Hiding Valuables at Home: The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Possessions

Protecting your valuables from theft is a crucial aspect of home security. While alarms and security systems are essential, a determined burglar can often bypass these measures. A well-thought-out strategy for hiding your valuables can be the difference between becoming a victim of theft and keeping your possessions safe. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to hide your valuables at home effectively, turning your house into a fortress that deters even the most persistent intruders.

## Understanding the Burglar Mindset

Before we dive into specific hiding places, it’s vital to understand how burglars operate. Most burglars are looking for quick scores. They want to get in and out as quickly as possible, targeting easily accessible and high-value items. They generally focus on the master bedroom, living room, and home office, looking for cash, jewelry, electronics, and easily pawnable items.

* **Speed and Efficiency:** Burglars are under pressure to be fast. They don’t want to spend a lot of time searching a house.
* **Common Hiding Spots:** They know all the usual hiding places, such as under the mattress, in the sock drawer, or behind picture frames.
* **High-Value Targets:** They prioritize items that are easy to carry and sell quickly.
* **Risk Assessment:** They are constantly assessing risk, and anything that slows them down or increases their chances of getting caught will likely deter them.

## Key Principles of Effective Hiding

To effectively hide your valuables, you need to think outside the box and apply these core principles:

* **Diversification:** Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your valuables across multiple hiding spots.
* **Obscurity:** Choose hiding places that are unlikely to be searched.
* **Camouflage:** Disguise your hiding places to blend in with their surroundings.
* **Deception:** Create false hiding places to mislead burglars.
* **Security:** Reinforce your hiding places to make them more difficult to access.

## Strategic Hiding Places: Detailed Instructions

Now, let’s explore some strategic hiding places and how to utilize them effectively:

### 1. Inside Empty Food Containers

Burglars typically don’t spend time rummaging through your pantry. Empty food containers offer a surprisingly effective hiding place.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a few empty food containers that you would normally discard (e.g., oatmeal boxes, cereal boxes, coffee cans, spice containers).
2. Clean the containers thoroughly to remove any food residue.
3. Place your valuables inside a resealable bag or wrap them securely.
4. Place the bag inside the container and reseal it as authentically as possible.
5. Place the container back in your pantry among other food items. Rotate the position frequently for added security.
* **Pro Tip:** Heavier items in lighter containers, and vice versa, will feel ‘wrong’ if someone picks them up. Mix and match. If you have an empty box of lightweight cereal, put some heavy coins in the bottom.

### 2. Behind Appliances

The space behind large appliances like your refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer is often overlooked.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose an appliance that is not easily moved.
2. Carefully pull the appliance away from the wall, just enough to create a small space.
3. Place your valuables in a waterproof container or bag.
4. Secure the container to the back of the appliance using strong tape or adhesive.
5. Conceal the container further with a piece of cardboard or fabric that blends in with the appliance and the wall.
6. Carefully push the appliance back into place.
* **Caution:** Be careful not to damage any water or gas lines when moving appliances.

### 3. Inside Fake Electrical Outlets or Light Switches

Fake electrical outlets or light switches are readily available online and can be installed to create a hidden compartment.

* **Steps:**
1. Purchase a fake electrical outlet or light switch from a reputable supplier.
2. Carefully disconnect the power to the existing outlet or switch before attempting any installation.
3. Remove the existing outlet or switch and install the fake one in its place, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Ensure the fake outlet or switch looks identical to the real ones in your home.
5. Place your valuables inside the hidden compartment.
* **Note:** This requires basic electrical knowledge. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, hire a qualified electrician.

### 4. Underneath Drawers

The space underneath drawers in dressers or cabinets is often unused and easily accessible yet overlooked.

* **Steps:**
1. Remove the drawer from the dresser or cabinet.
2. Place your valuables in a flat, secure container or envelope.
3. Tape the container to the underside of the drawer, ensuring it is completely hidden when the drawer is closed.
4. Consider using double-sided tape or strong adhesive for a more secure hold.
5. Replace the drawer carefully.
* **Pro Tip:** For heavier items, reinforce the bottom of the drawer with a thin piece of wood for added support.

