At one time or another, most of us will accidentally lock ourselves out of our homes. Doing this can be extremely frustrating. You'll often have to call on a locksmith in order to get back in.

And, while a locksmith is definitely helpful and a nice resource to have available, it's always better to avoid having to call one in the first place. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of getting locked out just by following a few simple tips.

Avoid Having Different Locks

First of all, when possible, make sure that all of the doors to your home can be opened using the same key. It is not uncommon for people to have different keys for front or back doors, but you'll find it much easier and more convenient if all your locks can be opened using the same key.

Having one common lock also ensures that you only have to hide one spare key somewhere, no matter which door you accidentally lock. While the choice is yours, it tends to be a lot simpler and safer to only have to keep up with one spare key that will let you in to any door to your home.

Train Yourself to Check for Your Keys

Another tip that can help avoid a lockout is to get yourself into the habit of checking for your keys before you shut your door.

You can make this habit easy to develop by leaving yourself a note on your door. Each time you leave your home, you'll see the note and check to ensure you have the keys. Eventually, you'll be able to take the note away and still remember to check each time.

Training yourself in this manner will make it a lot less likely that you'll ever lock yourself out.

Trade Spare Keys with a Neighbor You Trust

Spare keys are obviously a smart way to avoid a lockout. However, hiding your key on your property is not always the safest option. Burglars these days tend to be good at uncovering even the most clever hiding spots.

A better option is to trade spare keys with a neighbor you trust. That way, you'll both have a safety net and will be doing each other a favor. Plus, your neighbor is nearby, making it a lot less hassle to access your key when needed.

There are obviously many ways to avoid a lockout. By following these tips, hopefully you'll never have to endure one again. Just in case, though, it's never a bad idea to keep the number of a good emergency lockout service handy.