Peter D. Bowden
Residential
Designer

If you want to keep your spare set of house keys safe, leave them with a trusted neighbor.

Bury a spare set of keys nearby in something small such as a film canister, a small can with a cover or hide them inside an outdoor garden ornament. Be sure to tell a family member where they are.

Don’t fumble around for your house key at the door. Instead, drill a second hole near the edge of your house key so that it hangs slightly off-center on your key ring. Your key will be accessible in seconds!

Always keep photos of your valuables, along with a typed inventory and estimated value list – in a safe deposit box. You’ll have evidence all in one place for your insurance company should a fire or theft occur.

Always have photocopies of your credit cards stashed somewhere under lock and key – such as in a locked metal documents box or in a locked file cabinet (preferably both!) in case they are misplaced or stolen.