Keeping valuables safe at home is a top concern for many people. While some opt for security systems, others prefer hiding their important items. But thieves often know the usual hiding spots, making it crucial to think outside the box.
There are many clever hiding places around the house that burglars rarely check. These spots can offer better protection for precious belongings than common hiding spots like under the mattress or in desk drawers. By using these less obvious locations, homeowners can add an extra layer of security to their prized possessions.
1) Behind faux air vent
Burglars often overlook air vents as potential hiding spots. A fake air vent can be an excellent place to conceal valuables.
Installing a faux air vent is simple. It can be placed on a wall or ceiling, blending in with real vents. The fake vent can be opened to reveal a small storage area behind it.
This hiding spot works well for small items like jewelry, cash, or important documents. The key is to choose a location that looks natural and doesn’t stand out.
Air vent covers are typically left alone during break-ins. Thieves rarely think to check inside vents, assuming they are standard and unused.
To make this hiding spot even more secure, use a vent cover that matches others in the home. This ensures it won’t draw unwanted attention.
2) Inside of an old vacuum cleaner
Old vacuum cleaners can be great hiding spots for valuables. Thieves often overlook these common household appliances.
To use this hiding place, remove the vacuum bag from an old cleaner. Clean out any dust or debris inside. Then, place small items like jewelry or cash in a sealed plastic bag.
Put the plastic bag inside the vacuum where the dust bag used to be. Replace the outer cover of the vacuum cleaner. Store the vacuum in a closet or other natural location.
This method works well because burglars rarely check inside appliances. They tend to focus on drawers, mattresses, and obvious hiding spots instead.
Just remember where you’ve hidden your items so you can retrieve them later when needed.
3) Inside hollowed-out book on shelf
Thieves often overlook hollowed-out books on shelves as hiding spots. These clever disguises blend in with other books, making them hard to spot.
To create one, choose an old hardcover book and cut out the inside pages. Leave a border of about 1 inch around the edges. This creates a secret compartment for small valuables.
Place the hollowed book among similar-looking books on a shelf. It’s best to use a shelf that’s not at eye level. Lower shelves are less likely to be searched by intruders.
Small items like jewelry, cash, or important documents can fit inside. The book’s cover keeps contents hidden from view. Remember to choose a book that won’t stand out or look valuable itself.
4) Inside false electrical outlet
Thieves often overlook electrical outlets as potential hiding spots. A false electrical outlet can be a clever way to conceal small valuables.
These fake outlets look like regular ones but have a hidden compartment inside. They can be installed in any room of the house, blending in seamlessly with other outlets.
The compartment is perfect for storing cash, jewelry, or important documents. To access the hidden items, simply remove the outlet cover.
While this method is creative, it’s important to remember that some experienced burglars may be aware of this trick. It’s best to use this hiding spot in combination with other security measures for maximum protection.
5) Under floorboard with removable panel
A clever hiding spot that thieves often overlook is under a floorboard with a removable panel. This method works well in homes with wooden floors.
To create this hiding place, carefully remove a floorboard in a discreet area. Cut out a section of the board and reattach it with hinges. This allows easy access to the space beneath.
The area under the floorboard can hold small valuables like cash, jewelry, or important documents. Make sure the panel blends in seamlessly with surrounding boards to avoid detection.
For added security, consider placing a small safe or lockbox in the hidden compartment. This provides an extra layer of protection for precious items.
6) Inside unused fireplace flue
An unused fireplace flue can be a smart hiding spot that thieves often overlook. Most burglars don’t think to check inside chimneys during a break-in.
To use this space, place valuables in a waterproof container. Carefully lower it down the flue using a rope or chain. Make sure to secure the other end inside the fireplace.
For safety, install a chimney cap to keep out rain and animals. This also helps conceal that you’re using the flue for storage.
Remember to clean the flue periodically and check that your items remain dry and undamaged. Only use this method for objects that can withstand temperature changes.
7) Inside old stereo speaker
Old stereo speakers can be a clever hiding spot for valuables. Many people overlook these outdated electronics when searching for hidden items.
Thieves often ignore bulky audio equipment, assuming it has little value. This makes speakers an unexpected place to conceal small valuables.
Some speakers have removable covers or panels that create hidden compartments. These spaces can fit cash, jewelry, or important documents.
Hollowed out electronics like speakers are a creative hiding spot. However, it’s important to note that some burglars may be aware of this trick.
For added security, consider using a non-functioning speaker in a less obvious location. This reduces the chances of a thief examining it closely.
