Many people keep a key hidden outside, and some that do end up wishing they had thought it out first. Obvious locations are under the welcome mat, under planters and other common locations near the front door. Keys in these places are not really hidden. They are simply tucked away, and this is where burglars search for tools for easy access. It is necessary to find good locations and change them often to keep others from catching on. Do not end up locked out or having to come home early to let someone in. Use these good places to hide a key, and do not worry about having to leave the house unlocked.
Hide a Key Under a Rock in a Long Row of Rocks
Rocks, especially the fake hollow variety, are not good places to hide a key. Fake rocks look like plastic, and they also look out of place when sitting alone. If you already have a row of small rocks that are partially in the ground, use one of these places to hide a key. Count down to the tenth or eleventh rock, and tuck it underneath. A burglar is likely to check under a single rock that looks obvious, but not beneath an entire row. This would take far too much time and draw a lot of attention, especially if the area is not hidden away and well-lit during evening hours.
Find Good Places Underground
When looking for good places to hide an extra key, use a shallow plastic container such as a pill box. Do not simply tuck it away. Bury it in the ground about four inches below the surface in loose, well-draining soil or mulch. An extra key should not have to be used often, but when required it can be found safely tucked away in places that no one would even think to look. Digging up an entire flowerbed or yard would take forever. This location is very good, and you might not even remember where it is.
Hide it in a Lock-Box Like those Used by Realtors
Good places to hide a key are hard to find, and if they take a lot of work they are also inconvenient. Consider buying a lock-box like those used by realtors. They are typically locked to door hardware, but other styles are available. A mountable device can be attached to a home in an inconspicuous area. It takes a special code to open the box and gain access to the key. When looking for good places to hide a key, this is by far one of the best locations since it would take a professional or someone with the code to get inside.