5 Places You Should Never Hide Your Spare Key—and Where to Put It Instead

A spare key can be a lifesaver if you've ever accidentally locked yourself out of your home, or if pet sitters or a trusted neighbor need to access it. That said, we’ve all wondered if that big planter out front—with your spare key hiding underneath—is not just a big invitation for strangers to enter our homes. After all, thieves have become more savvy since the days when seemingly everyone left their spare under their doormat.

To find out how best to hide your spare key—and what common mistakes to avoid—we turned to home security experts.

Where to Never Hide Your Spare Key

While these common hiding spots may seem secure, you might want to think again. “Many people fall into the trap of hiding spare keys in places that feel secure but are actually well-known to potential intruders,” says home security expert Hooman Shahidi. Avoid making these mistakes for both your safety and peace of mind.

Under the Doormat

We've likely all committed this home security no-no at one time or another. But according to Shahidi, the doormat is "arguably the most overused and instantly obvious location."

Seasoned intruders will instinctively check here first, making it one of the least secure options for hiding a spare key. "It is essentially an open invitation to anyone attempting to gain unauthorized access," he warns,.

Inside the Mailbox

While it’s certainly convenient, leaving a spare key in your mailbox leaves your home vulnerable to intruders. “Mailboxes are accessible to anyone walking by and are often one of the first places a burglar will check when scoping out potential entry points,” cautions Shahidi. Neither private nor secure, mailboxes are not the place for storing anything sensitive.

Inside a Fake Rock

When it comes to hiding your keys on your property, skip the fake rocks. Now widely available for purchase, they have become a predictable choice and can longer trick a determined intruder. “Most do not blend seamlessly into the natural landscape,” notes Shahidi, “making them easily identifiable to anyone with even a limited experience looking for spare keys.” 

Under a Flowerpot or Outdoor Décor

Despite how tempting it is to slide your spare house key under a planter, a garden gnome, or a fountain on the premises, don’t do it. “These are classic hiding places due to their proximity to the entrance, but that’s precisely the problem,” explains Shahidi. “Anyone familiar with common homeowner habits knows to lift flowerpots, garden statues, or light fixtures near the front door to check for hidden keys.” 

On Top of the Doorframe

Avoid tucking your spare key on top of your doorframe, as it is not as inconspicuous as you might think. In fact, according to Shahidi, “it’s a widely known tactic that provides no real deterrent. It’s also easily reachable, particularly on ground-level entries.”

Similarly, spare keys taped under a window ledge or under outdoor furniture are also not secure. “Tape wears out and these spots are far too easy to spot,” points out Denida Grow, security and protective intelligence specialist.

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Safer Alternatives for Hiding Your Spare Key

While it is increasingly recommended by home security professionals to swap out your physical house keys for a smart lock, the fact remains that most of us live by the tried and true key-lock system. And when it comes to your spare key, discretion is paramount. 

You will want to find an unassuming, unpredictable spot that even the most seasoned of burglars wouldn’t consider checking, explains Shahidi. He recommends choosing “a discreet, unconventional location around your home—ideally one that only your household members know.” 

Here are some clever and safer ideas.

With a Trusted (and Vetted) Neighbor, Friend, or Family Member

According to Grow, leaving a house key with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member is the safest and most practical solution. Set up a meeting time with the person to whom you have entrusted your pets or plants, so you can go over protocol and exchange a physical key.

In the case of a household emergency, this individual would be easy to contact for immediate help, and you can rest easy on your travels knowing your key isn't in a place where anyone could access it.

Inside a Lockbox or a Key Safe

Lockboxes are secure, weatherproof, and difficult to tamper with, according to Grow. They can be attached to fixed structures like railings or poles, and are accessed by a pin number or a code. Home security expert Rob Gabriele advises choosing key safe with a three-digit combination, as these are too easy to crack. “The best key safes are those with a keypad,” he explains. “On top of cracking your code, anyone attempting to break in will have to guess how many digits the code is.” 

Under Movable—But Heavy—Outdoor Furniture 

If you must hide a spare key, Gabriele recommends placing it under heavy outdoor furniture, such as benches and patio chairs. The mere heft of the furniture will deter thieves and intruders, as it could be noisy, heavy, and inconvenient to search under such heavy objects.

In a Fake Electrical Outlet 

Yes, there is such a thing—and it can be a great option for storing your spare key when you’re out of town. Fake electrical outlets serve as storage for small items and are “far more discreet than fake rocks or doormats,” according to Grow. Plus, thieves are far less likely to look inside an outlet for a spare key.

In the Gutter, Downspout, or Dryer Vent Hood 

According to Gabriele, the gutter, downspout, or dryer vent hoods are all adequate places to hide your spare key. However, if you choose one of these discreet locations to hide your spare key, make sure you tape your key to keep it in place. These spots can be full of motion and you would hate for your key to be lost in the fray in the event of heavy rain or suction. 

In or Under the Dog House

If you have a dog, hiding your key under an outdoor dog house can be a super-deterrent for potential thieves and trespassers. Grow points out that this hiding spot “blends in with natural use,” making it less conspicuous. Furthermore, the presence of a dog will naturally deter thieves from entering your property—a dog’s home, as we all know, is not to be disturbed.

Under a Loose Brick in a Garden Wall

While it may seem too romantic to be practical, this hiding spot comes recommended by our experts. A loose rock in a brick wall might provide the perfect place to hide a spare key. According to Grow, a spare key lodged behind a loose brick allows it to be hidden in plain sight while still requiring effort to access.