How do you hide a key in plain sight?

Hiding a key in plain sight can be a clever way to keep it secure while still ensuring it is accessible when needed. The trick is to conceal the key in a common object that blends into its surroundings. With some creativity, you can develop stealthy hiding spots that will go unnoticed even when in prominent locations. Here are some tips for stashing a key in plain sight:

Use an everyday household item

Pick a mundane household object that will not draw any suspicion. Some options include:

• A book – Hollow out an area in the pages to slip the key inside.
• A candle – If it is a cylinder container, you can place the key down in the bottom under the candle wax.
• An empty food container – Place the key at the bottom under the food items.
• A hygiene product – Bury the key within something like a tissue box or laundry detergent bottle.

The key is to choose an item that looks ordinary and would have a reason to be wherever you want to hide the key. This way, it will not attract any extra attention or curiosity.

Utilize your outdoor space

Your backyard or front porch provides plenty of potential hiding spots. Things you can use include:

• A large potted plant – Conceal the key in the soil beneath the plant.
• Bird house or feeder – Place the key within a removable component.
• Furniture – Tape the key to the underside of outdoor chairs, benches, etc.
• Yard decorations – Hide the key within a cavity in a birdbath, statue, or other yard ornament.

The benefit of outdoor hiding spots is that most people do not closely inspect things in a yard or garden area. Just be sure to protect the key from weather damage by sealing it in a plastic bag or container.

Get creative with furniture

Your home likely contains various furniture pieces that can surreptitiously conceal a key:

• A desk or bedside lamp – Secure the key to the hollow inside surface of the lampshade.
• Chest of drawers – Tape the key to the back of a drawer so it is hidden when closed.
• Couch or chair – Lift up the cushions and place the key within the inner framework.
• Window treatment hardware – If you have blinds or curtains, hide the key within the curtain rod brackets.

Exploring all the nooks and crannies of your furniture almost always reveals a few spots to tuck away a key where no one will find it.

Take advantage of appliances

Home appliances often have unused spaces perfect for concealing a key:

• Washer/dryer – Tape the key to the back or underside, away from moving parts.
• Refrigerator – Use a magnet to adhere the key to the backside or top.
• TV – Many have an open space on the back panel that can hold a key.
• Stereo or computer speakers – Hide the key inside the hollow body.

Just be cautious of interference with any mechanical or electrical components when stashing a key inside an appliance.

Use decoy objects

For an extra layer of subterfuge, you can hide a key inside/under objects specifically meant for concealment:

• False book – This looks like a book from the outside but has a compartment inside to store valuables.
• Hollowed eggshell – Carefully empty out an egg and use it to hold the key.
• Fake rock – These are manufactured replica rocks that can be placed in a garden and contain a small compartment.
• Magnetic key holder – Affix a key container with industrial adhesive in hidden spots.

These provide the ultimate camouflage while giving you a dedicated receptacle to safely secure the key.

Avoid obvious locations

When trying to be inconspicuous, it helps to recognize where people typically look for hidden keys. Steer clear of these obvious and overused locations:

• Above the door frame or under the welcome mat – Two of the first places burglars check.
• Buried in a potted plant on the porch – This is more conspicuous than you might think.
• Attached to a dog collar – A bit too cute and likely to attract interest.
• Inside a fake sprinkler head in the yard – Fun in movies, not great in real life.

Relying on cliché hiding spots like these can defeat the purpose of keeping your key concealed.

Take precautions when hiding outdoors

If stashing a key outside, make sure to:

• Seal it in a plastic bag or watertight container to protect it from the elements.
• Secure it in place with strong tape or adhesive so it does not fall out of its hiding spot.
• Use a location out of direct sunlight to prevent UV damage.
• Avoid areas that accumulate moisture or debris like downspouts.

You want to keep the key in good working condition so it does not get stuck when needed later on.

Avoid hiding places that are too obvious

Some key hiding places are so overdone and obvious that they should be avoided. These include:

• Under the front door mat
• On top of the door frame
• Inside a decorative rock in the garden
• Behind loose bricks on the front steps

Relying on cliche hiding spots like these can easily backfire. Opt for more imagination and subtlety when selecting where to conceal your key.

Have a backup plan

No matter how clever your hiding spot, there is always a chance your key could get lost, damaged, or otherwise unavailable when you need it. That is why it is crucial to have a backup plan, such as:

• An extra copy of the key stored in another location
• A trusted friend or neighbor with a key they can provide in an emergency
• Spare keys locked in a combination safe or lockbox
• Temporary key storage options like a magnetic key box on your car

Taking these precautions ensures you are not locked out without recourse if your primary hidden key plan falls through.

Test your hiding spots periodically

Do not just conceal your key once and forget about it. Every so often, do a check to make sure your hidden keys are still in place and in good condition. Test each location by retrieving the keys and making sure they still work properly in the lock. Check for signs of weathering or corrosion. This periodic maintenance helps avoid getting caught off guard by a key that is stuck or broken when you need it the most.

Conclusion

Hiding a key successfully is all about being inconspicuous and unpredictable. Choose everyday objects that blend seamlessly into their environment. Get creative with household furniture and appliance cavities. Take weather precautions when hiding a key outside. Avoid cliché locations that will be the first places burglars look. With the right location and some periodic maintenance, you can discreetly hide your key in plain sight.