I’ve actually tried one of those fake sprinkler heads—picked it up for like $8 on Amazon. It’s not the most convincing thing up close, but honestly, nobody’s crawling around my front yard looking for hidden keys. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Obvious spots (under the mat, in a flowerpot) are just too risky. First place anyone would check.
- The fake sprinkler worked fine until I forgot which bush I’d put it under... ended up soaked and annoyed after a rainstorm.
- Now I just leave a spare with a neighbor I trust. Not as “spy movie,” but way less stressful.
If you’re set on hiding it outside, maybe snap a photo of the spot and save it somewhere only you can access? Just don’t overthink it—sometimes simple is better than “genius.”
I get the appeal of leaving a spare with a neighbor, but honestly, that’s not always practical. What if they're out of town or just not home when you need them? I’ve actually had that exact thing happen and ended up paying a locksmith anyway. For me, a combo lockbox (the kind realtors use) is the best bang for your buck. They’re not too pricey, way more secure than fake rocks or sprinklers, and you can change the code whenever. Just mount it somewhere that isn’t screamingly obvious. It’s not glamorous, but it’s reliable—sometimes “simple” just means “not quite secure enough.”
For me, a combo lockbox (the kind realtors use) is the best bang for your buck. They’re not too pricey, way more secure than fake rocks or sprinklers, and you can change the code whenever.
Totally agree—lockboxes are underrated. I’ve installed a bunch during flips and they’re way more reliable than hoping a neighbor’s around. Just gotta be smart about placement, like you said. I’ve seen people stick them right by the front door, which kinda defeats the purpose. Not perfect, but definitely beats paying a locksmith every time.
I get the appeal of lockboxes, but I’ve actually had one jam up on me in the dead of winter. Ended up just as stuck as if I’d hidden the key under a mat. Not saying they’re bad—just maybe not foolproof. Honestly, I started keeping a spare with a trusted neighbor after that. Might not work for everyone, but it’s saved me more than once. Sometimes old-school backup plans still have their place.
I’ve run into the same issue with lockboxes—one winter, the mechanism just froze solid and I was left standing outside with groceries and no way in. Not my finest hour. I do like the idea of a backup plan, though. Personally, I’ve started recommending decorative key cabinets inside mudrooms for clients who tend to misplace things. It’s not a solution for being locked out, but it does help keep keys organized and less likely to wander off. Still, nothing beats having a neighbor you trust... sometimes the simplest solutions really are the best.