you never have to leave a key hidden outdoors.

Many new vehicles feature keyless entry or remote unlocking capabilities. Familiarize yourself with these features and keep your mobile device charged to ensure access when you need it. If you drive an older vehicle, look into affordable add-on options that can provide remote or smart entry.

Maintain Your Locks and Keys

Lock and key maintenance is an often-overlooked aspect of preventing lockouts. Over time, locks can become sticky, keys may bend, and hardware can wear down. Regularly inspect and lubricate your door locks, car ignitions, and padlocks to ensure smooth operation. Replace or duplicate keys that show signs of damage or excessive wear.

If you notice a key is difficult to turn or a lock does not engage smoothly, have it repaired or replaced promptly. Keeping your locks and keys in top condition lowers the risk of them breaking or malfunctioning at a crucial moment.

Check Your Routine and Double-Check Before Exiting

Many lockouts happen during busy mornings or when rushing out the door. Take a moment to slow down and check your pockets, purse, or briefcase for keys before leaving any space. Develop a “look back” habit, glancing around to ensure nothing important has been left behind. At work, get in the habit of double-checking your desk, office, or locker for your keys before stepping out, especially if the door locks automatically.

Some people find it helpful to leave visual cues such as a brightly colored keychain or lanyard attached to their keys – to help spot them easily in a hurry. Pairing your keys with other daily essentials like your wallet or phone can also prompt you to remember them.

Use Reminders and Technology

Harness the power of reminders and apps to keep your keys top of mind. Set daily alarms on your phone or use sticky notes in visible locations to jog your memory before you leave home, work, or your car. There are also small Bluetooth tracking devices available that attach to keychains and send alerts if you become separated from your keys. These devices can help you locate misplaced keys quickly and reduce panic during a busy day.

Technology can be your ally, providing both gentle nudges and real-time tracking for greater peace of mind.

Plan Ahead for Unusual Situations

Special circumstances, such as travel, house – sitting, or major home repairs, increase the risk of accidental lockouts. When leaving home for a trip, always check your keys before locking up and let someone you trust know how to reach you in an emergency. If you are giving temporary access to friends or service providers, use a code or temporary key when possible, and collect any spare keys after their visit.

If you move into a new home or office, rekey your locks and set up new spares right away. Familiarize yourself with all access points and practice your routines until they become second nature.

Know Who to Call in an Emergency

Even with the best preparation, accidents happen. Keep the phone number of a trusted locksmith saved in your mobile device and written down somewhere safe. Research locksmiths in your area ahead of time, choosing one with a solid reputation for fast response, honest communication, and reliable service. Being prepared with a reliable professional to call can make all the difference if a lockout ever does occur.