As the holidays come closer, more parties and get-togethers fill the air with excitement. Everyone seems to be celebrating something special. But all the fun might make you forget one important thing. Paying attention to securing your home should be at the top of your holiday to-do list. The locksmiths at AA NSW Locksmiths & Security know how easy it is to lose your house keys when you’re busy celebrating. But, they say, that’s no reason to let your home’s security slide.
Designate a Key Spot
One of the simplest but smartest ways to keep track of your house keys is to choose a specific place for them. Pick a spot close to your front door—maybe a little dish, a hook, or a key holder. When you get home, make it a habit to put your keys in this spot. That way, even if you misplace them at home (which might happen when you’re dealing with lots of holiday stuff), they won’t be lost for long.
Use a Keychain with Personality
A cool keychain can really help you keep track of your keys. Get a colorful or funny-shaped one that stands out. It’s easier to find your keys in a messy bag or on a busy table if your keychain is eye-catching. A keychain that shows your personality can also be a fun way to start conversations over the holidays.
Limit Key Holders
Over the holidays, lots of people often visit your home. Even though sharing the joy is nice, you should limit who has your house keys. During this time, consider giving the keys to a trusted friend or family member. This way, you can reduce the chance of losing your keys or having them misplaced among a big group.
Create a Backup Plan
Even when you try really hard, it’s still possible to lose your keys. But when there are no backup plans, like a spare key with a trusted neighbor, you’re really most at risk of being locked out. In situations like this, you might wish you could unlock your door without keys. Of course, once you use any of the various ways to get into your house, you’ll probably start using a different set of keys.
Stay Organised During Parties
If you’re having a festive get-together, you need to keep your keys organised. Make a spot in your home where guests can put their things as soon as they get there. That’s the first step in keeping your space neat. If you give guests a little bowl or tray, they’ll have a clear place to drop their keys when they arrive, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning up all the clutter later. Plus, it’s good that your home is tidy and that guests are respectful.
Use Smart Technology
Today’s digital world is full of possibilities because of new technology. If you use a smart lock system in your home, you can control who has access from anywhere. It’s really handy, and you never have to give out a physical key. So, say goodbye to copycat keys and unauthorised access! Just remember that smart locks are only as secure as the Wi-Fi they’re connected to. We have more on that later. Now, let’s talk about some other smart home devices that can make your home safer.
Be Mindful When Out and About
During the holiday season, we often go to lots of parties and events. When you’re having fun, be careful where you put your keys. It’s easy to forget them if you leave them in places like tables at restaurants or bars. Instead, keep them in a safe pocket or bag that you’re paying attention to. If you go to a party, you might want to use a lanyard or wrist strap, so you always have your keys with you.
Establish a Routine
Making a daily habit can really make it less likely you’ll lose your keys. For example, get in the habit of checking for your keys before you leave any place, like your home, a friend’s house, or a restaurant. You should also get in the habit of having a consistent return routine when you come back home. This way, you do the same thing every time, so you have a place for your keys. A regular routine will make it easier to keep track of where your keys are.
Inform Family Members
If you share a home with others, make sure everyone understands not just how to manage keys, but also why it’s important. Anyone can put a key in a “designated spot,” but not everyone thinks past the moment when they return the key. Is it bad to put a key somewhere like a drawer or cupboard? Of course not. Everyone puts things in drawers. But if that’s where we return keys, we should be ready to find them there later.
Holiday celebrations bring joy, happiness, and togetherness. But with all the excitement this time of year, it’s also when people are more likely to lose important things, like their keys. The festivities are always special, but they can be stressful too, especially if a key emergency messes up your plans. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got some easy, super helpful tips to keep your keys safe and secure and avoid an unforgettable holiday season for all the wrong reasons.