How to Sneak Out of the House without Getting Caught

If you're trying to sneak out of your house at night, there are some simple tactics you can use to do it quietly so you don't get caught. First, you’ll plan your exit (as well as come up with an excuse to use if someone spots you). Then, you’ll wait until your family falls asleep to leave the house (making sure to stay super quiet while you do it!). Read on to learn more about sneaking out like a master sleuth—as well as if it’s a good idea.

Sneaking Out of the House

Test your exit path ahead of time to ensure it’s quiet and that you can re-enter later. Let your parents know you’re going to bed, then wait for everyone else to go to sleep. When it’s time to sneak out, take your time, step slowly and quietly, and stash a key somewhere or bring one with you to get back in.

Section 1 of 4:

Planning Your Escape

Download Article

1
Walk your planned route ahead of time and note the noise. This is to find out how loud the route is from your bedroom to the door or window. Try to remember where any creaks or loud noises occur so that you can try to avoid them when you’re actually sneaking out.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- For example, if you’re going down the stairs and notice that one of them squeaks, be sure to avoid this step when you’re sneaking out.
- If you have super squeaky doors, you might consider greasing the hinges so they’re quieter using WD-40, petroleum jelly, or even olive oil.
2
Hide a change of clothes outside or near the door. If you don’t want to have to change outside, hide your change of clothes very close to the door in a cabinet or covered up on a shelf. This will help make sure that no one sees you dressed in normal clothes while you’re trying to sneak out.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- When you’re sneaking out, it’s best to wear your pajamas in case someone spots you.
- If your parents are normally asleep by the time you go to bed and/or you don’t normally wear pajamas anyway, feel free to just dress like normal.
Advertisement
3
Pack a bag with anything you’ll need so it’s ready to go. This includes things like extra clothing, a wallet, keys, or your cell phone. Have everything in one accessible bag so that you don’t have to fumble around trying to gather everything you need when it’s time to go.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Having all your belongings already in a bag will also make your escape quieter.
4
Plan an excuse in case you get caught. It’s a good idea to come up with a plan just in case things don’t go as you expected. If someone sees you trying to leave the house, think of what you’d say to them so they don’t become suspicious of why you’re awake.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- For example, you might say that you’re getting a drink of water or you thought you heard a noise coming from downstairs and wanted to check it out.
- If you have a garage or shed, you could say you thought you heard something out there and wanted to investigate.
Many houses have alarms set on the doors, and sometimes the windows, to alert the homeowners that someone is trying to enter (or, in your case, leave!). If your parents set an alarm for the house before they go to bed, make sure you know the code to turn it off, or try to find another way to exit the house.^{[5]
X
Research source}
6
Make sure you can get back in the way you came out. This means that if you’re planning on leaving through a window, make sure you’re going to be able to climb back through it when you return home. If you’re leaving from a door, make sure you have a key, if necessary, or any codes needed to come back through it.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Hide a key in an area where someone wouldn’t normally think to look. Doormats and large rocks are often so obvious that bad people will often check there.

Section 2 of 4:

Leaving the House

Download Article

1
Dress in your pajamas. Put on what you would normally wear to sleep. Be sure not to change out of your PJs before sneaking out, just in case someone sees you. If you’re wearing your pajamas, it’ll be much easier to come up with an excuse, and no one will be suspicious.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you usually wear bulkier pajamas, consider wearing your clothes under your pajamas to make changing more efficient.
- If you normally don’t wear pajamas and/or your parents go to bed well before you go to sleep, don’t worry about what you’re wearing.
2
Make a little bit of noise before pretending to go to sleep. This could be something as simple as making a point to say goodnight to your family before closing your bedroom door audibly, or you might play music or a television show in your room so people think you’re busy. This will make your parents less likely to check up on you.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If you usually listen to music while going to sleep, turn the music on as you normally would before sneaking out.
3
Wait for your family members to fall asleep. It’s important to be patient and wait until you’re as positive as possible that your parents are asleep. If you know your parents are deep sleepers, you won’t have to worry about this too much. If they’re not, listen for sounds of deep breathing or snoring to ensure they won’t hear you.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you’re worried you’ll have to wait a long time, set a quiet alarm on your phone in case you fall asleep.
4
Put stuff under your blankets so it looks like you're asleep. This is useful in case your parents come check in your room while you're gone. Make an outline of your body shape using pillows on your bed, and cover up the pillows with your blanket. This should make it look like you're sleeping soundly in bed.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- You can even go a step further and place a wig near the top of the pillows to make it look like your own hair if desired.
5
Tiptoe along your escape route to the door. Walk quietly through any hallways or rooms and down any staircases that lead you to the door. Take your time and try to be as quiet as possible so no one hears you.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you’re going out through a window, be extra careful to be quiet when opening it and climbing through.
6
Change clothes when you’re close to the door or outside. Take out the clothing that you hid earlier and change into it, staying as quiet as possible. It’s best to change once you’re already out of the house so that no one sees you in your clothing, but you can change close to the door if necessary.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Hide your pajamas so you can easily change back into them once you return home.
7
Close the door or window behind you, making sure you can get back in. Take your time opening and closing the door or window, as this is the part that often makes more noise. Lock the door behind you if necessary, and make sure you have a way to get back in later.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Double-check that the hidden key is still in its spot, or slip the key into your pocket or purse.
- If your parents locked the door before going to sleep, make sure it’s locked when you come back home and go to bed.

