Everyone has experienced this. When you need to get into your home or start your vehicle, your keys are not where you expect them to be. Unfortunately, it is rare that you realize your keys have been lost at a convenient time. It’s easy to become frustrated when you are rushing out the door or driving home after work. But what to do when you lose your keys? Take a deep breath before panic takes over. This list will guide you from panic to peace of mind, helping you calmly navigate the situation and find a solution.
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Check To Make Sure They Are Not In Your Possession
Double-check that you haven’t forgotten your keys. Bags, messenger bags, and backpacks can be large enough to cover keys. If necessary, empty your bag to check for hidden keys. Check all pockets if you normally don’t keep your keys in your bag.
Imagine Where They Might Be
If your keys aren’t where you expect them to be, mentally retrace the steps that led up to their location. You can ask yourself questions like “When did I last use my keys?” and “What happened to my keys after my last use?” Check if the person who shares your keys has used them recently or if they have left them somewhere else. Consider any changes in your routine that may have led you to place your keys somewhere unusual.
Search Thoroughly
If you’ve made a mental note of all the places your keys could be, check them out to see if they are nearby. If possible, go back to these locations and check them out yourself. Follow these tips to make your search more efficient:
Call friends or family to help you if you are unable to visit all of these places.
- Be systematic, not frenzied. You don’t need to check the same area multiple times if you have thoroughly checked it once.
- Check the right place. Even if the keys aren’t exactly in their designated location, they will usually be hiding around that area.
- If you have the time, clean up any suspected areas. Many keys are hidden right in front of you—under cushions on the couch, in a pile of mail, etc.
- Ask an employee. If you are looking for keys in a public place like a library or restaurant, ask the management if they have recently returned keys.
Report Missing Keys To The Police
You can check with the police station to see if any keys have been turned in. This is an optional step. Police will sometimes collect keys that are found in parks or on the streets and store them in a central place.
Use a spare Key
You can reach for your spare if you are lucky enough to own one. They can be hidden in places that are easy to reach, or they may belong to a family member or roommate. You can call someone to help if you are unable to reach your spare. Explain the situation and ask them to assist you.
Contact a Locksmith
It’s tempting at this point to try and enter your home or car using more drastic or sneaky methods. However, knowing what to do when you lose your keys can save you time and hassle. Call a locksmith if you don’t have an urgent situation. Doing so can save you money and avoid creating a mess. If you can’t find your keys or if they are locked in your vehicle and you have no spare key, a locksmith is your best bet. Locksmiths are experts at unlocking your vehicle or home quickly and without damaging any of your property.
Choose Whether You Want To Change The Lock Or Cut A Key
A locksmith can assist you with the next steps once you’ve determined what to do when you lose your keys. They are not only able to unlock the property, but they can also offer advice on the best course of action. It is often cheaper to simply cut a new key and continue using your existing lock. However, if you are worried about someone stealing your keys, it may be wiser to change the locks. Locksmiths are experts in this field and can be a great resource for making this decision.
Preventive Measures Are Important
People tend to be more cautious about their keys after misplacing them. Preventative measures taken now, while the problem is still fresh in your memory, can save you both time and stress later. You can have your locksmith make you a new set of keys if you do not have any spares. These new keys should be kept in a place that is both safe and easily accessible. For example, your garage or office. Many thieves will look first at obvious locations such as a flower planter or mailbox.
It’s never fun to lose your keys, but it does happen. If it happens, don’t forget that your local locksmith can be reached by phone.
Unico Locksmith serves the Rockville, Silver Spring Bethesda Lanham Bowie in Maryland (MD). We are proud to have many years of experience in handling your residential or commercial locksmith needs. Unico Locksmith offers a variety of locks, keys and other security products to suit your business or home. Unico Locksmith can help you upgrade the security of your home or office, or resolve security problems. Call us today.