Locking yourself out of the house can happen to anyone. You might step outside to grab the mail or take out the trash, only to hear the door click shut behind you. These moments always seem to happen when you least expect them—when you are late, tired, or carrying groceries. While a lockout is frustrating, it is also completely avoidable with the right habits and a little preparation.
Below we share practical, real-world strategies that help us and many homeowners reduce the risk of getting locked out.
Keep a Spare Key Somewhere Smart
The simplest way to avoid being locked out is to have a spare key, but where you keep it matters. Hiding it under the doormat or in a flowerpot is asking for trouble. Thieves check these spots first. A better idea is to give a spare to someone you trust—a nearby friend, neighbor, or relative. If you choose to store it on your property, use a weatherproof lockbox with a combination code placed in an unobvious location.
Another reliable option is to keep a spare key in your car or work bag, provided that you use a secure compartment that only you can access. Some people also keep a spare in their wallet, but this should only be done if your wallet stays with you most of the time. The goal is not to make the spare easy to find—it’s to make sure you can access it safely when you need it.
If you do not currently have a backup key, a professional locksmith in Calgary can duplicate your keys or create a coded spare that works only in certain locks, depending on your security preferences.
Create a Consistent Key Routine
Most lockouts happen because of habit lapses. People rush, get distracted, and leave their keys behind. The solution is to establish a personal key routine. Pick one consistent place where you always keep your keys at home, and one routine for when you leave the house.
Some homeowners use a key hook near the door, while others leave their keys in a bowl on the entry table. The point is to make it automatic. For instance, you might get used to tapping your pocket before closing the door or saying a mental checklist phrase like “phone, wallet, keys.” Repetition creates muscle memory, and soon it becomes second nature.
It also helps to store all your essential items together. If you keep your keys with your wallet or phone, it’s less likely that you will forget them.
Use Smart Technology as a Backup
Smart locks and digital access systems have made life easier for homeowners. With them, you can unlock your door using a code, fingerprint, or even a smartphone app. Many smart locks allow remote access, so if you forget your keys, you can unlock your door using your phone or grant access to a family member without being home.
For those who prefer not to rely entirely on technology, a hybrid approach works well. You can keep your traditional deadbolt but add a keyless entry pad. This combination gives you flexibility and security without losing the familiarity of a physical key.
Smart locks are also useful if you have children or roommates who frequently misplace keys. Instead of making multiple copies, you can assign unique access codes that can be changed anytime.
Maintain Your Locks and Keys
Locks wear down over time. Keys bend, metal teeth flatten, and internal pins collect dirt and dust. These small issues can make your locks unreliable, which can lead to unexpected lockouts. Every few months, it’s worth checking your keys for wear and lubricating your locks with a graphite or silicone-based spray. Avoid using oil, as it attracts dirt and can cause clogging.
If you notice your key sticking or the lock turning roughly, that’s the right time to get it checked. Early maintenance prevents breakage. Keys sometimes snap inside locks when metal fatigue goes unnoticed for too long.
Replacing or rekeying old locks before they fail completely is much cheaper and easier than dealing with an emergency lockout later.
Share Access Safely
If more than one person lives in the home, make sure everyone has their own key. Relying on a single key shared between multiple people often leads to confusion and missed coordination. Even if you live alone, it can help to leave an extra key with a friend or neighbor you trust in case of emergency.
Just make sure that the person knows how to contact you and agrees not to lend the key to anyone else. You can also label the spare key in a way that doesn’t reveal your address in case it is lost.
Temporary access solutions can also help. For instance, if you are away and need someone to check your home, consider giving them a code rather than a key. That way, you can delete or change it afterward for peace of mind.
Build a Habit Around Lock Checks
Before you step outside, especially if the door locks automatically, take two seconds to confirm your key is with you. This quick step becomes a small but powerful habit that prevents hours of frustration later.
You can also use simple cues to remind yourself. Some people attach a large keychain that’s hard to overlook. Others keep their house keys attached to car keys or a lanyard that always goes around their neck when leaving home.