### 5. Inside Old Shoes or Boots

Old shoes or boots, especially those stored in the back of a closet, are a less obvious hiding spot.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a pair of old shoes or boots that you rarely wear.
2. Place your valuables inside a resealable bag or wrap them securely to protect them from moisture and odor.
3. Place the bag inside the shoe or boot and stuff the remaining space with socks or other padding to make it feel natural.
4. Place the shoes or boots back in the closet among other footwear.
* **Camouflage Tip:** Add some dirt or scuff marks to the shoes to make them appear even older and less valuable.

### 6. In Hollowed-Out Books

Hollowed-out books are a classic hiding place that can still be effective if done correctly.

* **Steps:**
1. Purchase a hollowed-out book or create your own using an old book with a hard cover.
2. To create your own, carefully cut out the pages of the book, leaving a border around the edges.
3. Glue the remaining pages together to create a solid box.
4. Place your valuables inside the hollowed-out book.
5. Place the book on a bookshelf among other books, ensuring it blends in seamlessly.
* **Pro Tip:** Choose a book that is not likely to be noticed or read, such as a textbook on an obscure subject.

### 7. Inside a Child’s Toy Box

Burglars are less likely to spend time rummaging through a child’s toy box, making it a surprisingly effective hiding place.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a toy box that is not easily accessible to children.
2. Place your valuables inside a small, inconspicuous container or bag.
3. Bury the container deep within the toy box, surrounded by other toys.
4. Conceal the container further with a layer of soft toys or blankets.
* **Caution:** Ensure the container is child-safe and does not pose any choking hazards.

### 8. In a Fake Rock or Garden Ornament

Fake rocks or garden ornaments with hidden compartments are designed to blend in with your outdoor landscaping.

* **Steps:**
1. Purchase a fake rock or garden ornament with a hidden compartment.
2. Place your valuables inside a waterproof container or bag.
3. Place the container inside the hidden compartment and seal it securely.
4. Place the fake rock or ornament in your garden among other rocks or plants.
5. Ensure it blends in seamlessly with its surroundings and does not appear out of place.
* **Security Tip:** Choose a location that is not easily visible from the street or neighboring properties.

### 9. Inside Pill Bottles

Empty pill bottles are often overlooked and can be used to hide small items like jewelry or cash.

* **Steps:**
1. Thoroughly clean and dry empty pill bottles. Remove any labels.
2. Place your valuables inside the bottle.
3. Add a few cotton balls to the top to make it look like the bottle is still in use.
4. Store the pill bottles in your medicine cabinet among other medications.
* **Important:** Make sure to keep these bottles away from children and clearly label them if they contain anything other than medication.

### 10. Behind Wall Hangings

Behind picture frames or mirrors is a common hiding place, but you can make it more effective by adding a hidden compartment.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a large picture frame or mirror.
2. Attach a small envelope or container to the back of the frame using strong tape or adhesive.
3. Place your valuables inside the envelope or container.
4. Hang the picture frame or mirror back on the wall, ensuring the hiding place is not visible.
* **Deception Tip:** Create a false backing for the frame to make it appear as though there is nothing hidden behind it.

### 11. In Plain Sight (The “Double Bluff”)

Sometimes, the best hiding place is in plain sight. This involves leaving a few less valuable items in an obvious place to satisfy a burglar’s initial search.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a few less valuable items, such as costume jewelry, old electronics, or a small amount of cash.
2. Place these items in an obvious location, such as on top of a dresser or in a jewelry box.
3. The burglar may be satisfied with these items and not search further, leaving your more valuable possessions untouched.
* **Important:** This strategy should be used in conjunction with other more secure hiding places.

