Storing valuables safely is a concern that transcends generations. While modern security systems offer advanced protection, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective and discreet. Burying valuables provides a time-tested method for safeguarding your precious belongings, shielding them from theft, natural disasters, and even prying eyes in times of upheaval. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of burying valuables securely, ensuring their long-term preservation and your peace of mind.
**Why Bury Valuables?**
Before diving into the how-to, let’s consider the advantages of burying valuables:
* **Discretion:** Unlike safes or bank deposit boxes, a buried cache is invisible to casual observers. It offers a high degree of privacy.
* **Protection from Theft:** Burglars typically target readily accessible items. A well-hidden underground stash is far less likely to be discovered.
* **Protection from Natural Disasters:** While not foolproof, burying valuables can offer protection from fire, flood, and even some seismic activity, particularly if the container is robust and waterproof.
* **Backup Plan:** In emergency situations where access to traditional financial institutions is limited or unavailable, a buried cache can provide a crucial financial safety net.
* **Historical Precedent:** Throughout history, people have buried valuables to protect them during times of war, economic instability, and social unrest. This method has proven effective for centuries.
**What to Bury**
Consider what items would be most valuable to protect in various scenarios:
* **Precious Metals:** Gold, silver, and platinum are highly valued and retain their worth over long periods.
* **Jewelry:** Sentimental or high-value jewelry can be safeguarded from theft or loss.
* **Cash:** A stash of cash can be essential during emergencies or economic downturns.
* **Important Documents:** Copies of birth certificates, passports, deeds, and other vital documents can be crucial for identification and legal purposes if originals are lost or destroyed.
* **Heirlooms:** Family heirlooms with sentimental value can be protected from damage or theft.
* **Small Electronics:** USB drives containing important digital information, such as family photos, financial records, or business documents, can be secured.
**Planning and Preparation: The Key to Success**
The success of burying valuables hinges on careful planning and preparation. Rushing into the process can compromise the security and longevity of your cache.
1. **Choosing the Right Location:**
* **Accessibility:** Select a location that is relatively easy to access, but not overly conspicuous. Consider factors like proximity to your home, ease of digging, and potential for future construction or landscaping changes.
* **Seclusion:** The ideal location should be secluded and away from high-traffic areas. Avoid spots that are easily visible from roads, sidewalks, or neighboring properties.
* **Natural Cover:** Look for areas with natural cover, such as trees, shrubs, or rocks, that can help conceal the digging site. Be mindful of seasonal changes; what provides cover in the summer might be bare in the winter.
* **Avoid Obvious Spots:** Avoid burying valuables near obvious landmarks, such as fence posts, large rocks, or distinctive trees. These are the first places a potential thief would look.
* **Property Boundaries:** Ensure that you are burying the valuables on your own property and not on public land or a neighbor’s property. This could lead to legal complications if the cache is discovered.
* **Soil Conditions:** Consider the soil conditions in the area. Avoid areas with excessively rocky soil, which can make digging difficult. Also, avoid areas that are prone to flooding or have a high water table.
* **Metal Detection:** Before digging, consider whether the area is likely to be swept with a metal detector. Areas near old buildings or historical sites are more likely to be searched.
2. **Selecting a Suitable Container:**
* **Waterproof and Airtight:** The container must be completely waterproof and airtight to protect the contents from moisture, corrosion, and mold. This is the most critical aspect of preservation.
* **Durable Material:** Choose a container made of a durable material that can withstand the elements and resist corrosion. Options include:
* **Heavy-Duty Plastic Containers:** Look for containers specifically designed for underground use, such as those used for septic systems or water storage. These are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are very durable.
* **Metal Containers:** Stainless steel or galvanized steel containers can provide excellent protection, but they must be properly sealed to prevent corrosion. Avoid using regular steel containers, as they will rust quickly.
* **PVC Pipe:** A length of PVC pipe with threaded end caps can be an effective and inexpensive container. Ensure the end caps are securely sealed with PVC cement.