Section 3 of 4:

Tips for Staying Quiet

Download Article

1
Walk across rugs or carpet whenever you can. If you’re able to walk on carpeting or a rug, choose this instead of wood. The extra padding will quiet your footsteps so no one can hear you, and it’s less likely to cause squeaking.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Remember to walk slowly across the floor to avoid making noise.
- Consider wearing socks if you’re walking across wood.
- Walk by putting your heel down first and slowly lowering the rest of your foot instead of taking full steps all at once. This will minimize any creaking or excess noise.
Focus hard on listening to all the sounds around you as you’re sneaking out. If you’re paying attention to any noise, you’ll hopefully be able to hear someone else moving around or coming towards you.^{[15]
X
Research source}
3
Open doors very slowly to avoid making noise. If you did a practice run of your escape plan, you should be aware of any doors that creak or make noise. Twist the doorknobs very slowly to stay quiet, and open and close doors very slowly as well.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- If you’re opening a window, avoid pushing it up too quickly or it will make noise as well.
4
Walk down the sides of staircases to avoid any creaks. The center of each step is usually the spot that produces the most creaks. Try to stick close to the railing or the wall, tiptoeing down the steps slowly.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Put more of your weight on the wall or the railing to produce less noise on the stairs.
- The sides of the stairs are where they’re most reinforced, making them less likely to squeak or make noise.
5
Put your shoes on after you’re already outside. Not only will this save you time, but you won’t have to worry about sitting down and tying your shoelaces in the dark or walking in heels quietly towards the door. Wait until you’re outside and out of sight before you put on your shoes.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Carry your shoes in your bag so you don’t have to fumble with them in your hands as you’re leaving.
6
Have any keys ready in your hand to lock or unlock doors. If your door requires a key to lock or unlock it, separate the key from the keychain if necessary and have it ready to go in your hand. This will eliminate any sounds of jingling that might wake up someone in the house, as well as save time.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Have your key out and ready when you return home as well.

Section 4 of 4:

Assessing the Risk

Download Article

We do not recommend sneaking out if you are not in danger at home. Some young people feel the need to leave home because they’re in imminent danger from abuse or neglect. But if you aren’t in that situation, we strongly suggest not sneaking out (even if it’s for a fun party). Not only is it probably illegal where you live if you’re under 18, but you’ll also put yourself at risk of running into some potentially dangerous people, especially at night. Beyond that, you could get lost, hurt yourself, or simply get into a ton of trouble with your parents or legal guardians (or potentially the police, too).
- If you are in danger at home, call or text the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY. They’ll be able to offer you resources, provide support, and answer your questions about running away safely.
EXPERT TIP

Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples; while treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. As a prolific author, Dr. Brown has published four books; contributed to multiple other books; published 500+ articles in professional and popular magazines, journals, and peer-reviewed publications; and has recently published a number of creative and literary works. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. He has also received a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.

Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS
Clinical Psychologist

Ask yourself what is driving your desire to run away. Have you experienced abuse, neglect, or maltreatment? Do you feel safe at home, school, or in your community? What is the catalyst causing you to feel like running away? Speak with someone about your desires and your intent. Do not make a hasty decision.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

When is the best time to sneak out if my parents stay up late?

Emily Berger1

Community Answer

The best time to sneak out is about 30 minutes to an hour after your parents go to bed, or once you're sure they are sound asleep.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 54 Helpful 377
Question

How can I keep my door quiet when unlocking it?

Emily Berger1

Community Answer

To reduce noise when unlocking your door, try keeping it slightly open if it is safe to do so.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 81 Helpful 305
Question

How can I get away from my house at night when there's nowhere to go and no friends to meet?

Emily Berger1

Community Answer

Taking a walk outside can help relieve restlessness and provide some distance from your family. Consider spending time in your backyard, on your front porch, or strolling through nearby streets.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 36 Helpful 277

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

Don't seem antsy or anxious when you are around your parents before sneaking out, or they may become suspicious.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Have an excuse ready if you are caught. (e.g., “I thought I heard something, so I went down to check it out”). Make sure your excuse fits your personality, and it sounds like something you would actually do.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
If you have a screen on your window, be sure you know how to detach it beforehand if that’s how you’re going to leave the home.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Be aware that sneaking out can get you in serious trouble with your parents.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3
Although unlikely, going outside alone at night can get you into a potentially dangerous situation. Consider checking the crime rate statistics of your town/city before you go outside.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
If you find yourself in a bad situation once you've left the house, call someone you trust, like a parent or other family member.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1