You never know when a sneaky thief might decide to visit your home, making it super important to keep your precious items locked away safely. A good, sturdy safe is the perfect hideaway for those family heirlooms and important items you can't bear to lose.

But here's the kicker: the spot where you stash your safe is just as important as the safe itself. There are plenty of clever spots to hide your safe at home, and closets top the list for being both common and secure. Let's dive into some tips to help you amp up the security of your safe, especially when you're tucking it away in your closet.

 

 

How to Hide a Safe in a Closet

 

To safely conceal your safe in your closet, here are some helpful suggestions:

 

1) Install a Hidden Door

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ duallogic

 

Hidden doors are becoming a popular choice for home security. Although they can be tricky to install, they work well to protect your belongings.

For the installation, it's best to hire an expert. Tell the installer to ensure there's enough space for the closet to be used as usual, even with the secret door in place. This way, the hidden door won't be obvious to anyone else using the closet. Once the secret door is installed, you can safely tuck your safe behind it.

 

2) Place Your Valuables Under the Cupboard

 

Credit: Pepperfry

 

Old closets and cabinets often have a small space at the bottom, making them great spots to hide things since they're hard to reach. Before hiding your valuables there, consider putting them in a small storage bin or a plastic bag first.

 

3) Install a Hidden Compartment

 

Credit: Instructables

 

Just like a secret door, you can also make a hidden compartment inside a closet. Making one isn't as complicated as installing a secret door, but you still need some DIY and woodworking skills. If you're confident in your skills, you can even do it yourself. Otherwise, hiring a professional is a good idea.

A well-made hidden compartment is tough for anyone to find, even for an experienced thief. Just make sure it's easy for you to get to and that there's enough space inside for storing a safe securely.

 

Types of Safes That You Can Hide in a Closet

 

There are different types of safes that you can conceal in your closet. Here are some of the best ones:

 

1) Diversion Safe

 

Credit: Travah

 

Diversion safes are a clever choice when you want both easy access and secrecy. They come in many styles and can look like everyday items you have around your home, like a book or a clock.

For example, this one from Travah looks like a regular bottle on the outside. But the bottom of the bottle unscrews to reveal a secret compartment. You can use it to keep small items like USB drives, bracelets, necklaces, or rings. You can place it in plain sight, and no one will guess it's actually a safe.

 

2) Floor Safe

 

Credit: Yale Floor Safe

 

The major reason floor safes are so well-liked is that they're among the safest options available. However, since you have to cut a hole in the floor, their installation can be a bit messy. Besides that, they can easily and quickly be disguised by placing a large carpet or hiding it inside a hidden compartment of your closet.

 

3) Wall Safe

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ twenty20photos

 

Wall safes are great for hiding behind a hidden closet or cabinet door. You can find many affordable options. They're perfect for keeping money, vital documents, external hard drives, and other valuables.

A good wall safe can protect your valuables not just from burglars, but also from fires. When you're picking one, look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certificate to make sure it's reliable. And remember to measure how deep your wall is before you buy one to get the right fit.

 

Additional Secret Storage Ideas to Store Your Valuables

 

Apart from keeping your safe in the closet, you can also store your valuables in these places:

 

1) Under Stair Treads

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ pro_creator

 

You can do two modifications to your stairs to keep your valuables hidden. You can add a hidden drawer to them, or you can change one of the steps so it opens upwards. Using a stair as a hidden safe is a great idea since it will never be discovered, even if a professional thief breaks in.

 

2) Air Vent

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ bilanol

 

Air vents make a great hiding spot for larger valuables. To make sure the airflow isn't blocked, install a fake air vent instead of a real one.

 

3) Under the Mattress

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ twenty20photos

 

Bed frames and the pull-out drawers under them are the first places burglars check in a master bedroom. So, it's best not to hide your valuables there. Instead, a good spot is under the mattress. To do this safely, tape your valuables to the middle of the mattress. This way, even if a thief checks the mattress or bed frame, they won't be able to find anything.

 

FAQ Section

 

Q1: What should I do if I forget the combination or key to my hidden safe in the closet?

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for resetting or accessing the safe. In some cases, you may need to contact a professional locksmith or the manufacturer's customer support for assistance. It's crucial to maintain a record of your safe's combination or key in a secure and separate location to avoid such situations.

 

Q2: How can I protect my valuables from damage due to humidity or moisture inside a closet?

Humidity and moisture can damage valuables stored in a closet, especially if they are not adequately sealed. Consider using moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets or desiccant bags inside your safe or hidden compartment. You can also invest in a dehumidifier for the closet to maintain a controlled environment and prevent damage to your items.

 

Q3: Can I install a hidden compartment or secret door in a rented apartment or home?

You may require permission from your landlord or property management to do this. Always check your lease agreement and seek approval before making any modifications to the property. Also, consider non-permanent options or furniture with built-in hidden compartments that you can take with you when you move.

 

Q4: What should I do if I suspect that someone has discovered my hidden safe or compartment?

If you suspect that someone has discovered your hidden safe or compartment, make sure to assess the situation carefully. Avoid confronting potential intruders yourself. Instead, contact local law enforcement immediately and let them handle the situation.

 

Summary

 

Closets are the perfect place to hide valuables if you know how to conceal the safe that holds them. Burglars always try to locate cash and valuables as quickly as they can. They are aware that the longer they look for something, the more likely it is that they will be found. By selecting difficult-to-find and hard-to-reach areas, you can considerably reduce the possibility of a successful burglary.

And for an extra layer of security, consider using diversion safes from Travah. They're cleverly designed to look like everyday items, making them even harder for burglars to spot. Shop with us today.