* **Ammo Cans:** Military-grade ammo cans are designed to be waterproof and airtight, making them a good option for burying valuables. However, be aware that they are made of steel and can rust over time if not properly protected.
* **Size and Shape:** Choose a container that is appropriately sized for the items you intend to bury. Avoid using a container that is too large, as it will make digging more difficult and increase the risk of detection. A rectangular or cylindrical container is generally easier to bury than an irregularly shaped one.
* **Camouflage:** Consider camouflaging the container to make it less conspicuous. You can paint it a neutral color that blends in with the surrounding soil or vegetation.
3. **Preparing the Valuables:**
* **Waterproofing:** Individually wrap each item in waterproof packaging, such as resealable plastic bags, vacuum-sealed bags, or waterproof pouches. For added protection, consider using desiccant packets to absorb any moisture that may enter the container.
* **Corrosion Protection:** For metal items, apply a rust inhibitor or corrosion-resistant coating. Wrap them in acid-free paper or cloth to prevent corrosion from moisture or chemicals in the soil.
* **Documentation:** Create a detailed inventory of the items you are burying, including descriptions, serial numbers, and photographs. Store this inventory in a separate, secure location.
* **Sealing Documents:** If you are burying documents, laminate them or place them in waterproof document protectors. This will prevent them from becoming damaged by moisture or insects.
* **Backup Copies:** Make backup copies of important documents and store them in a separate location, such as a safety deposit box or with a trusted friend or family member.
4. **Gathering the Necessary Tools and Supplies:**
* **Shovel:** A sturdy shovel is essential for digging the hole. Choose a shovel with a comfortable handle and a sharp blade.
* **Trowel:** A trowel can be helpful for fine-tuning the hole and smoothing the bottom.
* **Measuring Tape:** A measuring tape will help you ensure that the hole is the correct size and depth.
* **Level:** A level can be used to ensure that the container is buried evenly.
* **Tamper:** A tamper can be used to compact the soil around the container.
* **Gloves:** Gloves will protect your hands from dirt and blisters.
* **Bucket:** A bucket can be used to transport soil and other materials.
* **Camouflage Material:** Camouflage material, such as leaves, branches, or rocks, can be used to conceal the digging site.
* **Metal Detector (Optional):** A metal detector can be used to scan the area before digging to ensure that there are no underground utilities or other obstructions.
* **GPS Device or Compass:** Use a GPS device or compass to record the exact location of the buried cache. This will help you find it later, even if the surrounding landscape changes.
* **Camera:** Take pictures or videos of the burial process, including the location, the container, and the surrounding landmarks. This will provide a visual record of the cache’s location.
**The Burial Process: Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Digging the Hole:**
* **Size and Depth:** Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the container with several inches of clearance on all sides. The depth of the hole should be sufficient to provide adequate concealment and protection from the elements. A depth of at least 2-3 feet is recommended.
* **Shape:** The shape of the hole should be slightly wider at the bottom than at the top. This will prevent the container from shifting or settling over time.
* **Smooth the Bottom:** Smooth the bottom of the hole to create a level surface for the container.
* **Remove Sharp Objects:** Remove any rocks, roots, or other sharp objects from the hole to prevent them from damaging the container.
* **Keep Topsoil Separate:** When digging, keep the topsoil separate from the subsoil. This will make it easier to restore the site to its original condition.
2. **Placing the Container:**
* **Positioning:** Carefully lower the container into the hole, ensuring that it is level and stable.
* **Orientation:** Consider the orientation of the container. If you are burying multiple containers, arrange them in a way that will make them easy to retrieve.
* **Camouflage (Optional):** Before backfilling the hole, consider adding a layer of camouflage material, such as leaves or branches, on top of the container.
3. **Backfilling the Hole:**
* **First Layer:** Begin by backfilling the hole with the subsoil, packing it tightly around the container. Use a tamper to compact the soil and eliminate air pockets.
* **Second Layer:** Replace the topsoil, spreading it evenly over the surface. Use your hands to break up any clumps of soil.
