When you enter an area, pay attention to where your eyes fall naturally and pick out a place away from that zone.
It’s still a good idea to get nice and compact even if your hiding spot offers complete concealment. If you’re lurking behind a couch, for example, you’re less likely to be spotted if you’re curled up in a ball as opposed to stretched out.
Resist the urge to scratch an itch or adjust your hair or clothing, no matter how uncomfortable you are. The human eye detects movement before anything else, especially when it’s dark. All it takes is one wrong move to accidentally signal where you are.
Stifle your breathing by opening your mouth and taking deep, slow breaths. This is far less audible than panting nervously or breathing through your nose. If you and another person are hiding in the same spot, don’t talk. Not only will the sound carry, you may also be too distracted to notice if someone is approaching.
You might bury yourself under a pile of blankets or dirty laundry if you’re hiding in your bedroom, or dive into a pile of leaves if you’re hiding outside. Found objects can provide temporary cover, but they’re not recommended for a long-term hiding.
Moving can create quite a commotion, so wait until your pursuer is far enough away not to hear you light out. Rather than rushing to your next hiding spot, slow down and move as fluidly as you can. It may sound counterintuitive, but you’ll make less noise that way and prevent yourself from tripping or accidentally bumping into something.
If the bed sits on a frame that’s high up off the ground, the person looking for you may be able to see you or your shadow. Hiding under the bed is a pretty common tactic, so be ready to make a run for it if you happen to get spotted.
Be sure to open and close the closet door softly to cover your tracks. If you’re involved in a heated game of hide-and-seek, don’t go for the closet unless you have no other option. Closets are a somewhat obvious hiding spot.
You might also curl up behind a loveseat, easy chair, or futon if there’s not a full-sized couch around. Since their backsides are completely exposed, couches don’t make great long-term hiding spots.
Your feet will likely be visible under the bottom of the curtains, so consider moving to another hiding spot after a short time.
Steer clear of shower stalls with glass doors, as these don’t offer any kind of cover. Be careful not to knock over a bar of soap or a bottle of shampoo while you’re in the shower, or you’re as good as caught!
Other examples of clever hiding places are storage trunks, cardboard boxes, and laundry hampers. Never hide in a container if there is a lock or you have to de-latch something to open it. You could lock yourself inside and suffocate, especially if you are alone and no one can hear you. Never try to force yourself into a hiding space that’s too small for you. If you get stuck, you’ll have bigger problems on your hands than being discovered.
Some people are too afraid to venture into attics and basements at all, meaning there’s a chance they won’t even be willing to go in after you. Basements and attics tend to be dusty, so breathe through your mouth to prevent a bout of noisy sneezing.
You should have planned a new hiding spot, that should be your new location. Make sure your new location is out of sight of your original location, so if you were spotted slightly, they will not be able to find you. If you make any noise, and the individual does not find you, make a noise elsewhere to divert suspicion, or reduce it by making it seem normalized.
If you’re perched on one of the lower branches, don’t let your feet dangle where they can be seen. The same basic rules of hiding apply when you’re in a tree: remain quiet and still. Rustling leaves can be a dead-give away.
Watch out for bushes with thorns or spiky leaves. If you’re not careful, you could get scraped up as you climb in or out.
Don’t hide in a shed or garage on someone else’s property. You could get in trouble if you’re caught trespassing. It’s not a good idea to hide underneath a car or truck, either.
Watch out for potentially dangerous creatures while you’re down below. Dark, damp spaces are often home to snakes, spiders, mice, and other creepy-crawlies. [7] X Research source
Drop a rock or stick into the leaf pile before you climb in to make sure there are no wild animals already hiding in it. Leaf piles can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, especially when they’re wet, so avoid completely covering your face and try not to spend too much time inside. [9] X Research source
Wearing dark clothes will help you blend in with your surroundings even more. If the person looking for you is using a flashlight, try to find a large object to stand behind when they get close.
