While typical homeowners might follow a conventional set of steps to remedy the situation, tiny house dwellers can’t always do that. 

This is particularly true for those living in remote areas, or those who move their tiny home frequently from Orlando to other locations. When you’re in an isolated location, like the woods or open countryside, you don’t want to feel trapped by a lockout. What should you do when you’re locked out of your tiny home? 

Read on to find out the best steps!

Don’t Panic

First and foremost, keep your wits about you. Getting locked out of your Orlando tiny home can trigger anger and frustration, all of which can cloud your mind as you try to find a solution. Do your best to stay calm and start assessing the situation. 

Think about all possible places where you could have placed your keys. Retrace your steps in your mind. And consider other entrances to your tiny home that could allow you to enter the space. 

You may be able to see your keys on a table inside your home, for instance. Or perhaps you have a window that was left open. Don’t try to pry open any windows to get inside, as you could end up causing costly damage. But if you can find your way inside through a cracked window or second entrance, do so. If you can’t, emergency locksmith Orlando professionals can help. 

Try a Spare Key

Ideally, you’ll have a spare key stashed somewhere discreetly on or around your tiny home. Perhaps it’s in a magnetic lockbox tucked underneath your home’s frame or railing. Or maybe you have one embedded within your landscaping. 

If you didn’t think to create a spare key before your current dilemma, remember to get one once the situation is resolved. Store it in a safe yet accessible space, and make sure all family members in the Orlando area know where to find it. 

Look for Other Access Points

Many tiny houses actually have multiple access points. These could include a front door, back door, and potentially a skylight or hatch door. Consider turning to these alternative entry points if you can reach them without injuring yourself or causing structural damage. 

Maybe a rooftop deck enables access to a loft, for instance. Don’t try any risky maneuvers to reach high places, though, especially if you're far from help.

Steer Clear of DIY Lock Picking

We see characters pick locks in TV shows and movies. But that doesn’t mean you should try your hand at lock picking, too. Unless you know what you’re doing and use the right tools, you could ruin your lock. Resist the temptation to try it. The likeliest outcome is that you’ll end up needing to run to the hardware store to fix the damage or install a new lock. 

Reach Out to a Neighbor

If you live in a tiny home community in Orlando, you may be able to rely on the help of those around you when you’re locked out. Better yet, give a trusted neighbor a spare key so you can use it in lock-out scenarios. 

If you haven’t thought that far ahead, you still may get lucky and find a neighbor with the tools and know-how to help you get back inside your home. And if you’re living in a remote area where it’s hard to reach professional locksmiths, it’s especially important to forge strong connections with neighbors to help ensure your safety. 

Turn to the Professionals

After you’ve tried the other options mentioned above, you may need to seek a professional emergency locksmith in Orlando. 

Just remember that your unique circumstances, like a remote location, could make this a little trickier. Even so, there are a few tips to ensure you find a reputable locksmith who can help you gain access to your home.

First, plan on looking specifically for mobile locksmiths. Some locksmiths will only work within a defined perimeter. 

When you’re miles outside of Orlando or any other populated area, you’ll need a locksmith willing to make the drive. And they should have expertise in mobile or tiny home lockouts. It’s fair to ask if a locksmith has ever dealt with hybrid locking mechanisms, for instance, or combination locks.

Check reviews, too. That way you can assess factors like punctuality and look for evidence of successful outcomes. 

A good locksmith should have the right licensing and insurance coverage. And once you’ve had a positive experience with a given locksmith, keep their number handy. Program it into your phone and pin it on your refrigerator so you can reach them easily if you ever have lockout issues again.

Prepare for the Inevitable

Even when you’re diligent, it’s possible to lock yourself out of your tiny home. With the right proactive measures, however, you can avoid a stressful situation. Take steps to prepare for the possibility of another lockout scenario. 

Head to the hardware store to create a spare key and store it in a secure, unassuming space on your property. Consider introducing a keyless entry system with a keypad. That way, you can rely on a code or even your fingerprint to unlock a door. You won’t be tethered to a key. And find a trusted friend or neighbor nearby that you won’t mind asking to hold onto a spare key. 

Understand How to Handle a Lockout 

Lockouts can derail an otherwise enjoyable day in Orlando if you let them. But with a calm, deliberate approach, you can fix the situation sooner rather than later. Assess other entry points to see if you can gain access through them. If not, look for a spare key or reach out to a neighbor for help. When in doubt, call a reputable mobile locksmith to take care of the job for you. 

They’ll be able to unlock your door without causing damage so you can move forward. And if you’re living in an unspoiled landscape far from city amenities, you’ll be thankful to have a reliable locksmith programmed into your phone.