Where do most people keep their safes?

Safes are secure containers used to protect valuable items from theft or damage. They come in many sizes and can be installed in various locations throughout the home. When deciding where to keep a safe, people must balance accessibility and security. The most common places to store safes are in master bedrooms, home offices, and garages.

In the Master Bedroom

Keeping a safe in the master bedroom is a popular choice for several reasons:

• Convenience – The master bedroom is private and easily accessible. Homeowners can quickly access their valuables while getting ready in the morning or before bed at night.
• Security – Bedrooms are less visited by guests, contractors, and household help. This limits the number of people who know the safe’s location.
• Fire protection – Modern safes are fire-resistant. Storing them in a bedroom places valuables away from the kitchen where fires commonly start.
• Quick access during emergencies – Important documents like passports and insurance policies can be grabbed quickly in the event of an emergency.

The main downside to keeping a safe in the bedroom is the risk of theft during a break-in. However, safes bolted to the floor or hidden in a closet can reduce this risk.

Common Safe Locations in the Bedroom

• Hidden inside or under the nightstand or bedside table.
• Inside the closet on a high shelf or concealed behind clothes.
• Under the bed, especially models with biometric locks.
• Behind a picture or mirror mounted to the wall.

In the Home Office

For homeowners who work from home or manage the household finances, a home office is a practical place to keep a safe. Advantages include:

• Easy access – Documents needed for bill paying and finances are kept close by.
• More secure than the bedroom – Home offices tend to be more secure with locked doors and lack of windows in some cases.
• Fire protection from kitchen area.
• Can store bulkier items like external hard drives, stacks of paperwork, and photo albums.

The main drawback is visitors, employees, and family members may see the safe or be aware of its existence in a high-traffic office. Safe placement should be discreet in this setting.

Common Safe Locations in a Home Office

• Inside a desk drawer or cabinet.
• Under a rug or carpet by the desk.
• Behind books on a bookshelf.
• Hidden in the closet or washroom attached to the office.

In the Garage or Basement

Garages and basements appeal to homeowners looking to store larger safes. Benefits include:

• More space for multiple big safes or very large single safes.
• Slightly cooler temperature and less humidity compared to bedrooms and offices.
• Doesn’t occupy usable space in living areas.
• Typically less foot traffic through these spaces.

Downsides to garage and basement locations:

• Flooding risks in basements if waterproof safes aren’t used.
• Extreme seasonal temperature changes in garages that may damage contents.
• High visibility of safe if garage or basement is accessible to others.
• Possible pests like mice or insects getting into safes.

Tips for Safes in Garages and Basements

• Conceal large safes behind storage shelves, furniture, or cabinets.
• Secure freestanding safes to the concrete floor with bolts.
• Use protective coverings like rugs or tarps to conceal floor-mounted safes.
• Store documents and valuables needing climate protection in smaller firesafes inside the main safe.

Less Common but Creative Safe Locations

For those seeking maximum secrecy for safe storage spots, here are some unique ideas:

• Buried in the backyard either in a shed or underground.
• Under the floorboards accessed through a trap door.
• Inside major appliances like washers, dryers, or dishwashers.
• Inside hollowed-out areas of furniture like benches, ottomans or headboards.
• Inside the walls or ceiling accessed through hidden panels.
• Concealed behind the chimney or woodpile if in a rural setting.

While intriguing, these uncommon safe locations make routine access inconvenient. Most people prefer easy access on a daily basis.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Safe Placement

Choosing where to locate a home safe requires striking the right balance of accessibility, security, convenience, and capacity. Consider the following factors:

• Intended safe use – Where you will likely access the safe most regularly.
• Safe size – Measure available space to make sure the safe fits.
• Safety risks – Avoid plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and flood zones.
• Visibility – Pick discrete areas lacking windows or busy foot traffic.
• Security – Control access to rooms where the safe installs.
• Convenience – Ability to retrieve contents quickly when needed.
• Accessibility – Consider physical ability to reach the safe without obstacles.

Installation Tips for Maximum Safety

Proper installation also improves in-home safe security. Recommendations include:

• Bolting floor and wall safes to studs or concrete for stability.
• Using an anti-tipping device like Safe Guard or Anti-Tipover Strap to secure upright safes.
• Installing shelving or creating partitions inside large safes to organize contents.
• Securing valuables inside locked zipper bags or cases before storing in a safe.
• Avoiding combination or electronic locks accessible via smartphone apps.
• Updating safe combinations and digital passcodes regularly.

Most Preferred Safe Locations

Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of various in-home safe placement options, where do most people actually prefer keeping their secure storage? According to industry research, the top locations are:

Safe Location	Percentage Choosing This Spot
Master Bedroom Closet	43%
Garage	22%
Home Office	17%
Basement	9%
Other	9%

The master bedroom closet is the most popular by a wide margin. This location provides the ideal blend of easy access, privacy, and space to install wall or floor safes out of sight. Garages are second choice given their versatility for large safes.

Important Safety Precautions

While safes deter theft and protect valuables from harm, proper precautions preserve their integrity:

• Don’t overstuff safes to avoid damaging the locking mechanism or hinges.
• Use silica gel desiccant packets to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
• Check door seals occasionally for signs of deterioration or cracking.
• Test combination dials and digital keypads monthly to ensure proper function.
• Keep the safe exterior clean and dust-free to prevent jamming.
• Review safe security protocols annually including passwords and user access.

What Should Absolutely Not Go in a Home Safe?

While safes securely hold many items, some things don’t belong inside due to safety risks or damage concerns:

• Firearms – Store guns and ammo separately in ATF-compliant cabinets.
• Essential documents – Keep copies offsite in case disaster strikes your home.
• Anything requiring climate control – Use fireproof file boxes inside the safe.
• Irreplaceable items – Store at least two copies in different locations.
• Wet or damp items – Prevent mold and moisture damage.
• Food, snacks, beverages – Avoid pests and spills.
• Hazardous chemicals – Corrosive vapors damage contents.
• Batteries – Prevent corrosion from leaking batteries.

Conclusion

Every home can benefit from a hidden safe to protect valuables from theft, misplacement, and damage. While hidden in closets or discreetly installed in spare rooms, safes should also remain easily accessible for homeowners needing regular entry. Master bedrooms, home offices, garages, and basements are preferred safe locations that balance convenience, privacy, and security.

With proper consideration for intended safe use, size, security risks, accessibility, and installation method, homeowners can find the ideal spot to safeguard their prized possessions.