Practical Strategies to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Car, Home, or Office
Lockouts are inconvenient, frustrating, and often expensive experiences that can disrupt your day and even pose safety risks. Whether it’s your car, home, or workplace, being locked out typically results from a small oversight that can lead to significant consequences. Fortunately, with a few practical strategies and habits, these situations are highly preventable. As an Astoria Locksmith we’ve put together this article outlining actionable steps to help individuals and professionals minimize the risk of lockouts in various settings.
1. Establish a Routine
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to avoid lockouts is to establish a consistent routine for handling your keys. Always place your keys in the same location, whether it's a key hook near the door, a designated pocket in your bag, or a tray on your desk. This habit helps reinforce muscle memory and reduces the likelihood of misplacing or forgetting your keys.
Tip: Before leaving any location—your home, office, or parked car— perform a mental or verbal checklist: Keys, phone, wallet. This quick habit
takes only seconds and can prevent hours of inconvenience.
2. Use Smart Technology
Investing in smart locks or keyless entry systems is becoming increasingly popular and can provide an extra layer of convenience and security. Many smart locks are compatible with smartphones, allowing you to lock or unlock doors remotely. Biometric locks, keypad entry systems, and RFID cards are also reliable options, particularly for office environments.
Ensure that the smart device used to access your lock such as your smartphone has a backup unlocking method in case of power failure or a dead battery.
3. Have Spare Keys Strategically Placed
Keeping spare keys accessible in secure, predetermined locations can save the day in a lockout situation. Avoid obvious hiding spots, such as under the welcome mat or in a flower pot. Instead, consider the following:
• Trusted Contacts: Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend who lives or works nearby.
• Secure Lockboxes: Use a lockbox with a combination code and install it in a discreet location near your home or office.
• Magnetic Key Holders: These can be hidden under your car in hardto-spot locations, but ensure they are weather-resistant and secure.
4. Use Key Trackers
Bluetooth-enabled key trackers, such as Tile or Apple AirTag, can be attached to your keychain and connected to your smartphone. These devices help locate your keys quickly if you misplace them and send alerts if you leave your keys behind.
This small investment can make a significant difference, especially when you're in a rush or dealing with multiple tasks.
5. Practice Lock Awareness
Always double-check the lock before closing any door. This habit is especially useful for self-locking doors, which can shut and lock
automatically when closed. When exiting a vehicle, home, or office, pause for a moment to ensure you have your keys in hand before the door closes behind you.
In professional environments, encourage employees or colleagues to follow similar practices by posting reminder signs near exit doors or incorporating key checks into security protocols. As a commercial locksmith in Astoria, we’ve seen a lot of lockouts at or in commercial locations simply because personnel did not make sure they had their keys in their hand or double checking the lock.
6. Maintain Locks and Keys
Worn-out keys or malfunctioning locks can also contribute to lockouts. Regularly inspect your keys for signs of damage or wear. Replace any that appear bent, cracked, or excessively worn. Ensure that locks are lubricated and functioning correctly to prevent jamming. If your lock begins to stick or your key requires excessive force, consult a locksmith before the issue worsens and potentially locks you out.
7. Avoid Key Dependency with Multiple Entry Methods
Whenever possible, design your access system to include multiple entry methods. For example, many residential buildings and workplaces offer both key fobs and code entry options. Keeping multiple access points available provides a reliable backup and adds a layer of flexibility. For your vehicle, consider keeping an extra key in your wallet or purse, or look into vehicles with keypad entry options.
8. Prepare for Emergencies
As your emergency locksmith in Astoria NY, we know that despite best efforts, lockouts can still occur. Having a contingency plan can significantly reduce stress and downtime. If you are located in the NYC area, maintain contact information for a 24 hour locksmith Astoria, or roadside assistance service on your phone and in written form. If you're locked out during extreme weather or after hours, knowing who to call can make a critical difference. Additionally, know your building or vehicle’s emergency access procedures. Some apartment complexes and workplaces have on-
call security or maintenance personnel who can provide temporary access.
As usual, if you experience lockouts of any nature, do not hesitate to contact us, your local locksmith in Astoria NY.