Imagine, you’ve just had a jam-packed day in the City of Angels, and all you want is to kick back and relax in the comfort of your own home. But wait, there’s a plot twist – you’re locked out! Talk about a buzzkill, right?
Now, before you hit that panic button and speed-dial a locksmith, hang tight and check out what we’ve got in store for you. We’re about to drop some LA-style home hack knowledge that might just save your day (and some bucks).
Don’t even think about going all “Hollywood action star” and trying to kick your door down or pull a Jason Statham move on your window. Not only is that over-the-top, but it can seriously dent your wallet with repair bills and maybe even land you in the ER.
So what should you do if you ever find yourself in a similar situation? Well here are a few things you can do to save yourself those hefty repair bills and a trip to the hospital.
Check for Doors & Windows
Before you start channeling your inner detective, let’s take a moment to inspect every door and window – without any chimney escapades, of course. We wouldn’t want you to end up in a sticky situation or sporting any unexpected injuries.
First, check all your doors. Give them a gentle nudge or twist the handle to see if any of them were left unlocked in a moment of absentmindedness. Sometimes, life gets busy, and we forget the basics. It happens to the best of us.
Next up, the windows. Give each one a quick once-over to see if you left any of them cracked open or slightly ajar. You never know; a breeze or a sneaky housemate might have left one of them in a partially open state.
Did it work? Naah. No problem.
Use a Credit Card
Turns out, your trusty credit card isn’t just for spending; it can also moonlight as a door key. Just a quick heads-up: this trick might retire your card from shopping duty, so consider using an old credit or reward card that’s been gathering dust.
Here’s the scoop: slip the plastic card between your door and the frame, and gently push it away from the doorknob, toward the frame. The goal here is to release the latch. It’s a slick move, but remember, it only works on standard locks – no deadbolts, please!
Ask for Help from Neighborhood
When you find yourself in a lockout pickle, don’t hesitate to reach out to your partner, roommate, or anyone you share your space with. Yes, it might throw a wrench in their plans, but it’s a quicker ticket back inside your cozy digs.
If you’re renting, consider giving your landlord a ring. They usually keep a spare key and might be close enough to come to your rescue.
Now, if you’re in an apartment complex, swing by the manager’s office. Be sure to bring along some ID to prove who you are and evidence that you’re a bona fide resident.
But a quick word of caution: some complexes can hit you with a lockout fee if their staff has to lend a hand, so be prepared for that possibility.
Call a Locksmith
When you’re staring at a locked door with no other options in sight, calling in a professional locksmith is like summoning your knight in shining armor.
Sure, lockout services might require a bit of your time and some cash, but when it’s an emergency or the weather’s taken a turn for the worse, a residential locksmith is your best bet.
Whether you’ve lost your keys, your key won’t do its magic turn, or you’re just plain stuck outside your own castle, locksmiths often ride to the rescue 24/7 for both home and vehicle lockouts.
Also Read: When Do I Need a Locksmith to Change My Locks?
Getting locked out of your house is one of those annoying hiccups in life, but hey, it happens to the best of us. The key here is to keep your cool and know that there are solutions at your fingertips.
Stay calm, take a step back, and go through the tips we’ve laid out. You’ll be surprised at how resourceful you can be in these situations. Before you know it, you’ll have that door swinging open, and you’ll be back in the comfort of your own space in no time. Dial (800) 982-5397 and get home lockout services today!
