This frustrating and stressful situation has happened to everyone. You’re outside your home, only to find that your keys are nowhere in sight.
Losing your keys can throw a wrench into your plans and leave you flustered or unsure about what to do. It is still necessary to be patient and act rationally to not cause even worse problems.
Here are your do’s and don’ts in a situation that’s more common than you think.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When You Misplace Your Keys
Losing your keys is frustrating. When it happens, people mostly panic and want to get into their house in any possible way.
However, some bad options will just cause more damage.
1. Don’t Kick Down the Door
The first thing that is going to pop into your head is probably forcing your way into your home or office. That means kicking in the door or some other strongman technique.
This is almost always a bad idea. It will be in incredibly bad taste and will cause major financial expenses due to the property damage. In addition, it might be illegal depending on where you live.
It is against the law in most municipalities to break into a building without proper authority, punishable by fines.
2. Do Not Enter Through the Window
Do not attempt to climb through any open window or other unauthorised entry point. This is another potentially criminal act and it is extremely dangerous.
You can easily hurt yourself, get stuck, or trigger an alarm that most likely will send a call to the police.
Meanwhile, in case there is an open window or door, your house can be exposed to potential break-ins.
3. Do Not Disable or Trick Alarm Systems
Your building may have fitted a security system, so any attempt to tinker with these to gain entry is another big no-no.
Disabling or bypassing an alarm could result in an emergency response and associated fines, or even criminal charges.
It can even compromise the general security of the property and expose you as well as others to risks.
4. Do Not Lose Your Composure
Although we understand how unnerving it can be, don’t let your feelings get the better of you.
Panicking or lashing out will not help. On the contrary, it will only worsen it. Keep calm, take deep breaths, and focus on what positive actions toward the solution you can take.
5 Proactive Steps to Take When You Lose Your Keys
Misplacing your keys is certainly a hassle, but panicking won’t solve the problem. Instead, there are effective strategies to help manage the outcome.
Here are five steps to consider when you find yourself in this unpleasant situation.
1. Look Vigorously
Before you finally decide that you do not have your keys, take some time and hunt them down in the places you have recently visited.
Follow your tracks backwards and look in all obvious pockets, bags, or table tops. Also, take a look in less likely spots, such as your car, laundry room, or even in the garbage.
Keys sometimes go into the most unlikely of places, so leave no stone unturned.
2. Retrace Your Steps
In case you cannot find your keys, even after the primary search, then try and remember the last time that you had them.
Think about where you were, what you were doing, and who you were with. This will give you a clue as to where the keys were last. It will most likely refresh your memory and lead you to them.
3. Use a Spare Key (If Available)
Now’s the time to get out your spare key, if you have one stashed somewhere. This can be a duplicate kept outside your home or entrusted to a friend or family member.
Having a spare on hand will save you a lot of hassle and expenses when you get locked out.
4. Contact Your Landlord or Building Management
You can notify your landlord or the property’s management and ask for help.
They probably have a spare key to let you in or can grant access to the property with a master key. This is usually the easiest and cheapest way to resolve this.
5. Call a Locksmith
In case you don’t have an extra key and no other option is available, then you will need to book an emergency locksmith.
A reliable locksmith will get you into your property quickly without any damage. He can even cut you a new key there and then, so you don’t get locked out again in the future.
Be careful of your choice. A good locksmith will be insured, licensed, and able to give proof of experience. Be wary of those “pop-up” companies looking to overcharge you for horrible work.
Luckily, in most areas, countless 24/7 locksmith services will help save your day.
Tips for Preventing Future Key Loss
Although these steps can be followed in case you misplace your keys, the best strategy is usually to avoid such a situation in the first place.
Here are some tips to help prevent future key loss:
- Have at least one spare duplicate kept safely with a close friend or relative. That would serve as a backup in case the first set gets lost.
- Invest in a key organiser, hook, or clip that keeps all your keys in one place. This makes it less likely to lose them.
- Get in the habit of always putting your keys in the same spot. Remember, consistency always beats forgetfulness.
- Consider upgrading to a smart lock or other keyless entry system. That way you won’t have to worry about physical keys at all.
- Clearly label each of your keys, so you can quickly identify what they’re for. This makes it easier to notice if one goes missing.
Conclusion About What to Do When You Lose Your Keys
Losing your keys is such a headache. Don’t be too hard on yourself though. Yes, even the best of us can misplace our keys.
Keep cool, follow these tips highlighted here, and you will be back on track in no time. Now in case you ever find yourself in this situation again in the future, you will be better prepared to handle it with confidence.