Locksmith | How To Safely Store Your Valuables: Advice From A Locksmith

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Your Valuables

When storing your valuables, taking certain precautions is important to ensure their safety and security. However, people make common mistakes that can put their valuables at risk. Here are some mistakes to avoid when storing your valuables:

1. Not using a safe: One of the biggest mistakes people make when storing their valuables is not using a safe. A safe is a secure and reliable option to keep your valuables protected from theft and damage.
2. Choosing a low-quality safe: Another mistake people make is choosing a low-quality safe. A low-quality safe may be cheaper but may not provide the necessary security and protection your valuables need.
3. Storing valuables in an easily accessible area: Many people make the mistake of storing them in an easily accessible place, such as a bedroom closet or under the bed. This makes it easy for thieves to find and steal your valuables.
4. Not properly anchoring the safe: It’s important to properly anchor your safe to the ground or wall to prevent it from being easily moved or stolen.
5. Using an obvious hiding spot: Hiding your valuables in an obvious area, such as a jewelry box or dresser drawer, can make them an easy target for thieves.
6. Not properly maintaining the safe: Regularly maintaining your safe is important to ensure it continues functioning properly and provides adequate protection for your valuables.
7. Sharing the safe combination with others: Sharing your safe combination with others, even family members or close friends can put your valuables at risk.
8. Not properly insuring your valuables: If your valuables are stolen or damaged, not having proper insurance coverage can result in a significant financial loss.

How to Securely Store Your Valuables When Traveling

When traveling, it’s important to take precautions to ensure the safety and security of your valuables. When packing your valuables for travel, choose a sturdy bag or luggage with multiple compartments to keep your valuables organized and easily accessible. A TSA-approved lock is a great option for securing your baggage during travel. If necessary, TSA agents can open these locks without damaging your luggage. When traveling, it’s best to keep your valuables with you in your carry-on bag. This way, you can monitor them and ensure their safety.

If your hotel room has a safe, use it to store your valuables when you’re not in the room. Make sure to change the default combination to a unique code only you know. Never leave your valuables unattended in public places, such as at the beach, a restaurant, or a rental car. Thieves often target these areas to steal valuables from unsuspecting travelers.

Make a list of your valuables, including serial numbers and descriptions, and take photos of them. This can be helpful if your valuables are lost or stolen. Consider investing in a portable safe, which you can use to secure your valuables while traveling. These safes are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry with you.

How to Protect Your Jewelry from Theft and Damage

Jewelry is often a prized possession and may hold sentimental or monetary value. Therefore, taking precautions to protect it from theft and damage is important. Here are some tips on how to protect your jewelry:

1. Consider storing your jewelry in a safe or secure location, such as a safety deposit box. This can help protect it from theft and damage from environmental factors.
2. If you don’t have a safe or safety deposit box, use a jewelry box to store your jewelry. Look for a box with a locking mechanism to provide additional security.
3. Avoid leaving your jewelry out in the open, where others can easily see and access it. This includes leaving it on dressers, nightstands, or other visible areas.
4. Consider insuring your jewelry to protect it from loss, theft, or damage. Ensure you have proper documentation, such as receipts or appraisals, for your insurance company.
5. Keep a detailed list of your jewelry, including descriptions and values. This can be helpful if your jewelry is lost or stolen.
6. Keep your jewelry in a carry-on bag or on your person when traveling. Avoid packing it in checked luggage or leaving it unattended in hotel rooms.
7. Have a professional jeweler inspect your jewelry regularly to check for damage or loose settings. This can help prevent the loss of stones or other damage.

How to Choose the Right Safe for Your Valuables

Choosing the right safe for your valuables is an important decision. You want to ensure your valuables are secure and protected from theft or damage. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right safe:

1. Size: Consider the size of the safe you need. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your valuables but not so large that it’s difficult to store or move.
2. Type of safe: There are different types of safes, including wall safes, floor safes, and portable safes. Choose the type that best suits your needs and provides the level of security you require.
3. Lock type: Decide on the lock you want for your safe. Options include combination locks, key locks, and electronic locks. Electronic locks may offer more convenience but may be more susceptible to hacking or electrical issues.
4. Fire protection: Consider whether you want your safe to provide fire protection. Some safes are designed to withstand fire for a certain period, which can be important if you’re storing important documents or other items that can be damaged by fire.
5. Water resistance: Consider whether you want your safe to be water-resistant. This can be important if you’re storing items that can be damaged by water, such as electronics or paper documents.
6. Location: Consider where you’ll be storing your safe. If you’re storing it in a basement or other damp area, you may need a safe that’s rust-resistant.
7. Installation: Determine whether you’ll install the safe yourself or need professional installation. Some safes require special tools or knowledge to install, so it’s important to consider this when choosing a safe.

Considering these factors, you can choose the right safe to protect your valuables. A professional locksmith can provide additional guidance on selecting the right safe for your needs.