If you have a busy household, communicate with family members about lock habits. Many accidental lockouts happen when one person locks the door while another steps outside briefly. Shared awareness avoids this.
Keep a Reliable Emergency Contact
Even with preparation, accidents happen. Maybe your spare key is in your other bag, or your phone dies just when you need to call someone. Having a reliable locksmith’s number saved in your phone or written down somewhere accessible can make all the difference.
Save their contact details in your favorites list, and if possible, keep a written copy in your wallet or car. A dependable professional can quickly get you back inside without damaging your door or lock. If you ever need quick assistance or want to prepare in advance, you can contact us for support or advice about preventive options that fit your home setup.
Plan Ahead for Travel and Guests
If you are leaving town, it’s smart to make sure someone has access to your property in case of emergencies like water leaks or power issues. This prevents you from having to arrange access remotely.
When you host guests or rent out part of your property, plan for how they will enter and exit safely. Key lockboxes or smart lock codes can simplify this while keeping your main set of keys secure.
For longer trips, some homeowners install temporary smart locks or keypad deadbolts to manage short-term access. This prevents the need to copy physical keys that might not be returned.
Avoid Rushed Departures
Most lockouts happen in moments of stress or distraction—running late for work, answering a phone call, or juggling multiple tasks. Whenever possible, take an extra moment before leaving to check your essentials. This brief pause can save hours later.
It helps to establish a calm exit routine. Check your pockets, grab your essentials, and close the door mindfully rather than on autopilot. The small habit of slowing down for three seconds often prevents mistakes caused by hurry.
If your door automatically locks behind you, consider adding a time delay or switching to a model that lets you lock it manually. Automatic locks are convenient but can be unforgiving when you step out even for a second without keys.
Have a Backup Entry Option
If your property has multiple entrances, keep at least one accessible alternative in case the main entry is blocked. For example, if your back door has a separate lock, make sure the key works and that you can access it safely from outside.
For homes with garages, you can install an external manual release that allows you to open the garage door if the power fails. Similarly, some window locks can serve as backup entry points during emergencies, provided that they do not compromise overall home security.
The key idea is to ensure you always have at least one safe way to regain entry without breaking anything.
Label Keys Thoughtfully
It may seem harmless to write “front door” or your address on a keychain, but that information can turn a lost key into a security risk. If someone finds it, they can easily identify where it belongs.
Instead, use neutral labels—color-coded tags or symbols that only you understand. Some homeowners engrave a simple mark or use a code word unrelated to their address.
By labeling your keys thoughtfully, you protect your home while still keeping track of which key is which.
When All Else Fails, Stay Calm
If you ever do get locked out, take a breath before trying to solve it yourself. Many people damage doors, frames, or locks in panic. Avoid using improvised tools or trying to force the lock. Instead, think through your options. Do you have a spare nearby? Is there someone who can bring it? If not, call a professional.
An experienced locksmith can often unlock a door quickly without causing harm to your lock mechanism. They can also rekey or repair your locks on the spot if needed, helping you prevent future lockouts.
FAQ
1. What should I do first if I am locked out?
Check if another door or window is open, then call a trusted locksmith or friend with a spare key. Avoid forcing entry to prevent damage.
2. How often should I replace or rekey my locks?
Every few years or after moving, losing keys, or changing roommates. Regular updates maintain both safety and convenience.
3. Are smart locks reliable in cold weather?
Most high-quality models work well in Calgary’s climate, but it helps to choose ones rated for freezing temperatures and keep batteries fresh.
4. Can a locksmith make a key without the original?
Yes, a professional can create a new key using your lock’s internal code or by disassembling it if necessary.
5. Is it safe to hide a spare key outside?
Only if it is placed in a secure, weatherproof lockbox in a discreet spot. Avoid obvious hiding places like mats or planters.
By developing small, consistent habits and thinking ahead, you can practically eliminate the risk of locking yourself out. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared is worth the extra effort.