What can and can’t I keep in my safe?

A safe is one of the most reliable ways to safeguard your valuables, but did you know that some things just don’t belong in a safe? In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top 10 items you can and can’t store in a safe, helping you ensure maximum security and functionality.

Things You Can Keep in a Safe

1. Important Documents:

Birth certificates, property deeds, and wills should always be securely locked away in a safe. These critical documents can be difficult and time-consuming to replace. Consider storing them in a fire-resistant safe to protect these documents in case of an accidental fire.

2. Cash:

If you frequently handle cash for personal or business purposes, storing it in a high-quality safe adds an extra layer of protection. Cash is an easy target for burglars, and keeping it secured can deter theft. Some, if not most, insurance providers require proof of secure storage for large amounts of cash to be covered.

3. Jewellery and Family Heirlooms:

Valuable jewellery and family heirlooms are commonly stored in safes. An insurance-approved safe not only protects them from theft but also from damage or loss. As a general rule of thumb, when purchasing a safe, it’s wise to choose a higher grade and larger size than initially planned. This ensures you have ample space for future assets and that you remain fully protected.

4. Passports and IDs:

Protect your identity by storing passports, driving licenses, and other forms of ID in a secure safe. Identity theft can be devastating, and keeping these documents out of sight helps reduce that risk.

5. Digital Media:

Store external hard drives, USBs, and backup drives containing sensitive or irreplaceable data in a fire-resistant safe to give yourself time to recover your digital assets.

6. High-Value Electronics:

Watches, high-end cameras, and other small electronics are ideal candidates for safekeeping, particularly if they hold both monetary and sentimental value.

7. Firearms (If Legal):

For those who own firearms, many safes are designed with specific compartments to safely store weapons, keeping them out of reach of unauthorised users and children. Firearm storage regulations and insurance requirements often necessitate proper safekeeping to avoid legal or financial liabilities.

Things You Shouldn’t Keep in a Safe

1. Perishable Items:

Food, medications, or other items with expiration dates should never be stored in a safe. Safes aren’t designed to regulate temperature or preserve perishable goods. Keeping these items in a safe could lead to spoilage and damage to the safe’s interior.

2. Hazardous Materials:

Flammable liquids, chemicals, or other hazardous substances are dangerous to store in safes. Not only can they damage the safe’s interior, but they also pose serious risks to your safety. Instead, these items should be kept in designated safety cabinets designed for such materials.

3. Toxic Chemicals:

Highly dangerous chemicals should be stored in proper safety containers or cabinets, not personal safes. Storing them in an enclosed space like a safe could result in harmful fumes or accidents.

4. Large Artworks or Collectibles:

Although it might seem like a good idea to protect expensive artwork or large collectibles, safes typically aren’t designed to accommodate oversized items. Specialised storage solutions or insurance-approved vaults offer better protection for these valuables.

5. Everyday Items: 

Avoid placing items like car keys, wallets, or other things you need on a daily basis in a safe. Constantly opening your safe can hasten its wear and tear and its overall security, making it less effective at protecting your valuable possessions in the long run.

6. Devices Needing Frequent Access:

Although electronics like hard drives can be valuable, storing devices you need access to frequently can be impractical. Consider alternative security solutions that balance convenience and protection.

7. Houseplants or Pets:

It may be common sense, but never leave anything alive in your safe to ensure you’re not killing anything!

Knowing what belongs in your safe and what doesn’t will help you get the most out of it, keeping your valuables secure and ensuring that you meet any insurance requirements. From safeguarding documents and cash to protecting jewellery and firearms, using a safe correctly offers unmatched peace of mind. For the best security solutions, including insurance-approved high-security safes, visit SMP Security Solutions today.