* **Compact the Soil:** Compact the soil with your feet or a tamper. This will help prevent the soil from settling and creating a depression.
* **Add Camouflage:** Replace any vegetation or other camouflage material that you removed during the digging process. This will help conceal the digging site and make it blend in with the surrounding landscape.
4. **Concealing the Site:**
* **Natural Appearance:** The goal is to make the site look as natural as possible. Avoid creating any obvious signs of digging, such as mounds of dirt or disturbed vegetation.
* **Replant Vegetation:** If you disturbed any vegetation during the digging process, replant it as soon as possible. Water the replanted vegetation to help it take root.
* **Scatter Debris:** Scatter leaves, twigs, and other debris over the site to help conceal it.
* **Monitor the Site:** Regularly monitor the site for any signs of disturbance, such as footprints or animal activity. If you notice any signs of disturbance, take steps to conceal the site further.
5. **Marking the Location:**
* **Multiple Methods:** Use multiple methods to mark the location of the buried cache. This will ensure that you can find it even if one of the methods fails.
* **GPS Coordinates:** Record the GPS coordinates of the site using a GPS device. Store these coordinates in a separate, secure location.
* **Landmarks:** Identify several nearby landmarks, such as trees, rocks, or buildings. Write down detailed descriptions of these landmarks and their relationship to the burial site.
* **Map:** Create a map of the area, marking the location of the buried cache and the surrounding landmarks. Store this map in a separate, secure location.
* **Photographs:** Take photographs or videos of the site, including the surrounding landmarks. Store these photographs or videos in a separate, secure location.
* **Mental Notes:** Make mental notes of the location and the surrounding landmarks. Practice finding the site from different directions.
**Maintaining Your Buried Cache:**
* **Periodic Inspections:** It’s advisable to periodically inspect your buried valuables, perhaps every few years, to ensure the container remains secure and the contents are in good condition. This is especially important in areas with fluctuating water tables or extreme temperature variations.
* **Replace Desiccants:** If you used desiccant packets, replace them during each inspection to ensure they continue to absorb moisture.
* **Update Inventory:** Review and update your inventory list as needed.
**Important Considerations and Cautions:**
* **Legality:** Ensure that burying valuables is legal in your jurisdiction. Some areas may have regulations regarding burying items on private property.
* **Environmental Impact:** Be mindful of the environmental impact of your actions. Avoid disturbing sensitive ecosystems or burying items that could leach harmful chemicals into the soil.
* **Future Construction:** Consider the possibility of future construction or landscaping changes on your property. Avoid burying valuables in areas that are likely to be excavated.
* **Security:** Keep the burial site a secret. Only share the location with trusted individuals who have a legitimate need to know.
* **Memory Aids:** Develop multiple memory aids for locating the site. Don’t rely solely on one method, as it could fail you.
* **Metal Detectors:** Be aware that metal detectors can be used to locate buried metal objects. If you are concerned about this, choose a non-metallic container or bury the valuables deep enough to be beyond the range of most metal detectors.
* **Animal Disturbance:** Animals may dig up buried items. To prevent this, bury the valuables deep enough and cover the site with a layer of rocks or wire mesh.
* **Soil Type:** Consider the type of soil in your area. Sandy soil is more likely to erode than clay soil. If you have sandy soil, you may need to reinforce the burial site to prevent erosion.
* **Climate:** Consider the climate in your area. Areas with heavy rainfall or extreme temperatures may require extra precautions to protect the buried valuables.
* **Documentation is Key:** Maintain thorough records of the buried items and their location. This is crucial for your own retrieval and for passing on the information to your heirs or trusted individuals.
**Conclusion:**
Burying valuables can be a highly effective method for safeguarding your precious belongings. By carefully planning the location, selecting a suitable container, preparing the valuables properly, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a secure and discreet cache that will protect your valuables for years to come. Remember to prioritize discretion, environmental responsibility, and meticulous record-keeping. With careful planning, this time-honored method can provide peace of mind and long-term security.