### 12. Inside Your Pet’s Belongings

Burglars are often hesitant to disturb pets or their belongings, making them a potential hiding place.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a pet item, such as a dog bed, cat carrier, or birdcage.
2. Place your valuables inside a small, inconspicuous container or bag.
3. Hide the container within the pet item, ensuring it is not easily accessible to the pet.
4. Conceal the container further with bedding or other pet supplies.
* **Caution:** Ensure the container is pet-safe and does not pose any hazards to your animal.

### 13. In a Vacuum Cleaner Bag or Canister

A vacuum cleaner is an unlikely target for burglars, and the bag or canister can provide a hidden storage space.

* **Steps:**
1. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag or canister thoroughly.
2. Place your valuables inside a resealable bag or container.
3. Place the bag or container inside the vacuum cleaner bag or canister and reseal it securely.
4. Replace the bag or canister in the vacuum cleaner.
* **Pro Tip:** Rotate the vacuum cleaner’s position occasionally to make it appear as though it is being used regularly.

### 14. High Up on Shelves

Burglars often focus on easily accessible areas. Placing valuables high up on shelves, especially in cluttered spaces, can deter them.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a shelf that is high up and not easily visible.
2. Place your valuables in a container or bag.
3. Place the container on the shelf and conceal it with other items, such as books, decorations, or boxes.
4. Ensure the hiding place is not obvious or easily accessible.

### 15. Disguised as Everyday Items

There are many products available that are designed to look like everyday items but have hidden compartments, such as fake soda cans, clocks, or pens.

* **Steps:**
1. Purchase a disguised item from a reputable supplier.
2. Place your valuables inside the hidden compartment.
3. Place the disguised item in a location that is appropriate for its appearance, such as a soda can in the refrigerator or a clock on the wall.
4. Ensure the item blends in seamlessly with its surroundings.

### 16. Inside Holiday Decorations

Hiding valuables inside holiday decorations is effective because these items are typically stored away for most of the year.

* **Steps:**
1. Choose a large, sturdy holiday decoration, such as a Christmas tree ornament or a Halloween prop.
2. Place your valuables inside a small container or bag.
3. Hide the container within the decoration, ensuring it is well-concealed.
4. Store the decoration with other holiday items in a storage box or container.

## Additional Security Measures

While hiding valuables is important, it’s also crucial to take other security measures to protect your home:

* **Install a Security System:** A visible security system can deter burglars and alert you to any potential break-ins.
* **Reinforce Doors and Windows:** Ensure your doors and windows are strong and secure, with deadbolt locks and reinforced frames.
* **Install Motion-Sensing Lights:** Motion-sensing lights can illuminate your property and deter burglars from approaching.
* **Trim Landscaping:** Keep bushes and trees trimmed to eliminate hiding places for burglars.
* **Get to Know Your Neighbors:** A strong neighborhood watch program can help deter crime and keep your community safe.
* **Keep Valuables Documented:** Keep an updated inventory of your valuables, including photos and receipts, in case of theft.
* **Consider a Safe:** For extremely valuable items, consider investing in a high-quality safe that is securely bolted to the floor or wall.
* **Use a Bank Safe Deposit Box:** For important documents and irreplaceable items, consider storing them in a safe deposit box at a bank.

## Maintaining Your Security Strategy

Your security strategy is not a one-time effort. It requires ongoing maintenance and updates to remain effective.

* **Regularly Review Your Hiding Places:** Periodically review your hiding places to ensure they are still secure and not compromised.
* **Change Your Hiding Places:** Rotate your hiding places regularly to prevent burglars from learning your patterns.
* **Update Your Security Measures:** Stay informed about the latest security technologies and techniques and update your measures accordingly.
* **Be Discreet:** Avoid discussing your security measures or hiding places with others, as this could compromise your strategy.

## Conclusion

Hiding your valuables at home effectively requires a combination of strategic thinking, careful planning, and consistent maintenance. By understanding the burglar mindset, applying the key principles of effective hiding, and utilizing the strategic hiding places outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of theft and protect your most cherished possessions. Remember that security is an ongoing process, and by staying vigilant and proactive, you can create a safe and secure home for yourself and your family.