There are a few easy tricks that can help prevent you from locking yourself out. Though you should always be cautious when giving a key to others lest it end up in the wrong hands it makes sense to keep a spare in your wallet. However, you shouldn't start giving out your key to everyone you know.

First, make a couple extra copies of your house key. Having a key in your wallet is often a cheap way to get back into your home without too much trouble. The risk of being locked out simply isn't high enough to justify opening this significant hole. More often than not, if you get locked outside it'll be because you've locked your car keys inside your house or vehicle. If you've ever been locked out of your home, you know what a hassle it can be. If you have a nearby neighbor or friend that you trust you can also leave a key with them, which is also advantageous in the event of an emergency.

In the worst otis scenario you may have to call a locksmith to come out and re key your doors, which can cost a pretty penny.