Why Your Hiding Spot Isn’t as Secure as You Think (And What to Do Instead)

Many people assume their chosen hiding spot for valuables is clever and unlikely to be discovered. Whether it’s cash tucked inside a book, jewellery hidden in a sock drawer, or important documents stashed in a filing cabinet, the reality is that these spots are often the first places a thief will check. Even if your home feels secure, unexpected risks like fire or water damage can still threaten your valuables. For truly irreplaceable items, a more secure solution—such as a reliable safety deposit box—may be the best option. But if you prefer to store some valuables at home, it’s important to rethink your hiding strategy.

The Problem with Common Hiding Spots

Most people believe burglars are in and out of a home within minutes, grabbing whatever they can find. While this is sometimes true, experienced thieves know where to look. The most common hiding places are often the easiest to access, including:

• Under the mattress
• Inside a sock drawer or wardrobe
• Behind picture frames
• In the freezer
• Inside hollowed-out books
• Behind loose bricks or tiles

These spots are well-known and widely discussed online, making them less secure than you might think. Burglars don’t have to search long when they already know where people typically hide things.

Why Safes Aren’t Always the Answer

Many people turn to home safes for protection, but not all safes offer the security you expect. Some common mistakes include:

• Choosing a safe that is not fireproof or waterproof, leaving valuables vulnerable to disasters.
• Using a lightweight safe that can easily be carried away by a thief.
• Keeping the safe in an obvious location, such as a bedroom or office, where intruders are likely to check.

A high-quality, bolted-down safe is a much better option than a basic lockbox, but even that doesn’t guarantee full protection. If someone has enough time and the right tools, even a strong safe can be broken into.

The Risks of Storing Valuables at Home

Beyond theft, there are other risks to consider when storing valuables at home. Fire and water damage can destroy important items just as easily as a burglar can take them.

• Fire – House fires can spread quickly, and without proper fireproof storage, valuables can be lost within minutes.

• Water damage – Flooding, burst pipes, or even humidity can ruin documents, cash, and jewellery.
• Forgetting where you hid something – This might sound unlikely, but many people have hidden money or jewellery in a “safe place” only to forget where it is later.

Smarter Alternatives for Protecting Your Valuables

If your current hiding spot isn’t as secure as you thought, consider these better options:

1. Use a High-Quality Safe

If you must keep valuables at home, invest in a safe that is:

• Fireproof and waterproof
• Heavy and bolted to the floor or wall
• Kept in an unexpected location (not the bedroom)

2. Diversify Your Storage Locations

Rather than keeping all valuables in one place, store them in multiple secure locations. This minimises the risk of everything being stolen or destroyed in one incident.

3. Store Irreplaceable Items Off-Site

For documents like wills, property deeds, and valuable heirlooms, off-site storage can be a safer choice.

Safety deposit boxes provide:

• Protection against fire, water damage, and theft
• A secure, monitored environment
• Controlled access, reducing the risk of loss or tampering

Making the Right Choice for Your Valuables

It’s easy to assume your valuables are safe just because they’re hidden, but most common hiding spots provide little real security. Instead of relying on predictable locations or unsecured safes, take a proactive approach. Investing in high-quality storage solutions, using off-site options when necessary, and planning for unexpected risks will ensure your most important items remain protected