What to Do When You Lose Your Keys

house keys on table

Losing your keys is a common and frustrating ordeal. Whether they’ve fallen under a chair, slipped between couch cushions, or been left behind on public transportation, a lost set of keys can quickly turn into a major hassle.


Beyond the immediate inconvenience, it can also compromise the security of your home or office. So, what should you do when you realize your keys are missing?


Common Places to Look

The first thing to do is simple: recall the last time you had your keys and begin searching in that area. In most cases, lost keys can be found by asking yourself a few key questions and checking the relevant spots:


- Were they in your pocket when you left the house?


- Did you use them to drive or access your current location?


- Did you place them on a table while eating or during a meeting?


- Did you check all the places that you've recently sat down at (office chair, car seat, lunch table, or meeting room)?


- Were they possibly left behind on a subway, bus, or in a ride-sharing vehicle?-


If your car keys are part of your keychain and you drove to your current location, chances are they’re nearby. If you typically keep your keys in your pocket, check where you last sat, as keys often slip out and end up beneath desks or between couch cushions.


If you recently used public transportation or a ride-sharing service, think about whether you left them behind. A few quick calls to the taxi or ride-sharing company could help you retrieve them.


However, if your keys were lost on a subway or bus, recovering them may be more challenging, and your home or business security could be at risk. Similarly, if your keys have fallen down a drain, into a body of water, or are otherwise unrecoverable, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to replace them and secure your property.


What to Do if Your Keys Are Gone for Good

If you’re certain that your keys are lost and someone else could potentially find them, it’s important to act quickly to protect your home or business. The best course of action is to change your locks immediately.


Alternatively, you can have your locks rekeyed if you prefer to keep the existing hardware. Keep in mind that during the time between losing your keys and securing your locks, your property is vulnerable to unauthorized entry. Consider implementing temporary security measures to protect your premises until new keys or locks are in place.


From emergency lockouts to key replacement, our locksmith services cover automotive needs across Halifax and the surrounding areas. Have questions? Contact us, and let our experienced automotive locksmiths assist you.