Homespun Secret Safes For Your Valuables

—Michael Franco

When it comes to hiding valuables in your home, you don’t need a massive safe bolted to the floor in the bedroom—you just need to stay one step ahead of would-be thieves. All it takes is a little clever thinking. Read on for seven wow-worthy stash spots and get some inspiration for updating your own around-the-home hiding place.

1. Old Vacuum Cleaner

Photo: shutterstock.com

Stop by your neighborhood tag sales this weekend and chances are you’ll come across an old canister-style vacuum cleaner. Simply remove the bag inside and clean it up to create your hidden storage. Keep it in an untidy corner of the garage or closet, and you’ll further ensure thieves pass it by.

Related: The Ten Best Things to Buy Secondhand

2. Bottle Rock

Photo:zakkalife.blogspot.com

You’ve no doubt seen those fake rocks that hide a key outside your front door. The problem with those is, well, they always look fake. Instead, glue a rock using construction adhesive to the top of an empty pill bottle. Drop your key inside and replace the rock cap. Bury in the dirt so that only the rock shows.

Related: 15 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door

3. Air Vent

Photo: shutterstock.com

You probably wouldn’t want to store anything in your actual air vents because it could interrupt air flow. Instead, consider installing a false air vent made to stash cash and other valuables. Thieves who need to be out of your house fast likely won’t take the time to unscrew them.

Related: 10 Low Cost Ways to Improve Your Home Security

4. Electrical Outlet

Photo: amazon.com

Similar to an air vent, a false electrical outlets can fit small items like gemstones and cash. Just make sure you purchase a design that matches your other outlets and that you place it in a logical location. Also, when installing, cut only the wall where it is hollow—not where there is a stud.

Related: 8 Warning Signs of Dangerously Outdated Electrical Wiring

5. Bathroom Tile 

Photo: droog.com

If the tiles in your kitchen or bathroom measure at least 3” by 3”, you can hide a small storage compartment behind it. Pull off one tile and cut a hole in the wall that’s slightly smaller than the tile. Then attach a small plastic bin to the back of the tile and replace. Use a suction cup to grab the tile when you need access.

Related: 20 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big

6. Inside a Water Bottle

Photo: stunsecurity.com

An innocent-looking plastic bottle can hold more than just water. Consider stocking your fridge with this one from Stun Security: With a sealed cap, you can fill it with actual water. But pull it apart, and a secret dry compartment behind the label is revealed, perfect for storing jewelry and other small items.

Related: Ditch the Fridge: 7 New Ways to Display Children’s Artwork

7. In a Clock

Photo: homesecuritystore.com

This generic wall clock from Street Wise both appears pretty thrifty and hides your cash. Lift the clock face to reveal a small storage area for cash, keys, USB storage devices, and other valuables. And so as to not draw suspicion, it actually works. Hang it high and raise your chances thieves will pass it by.

Related: 10 Sly Spots to Stash Your Stuff