8) Inside of old sneakers
Old sneakers can be a great hiding spot for valuables. Thieves often overlook footwear when searching for items to steal.
The inside of a sneaker provides a discreet space to conceal small objects. Cash, jewelry, or important documents can fit easily in the toe area.
For added security, choose a worn pair of shoes. Place them with other footwear in your closet to avoid drawing attention. This method works well for both short-term and long-term hiding needs.
Remember to wrap items in plastic before placing them inside shoes. This protects valuables from moisture and odors. Using this clever hiding spot can help keep important possessions safe from prying eyes.
9) Within unused basement pipe
Basements often have unused pipes that can serve as clever hiding spots. Thieves rarely think to check inside these pipes for valuables.
A PVC pipe can be easily transformed into a secret storage space. Homeowners can cut a section of pipe to the desired length and add removable end caps.
This DIY hiding place is perfect for storing important documents, cash, or small valuable items. The pipe blends in with other plumbing, making it inconspicuous.
To use this hiding spot, simply remove one end cap, insert items, and replace the cap. The pipe can be mounted horizontally or vertically, depending on available space and preference.
10) Inside pockets of your winter jackets
Winter jackets often hang untouched in closets for months. This makes them great spots to hide small valuables. Thieves rarely think to check jacket pockets during a break-in.
Choose a jacket you don’t wear often. Place items like cash, jewelry, or important documents in the inside pockets. These pockets are harder to access and less likely to be searched.
Seldom-used coats provide a quick and hidden solution for storing valuables. Most burglars are in a hurry and won’t take the time to go through every coat pocket.
Remember to choose a jacket that won’t be worn by mistake. This prevents accidentally taking your hidden items out of the house.
11) False drawer back in dresser
Thieves often search dresser drawers for valuables. But they rarely think to look behind or under the drawers themselves.
Creating a false back in a dresser drawer is a clever way to hide small items. To do this, cut a piece of thin wood or sturdy cardboard to fit snugly against the back of the drawer.
Attach the false back with removable adhesive. This allows easy access while keeping items hidden. The space between the false back and real drawer back becomes a secret compartment.
This hiding spot works well for cash, jewelry, or important documents. Gluing an envelope to the back of a drawer can also create a discreet hiding place. Most burglars won’t take the time to thoroughly inspect every drawer during a quick robbery.
12) Under removable stair tread
Stairs can be more than just a way to get between floors. Some homes have wooden staircases with treads that can be lifted up. This creates a hidden space perfect for storing valuables.
Thieves rarely think to check under stair treads. It takes time and effort to remove them, which burglars want to avoid. This makes it a great spot to hide small items.
To use this hiding place, a tread can be attached with a piano hinge. This allows it to lift up easily while staying secure when closed. The space underneath can fit cash, jewelry, or important documents.
For added security, homeowners can install a locking mechanism. This prevents the tread from being opened without a key or code.
13) Inside a kids room
Thieves often skip searching children’s rooms. They assume these spaces only contain toys and clothes. This makes a kid’s room a smart spot to hide valuable items.
A stuffed animal with a hidden compartment can be a great hiding place. Burglars are unlikely to check inside toys.
Another option is to hide things in empty toy packaging. Old game boxes or dollhouse furniture can be repurposed as secret storage.
The back of a child’s closet is another overlooked area. Valuables can be tucked away behind stacks of kids’ clothes or shoe boxes.
14) Behind rearward wall clock
Wall clocks can hide small valuables without drawing attention. Remove the clock from the wall and carefully detach the back panel.
Place jewelry, cash, or important documents in the hollow space behind the clock face. Make sure items are thin enough to fit without interfering with the clock’s movement.
Securely reattach the back panel and rehang the clock. The hidden compartment behind the clock will be invisible to casual observers.
Choose a clock in a less obvious location, like a hallway or spare room. Avoid using clocks in main living areas or bedrooms, as these may attract more attention from intruders.
15) In freezer disguised as frozen vegetable bag
Thieves often overlook the freezer when searching for valuables. A clever hiding spot is inside a fake frozen vegetable bag.
To create this disguise, use an empty bag of frozen peas or broccoli. Place cash or small valuables in a sealed plastic bag to protect them from moisture.
Put the sealed bag inside the vegetable bag and twist-tie it shut. Place it towards the back of the freezer, mixed in with other frozen foods.
This method works well because burglars are unlikely to spend time rummaging through frozen goods. They typically focus on more obvious hiding spots in bedrooms and living areas.
Remember to label the bag clearly as vegetables to avoid confusion with real food items. This simple trick can help keep valuables safe from prying eyes.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.