What is the best way to deal with keys? My pocket is bulging when I carry my set with me (house keys, car keys, flash drive, etc.)
I have to deal with this all the time.
I suggest splitting them up firstly, the bulging typically comes if they are all on the same link.
By using a detaching valet keychain that automatically splits the keys onto two rings so you can choose to either keep them together or in separate pockets. put your car keys (including remote) which tend to be bulkier on one end and house keys, flash drive on the other end.
Regardless of the pant this means the keys now rest on two separate levels. Just remember though sticking a wallet or anything else in that pocket will bulk it up further.
The other option is that you leave the flash drive at home, computer bag or even as suggested above in your car.
Also investing in a set of casual blazers that can be worn in the spring and summer, winter and fall, works, more pockets more space less to add to your pants.
10 Answers
I have to deal with this all the time.
I suggest splitting them up firstly, the bulging typically comes if they are all on the same link.
By using a detaching valet keychain that automatically splits the keys onto two rings so you can choose to either keep them together or in separate pockets. put your car keys (including remote) which tend to be bulkier on one end and house keys, flash drive on the other end.
Regardless of the pant this means the keys now rest on two separate levels. Just remember though sticking a wallet or anything else in that pocket will bulk it up further.
The other option is that you leave the flash drive at home, computer bag or even as suggested above in your car.
Also investing in a set of casual blazers that can be worn in the spring and summer, winter and fall, works, more pockets more space less to add to your pants.
Not to repeat but I run into the same problem every day, sans the flash drive, but I have a clicker to get into my apartment complex. I decided to split them (car keys) and house keys and clicker up. I got a pretty slim profile keychain from Montblanc. It's not flashy so no one notices it anyways.
With regards to the blazer, I live down south, so wearing a blazer at night when it's humid is cumbersome, not to mention that it gets hot inside a crowded bar.
I try to stick with regular fitting jeans and away from the bootcut and skinny styles so the pockets are alittle bigger and it doesn't look like you have a rectangular tumor on your leg.
Lastly, buy a credit card wallet that'll hold a couple of credit cards ID and some cash. It can either fold or just be a credit card holder. There are plenty of nice ones out there Paul Smith
has some cool ones that add a bit of style on the inside but look contemporary on the outside.
Ultimately unless you want to buy a murse (which I don't think you do), there's no one-shot solution to the problem. When I go out to dinner, I leave the house keys in the glove box in the car and just take the car keys. When I go out to drink I take the house keys and leave the car keys at home on a rack (you're prone to misplace one set in the couch or pile of clothes). That way I only have one set of keys.
If you live up north, just buy a cotton blazer, but if you've never worn one out before don't try starting now because you're friends will rag on you non-stop.
Hope this helps.
I use a typical mini carabiner in combination with a valet keychain. This allows me to take only the necessary keys and clip them wherever convenient - usually a belt-loop.
I find carabiners to be quite tacky. Consider getting a trigger snap instead. They usually have a smaller profile than carabiners and the price is certainly right; $3 or $4. Pick one up at your local hardware store.
I have the same issue as I've got a set of keys for my place as well as my office plus a flash drive. I live in a city so neither hiding my flash drive in my car nor my house keys in a rock are viable options. While I wasn't originally a big proponent of a key holder, I would recommend you look into it. Here's an example by Mont Blanc.
If you have thirty-plus keys you'll still have a bulge, but by carrying keys and a flash in this, it will keep them relatively flat and organized. My girlfriend bought me this for the same problem you're having and I've found it makes it a lot less cumbersome to have my keys in my pocket instead of her bag.
The Tumi Valet Key
It's nice because you can remove a ring, I use it for a spare set of car keys.
While not the most convenient solution, I recommend splitting things up. Buy some sort of hide a key rock or something and keep any type of household keys there, Keep the flash drive in your car (pretty sure anytime you'll need it you'll be within walking distance of your car), and as for the car key, make that the one you carry around. Here's a Key Hider.