Have you got any valuables at home that you’re worried about getting stolen? Well, fear no longer! With some creativity, you can secure your items from prying eyes and thieving hands in a few ingenious spots around your home. This article gives 18 suggestions of unexpected places you can stash your treasures, keeping them safe and sound.
Inside a Fake Wall Outlet
If you’ve got the time and some DIY skills, why not create a dummy outlet in an inconspicuous location? If you want to make it even more realistic, you can make the outlet functional so nobody suspects a thing. This hidden spot is ideal for small items like cash or jewelry.
Behind Loose Bricks in the Fireplace
Is there a fireplace in your home? Go and see if there are any loose bricks there. Hiding small items or little boxes behind loose bricks or stones is a great idea because most burglars certainly won’t consider checking there. Just make sure your items are protected from heat and soot.
In a Vacuum Cleaner Bag
According to Forbes, “On average, 3,062 burglaries happen in the U.S. every day.” If you want to protect your valuables in the event of this happening to you, consider hiding them in the bag compartment of a rarely used vacuum. You can put them inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent any damage or dirt from getting to them—but don’t forget they’re there!
Inside an Old Paint Can
Most burglars won’t glance twice at an old paint can, much less look inside one. With that said, this is a great hiding spot for your treasures in places like a garage or shed. Use a paint can that blends in with others and store your items in a plastic bag to prevent paint contact.
Within a Book Safe
Never heard of a book safe? It’s basically a book with a hollowed-out center, which you can either buy or make yourself. If you’re going to do this, we suggest you choose a book that fits in seamlessly with the others on your bookshelf so as not to draw attention to it. It’s a great place to hide money and other small valuables.
In a Potted Plant
If you have lots of potted plants around, consider creating a fake bottom in one of the pots to hide things inside. You should, of course, place your valuables in waterproof bags to protect them and ensure the plant appears natural and is regularly cared for.
Underneath Drawer Liners
“The average home burglary experiences a loss of $2,661,” as per Bankrate. Minimize your losses in the event of a robbery by hiding your valuables in clever spots like underneath drawer liners. You can easily fit a thin container or envelope under existing liners. We suggest picking a drawer you rarely use.
Behind Detachable Baseboards
You can also utilize the space behind baseboards in less-used rooms to conceal valuables from sight. Just ensure that the baseboards can be removed without causing damage to your walls and store items in flat, waterproof containers. Nobody will suspect a thing!
Inside Air Vents
Another genius place to store items you don’t want to get stolen is inside of air vents. Of course, it’d be best to either use a non-functional vent or create a false vent for this purpose. Simply make sure you have good ease of access and won’t need to use the items much before placing them in a dust-proof container and hiding them.
Beneath a Fish Tank
Have you got fish at home? If so, you’re in luck! You can create a false bottom underneath a large, stationary fish tank—a place that nobody would think to check. Just ensure the compartment is waterproof and secure, and consider the weight and stability of the set-up to avoid problems.
Inside a Children’s Toy in a Toy Box
SafeWise states that “people worry about burglary more than any other property crime.” So, take whatever protective measures you can—such as hiding your valuables in a toy. Unless burglars are on the hunt for these, which is extremely unlikely, they’re probably not going to glance at them twice. You can modify a less attractive toy to include a storage compartment.
In the Insulation in Your Attic
Most burglaries happen quickly—the thieves are in and out. So, they’re probably not going to have much time to search the attic, especially not thoroughly. With this in mind, we recommend hiding some valuables within non-hazardous insulation materials. Be sure to use a weatherproof container.
Underneath a False Bottom in a Cupboard
Yet another great place for a false bottom is in a cupboard. Just install a hidden shelf beneath the existing one and ensure that it’s indistinguishable from the actual cupboard so that nobody takes notice. This is great for storing valuables in flat, discrete containers.
Inside the Tank of a Toilet
Don’t turn your nose up just yet. This is a great hiding spot—one that nobody will think to look in! Place your items into a waterproof bag or two and place them in the toilet tank, avoiding interference with any flushing mechanisms.
In a Sealed Jar in the Kitchen
According to SafeHome, residences account for two in three burglaries, meaning you have to do your best to protect your property and its contents. Use an ordinary jar filled with unappealing ingredients as a disguise and place the jar amongst similar items. Be sure not to accidentally use the contents!
Behind a Removable Tile
Is your bathroom or kitchen tiled? Then you’ve got yourself a perfect hiding space for your valuables. Select a tile that can be modified for easy removal and use a tool-free mechanism to ensure easy access. You can place your valuables in a slim, water-resistant package.
Inside Sports Equipment
If you’ve got sports equipment lying around, like old sports balls or equipment bags, you can place your treasures inside. This is great for hiding keys or small electronics and won’t draw much attention. Of course, it’d be handy if you don’t need to access these valuables regularly so nobody takes notice.
Under the Soil of a Large Outdoor Planter
Most thieves will come straight into your house and won’t be digging around outside, so placing valuables under the soil of an outdoor planter is a smart idea. Make sure to select a planter with a large, deep base and ensure that it’s heavy so it can’t be easily moved. You can store items underneath the soil in waterproof, sealed containers.