What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your House (Without Panicking)

Getting locked out feels stressful and urgent. Before you panic — or worse, try to break in and damage your door — work through these steps. A real locksmith can help you fast, and many times you don't even need one.

Step 1: Take a Breath and Check the Obvious

You'd be surprised how often locked-out homeowners realize they still have access. Before calling anyone:

• Check every pocket and bag carefully — keys hide in jacket inner pockets all the time
• Look in your car, your mailbox, and where you last set your keys down
• Check if you can see the keys through a window — helps confirm where they are
• Look at every door on your house — sometimes a back door, side door, or garage door is unlocked
• Check garage door if you have one — many people leave them unlocked

Step 2: Try the Family/Roommate Network

Before paying for a locksmith, see if you have backup options:

• Do you have a roommate or family member at the house who can let you in soon?
• Do you have a friend or neighbor with a spare key?
• Did you give a key to a family member who lives nearby?
• If you have a property manager (rental), they likely have a master key

If someone can be there with a key in 30 minutes, that might be faster (and free) compared to waiting for a locksmith.

Step 3: Look for Hidden Keys

Many homeowners stash spare keys outside. Common spots:

• Under doormats or specific decorative rocks (we know — not recommended for security, but common)
• In a magnetic key holder under outdoor furniture or grills
• In a lockbox if you have one
• Hanging inside the gas meter cover
• Buried in a planter near the door

If you have a hidden key and find it, great — but after you're inside, please move it. Hidden keys are a security risk; burglars know where to look.

Step 4: Consider Window Access (Carefully)

Sometimes a window was left unlocked. Check ground-floor windows. If you find one open:

• Don't damage anything. If a window won't open easily, don't force it.
• Be safe. Don't climb through windows that aren't easy to reach. Falls cause injuries.
• Be sure it's actually your house. If you're a neighbor seeing this, calling the police on someone climbing through a window is reasonable. Make sure you have ID with you in case anyone asks.

Step 5: Call a Locksmith (The Right Way)

If the above didn't work, it's time to call a locksmith. To avoid scams and surprises:

Choose a real local locksmith

Don't just call the first Google ad you see. Many are call centers that subcontract to whoever's available. Look for a locksmith with:

• Real local address (not just an 800 number)
• Washington state licensing
• Flat-rate pricing quoted on the phone
• Real local reviews

Get a complete quote first

A real locksmith can quote your house lockout flat-rate over the phone. Standard residential lockouts cost $65-$135. If a locksmith won't quote until they arrive, hang up and call someone else.

Have ID ready

When the locksmith arrives, they'll ask for ID matching the address. This is normal and protects everyone — you want a locksmith who verifies this, not one who opens any door without asking.

Don't agree to drilling unless they tried other methods first

Standard residential locks can almost always be opened non-destructively by a skilled locksmith. If a locksmith arrives and immediately recommends drilling, ask why. Drilling damages the lock and means you'll also need a replacement, doubling the cost. Sometimes drilling is genuinely necessary (high-security locks, severely damaged locks), but it shouldn't be the first option.

Step 6: After You're Inside

Once you've gotten back inside, take a few minutes to prevent the next lockout:

• Consider a hidden key in a real lockbox (combination, not just a rock)
• Give a spare to a trusted person who lives nearby
• Consider a smart lock with keypad entry — you can't forget a code
• Keep your locksmith's number saved — (253) 796-8550 for Auburn area
• Get an extra key cut and stash it in your car or with a neighbor

Step 7: Pay With a Card

When the locksmith finishes, pay with a credit or debit card if possible. This gives you chargeback rights if anything was misrepresented. Cash-only locksmiths are a warning sign. A real local locksmith accepts standard payment methods.

Special Situations

Child or pet locked in vehicle

This is a true emergency. If the child or pet is in distress (hot weather, no AC, medical issue), call 911 first — emergency responders can be on scene in minutes and have authority to break a window if needed. Call a locksmith only if the situation is not immediately dangerous.

Medical emergency requiring entry

If someone inside the house is having a medical emergency and you can't get to them, call 911. Emergency responders will get into the house faster than any locksmith can travel.

Apartment or rental property

Try your property manager first. Most have 24/7 emergency lines for this exact situation. A locksmith may need additional documentation if you're a renter, and some landlords prohibit unauthorized locksmiths from working on their property.

The Bottom Line

Most lockouts are resolved in under an hour with a real local locksmith. Stay calm, work through the checklist, and choose a legitimate locksmith with flat-rate pricing. For the Auburn area, save Auburn Lock & Car Keys in your phone now: (253) 796-8550. We answer 24/7.