Keep a Spare Key in a Lockbox, Not Under the Mat

Under the mat, inside the fake rock, on top of the door frame — burglars know every "clever" hiding spot because they've checked thousands of them. A combination lockbox (the kind real estate agents use) bolts to a fence, pipe, or hidden spot and costs under $20. You get the convenience of a spare key without broadcasting it to anyone who bothers to look. Share the code only with people you'd trust with your house keys — because that's exactly what it is. Change the code if you share it with a contractor or guest who no longer needs access.