One time I got called out to a house where the homeowner had put their backup key behind a super obvious vent cover—looked like it belonged, but the screws were fake. Honestly, it was clever but a little risky since it was right by the door. I always tell people, if you’re going to blend a lockbox in, use something that’s not right in the main entry area. I’ve built a few custom planters with hidden compartments... just don’t make it too complicated or you’ll forget where you put it. Murphy’s Law and all that.
I get the appeal of hiding keys in clever spots, but honestly, I’d probably forget where I put it after a few months. My house is old enough that there’s a million nooks and crannies—if I got too creative, I’d end up locked out and digging through flower beds like a raccoon. I just stick with a basic lockbox tucked behind a gutter pipe. Not fancy, but at least I remember where it is.
Lockboxes are underrated, honestly. I’ve seen folks get way too creative—fake rocks, hollowed-out bricks, even birdhouses. Half the time, they forget or the weather ruins the hiding spot. I always recommend a weatherproof lockbox with a combo you’ll actually remember. If you’re worried about aesthetics, you can paint it to blend in. Just don’t stash it somewhere you’ll need a ladder every time you get locked out... learned that one the hard way.
- Weatherproof lockbox is definitely the way to go, especially if you live somewhere with harsh winters or crazy rain.
- I’ve seen those fake rocks get kicked around by landscapers—never ends well.
- For combo codes, I use a date that’s meaningful but not obvious (not birthdays).
- Curious—has anyone tried those smart lockboxes with app access? Wondering if they’re worth the extra cost or just another thing to troubleshoot...
Curious—has anyone tried those smart lockboxes with app access? Wondering if they’re worth the extra cost or just another thing to troubleshoot...
Weatherproof lockboxes are a must, especially if you’re in a place where winter means actual ice storms and not just a dusting. I’ve had one for years—never failed me, even after a few blizzards. The fake rock thing always seemed risky to me, too. I watched my neighbor’s “rock” get tossed into a bush by a leaf blower once. Not ideal.
On the smart lockbox front, I did try one last year. Here’s what I learned:
1. Setup was easy, but you need to keep your phone charged and the app updated.
2. Battery life is decent, but I still check it every couple months, just in case.
3. It’s handy for giving temporary access (like for contractors), but if your WiFi is spotty, it can be a pain.
Honestly, if you’re not into tech troubleshooting, a solid combo lockbox is less hassle. But if you like the idea of tracking access or changing codes remotely, the smart ones do have their perks. Just depends how much you want to mess with it.
