10 Best Places to Install a Safe in an Apartment

We live in economically unstable times – an era where earning, managing and maintaining finances is getting more and more challenging with each passing day,

Now more than ever, it is vital that we protect our hard-earned money and possessions by any means necessary.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is by installing a safe in our homes.

A home safe can provide protection against burglars, fire, flood, theft and other disasters, ensuring that your valuables are always protected.

When it comes to choosing a home safe, there are many factors to consider, such as size, weight, price, security features and, most importantly, the location where the safe will be installed.

To help you make the best decision for your needs, we have put together a complete guide on 10 of the best places to install a safe in your home.

Inside the Closet

One of the best places to install a safe is inside your closet because this area is generally out of sight and not easily accessible, making it the perfect place to hide your valuables.

In addition, closets are filled with clothing items and other random objects, which can make it all the more challenging for a burglar to locate the safe.

If you do decide to install your safe in a closet, be sure to choose one that is the appropriate size so that it can easily fit without taking up too much space.

Also, ensure your closet has an electrical outlet. If not, you’ll need to either hire an electrician to install one

Under the Stairs

Another great place to install a safe is under the stairs.

Most burglars in a hurry will not think to look in this unlikely spot, and it can also be easily concealed by a piece of furniture.

This location is often overlooked, but it offers many advantages, such as being out of sight, difficult to reach, and usually reinforced with concrete – making it very hard for burglars to break into.

When choosing a safe to install under the stairs, be sure to select one that is heavy enough that it cannot be easily moved and check that the stairway is structurally sound enough to support the weight of the safe.

Also read: 8 Clever Ways to Hide a Key Outside an Apartment

Against The Wall

Perhaps one of the most common yet effective hiding places to install a safe is against a concrete wall, mainly because this spot is one you can easily access in your time of need.

Not only will it be tightly anchored to the wall, but you won’t have to strain your back or bend down to use it.

However, if this location doesn’t feel secure, you can always install your safe inside a furniture item like a bookshelf or a wine cabinet.

This will ensure that your safe is at your height but is also concealed by the appearance of another object.

Bear in mind to install such a safe you’ll have to drill a hole at the back of your furniture so your safe can rest against the wall. Another lesser-used practice is to use longer screws that can go through the furniture and into the wall.

On The Floor

While walls are a great option for smaller safes, they can rarely withstand the weight of a heavier and bulkier safe. In such a case, the better option is to anchor your safe to the ground,

Within reach and easily accessible during times of emergency, the floor can be a great location to hide your safe and simply conceal it with a rug or any furniture piece like a couch.

Moreover, the floor is usually the last place that people look. When people are looking for something, they usually start at eye level and work their way down.

One of the most common ways to anchor a safe is by bolting it down.

This involves attaching the safe to the floor with large bolts, making it very difficult for anyone to lift or move the safe.

You can also use brackets and straps to secure the safe, though this method is not as reliable as bolting it down.

In the Attic

An attic is intended for storing extra items and is usually loaded with furniture and equipment that the residents don’t need in their everyday lives.

This makes it a great place to install a safe, as it will likely go unnoticed amidst the clutter and mess.

In case of fire or water damage, having the safe high up in the attic offers it an added layer of protection, keeping your valuables safe at all costs.

To install a safe in the attic, you’ll need to find a spot where the safe can be securely mounted.

It’s important to make sure that the safe is out of reach of any potential burglars, so it’s best to mount it high up on a wall.

Next, you’ll need to drill holes into the wall for the safe’s mounting bolts. Once the holes are drilled, you can then bolt the safe into place.

Underneath Fake Plants

No burglar, no matter how smart, will think that someone would’ve hidden their valuables underneath an arrangement of fake plants and foliage – making it arguably one of the best places to install a safe.

Convenient, well-hidden, and within reach, hiding your safe under some fake greens at your home is a great option.

However, one thing to keep in mind is to opt for plants that =will obscure the view of the safe.

The key is to choose plants that are dense, blocking the view and bulky so they can withstand the weight of the safe.

Some fake plants are made from lightweight materials that might collapse under the weight of a heavy safe. Choose sturdy plants that won’t tip over or break if someone bumps into them.

In Your Child’s Playroom

When you think of a kids’ playroom, you immediately imagine a messy, cluttered place loaded with a bunch of toys thrown around here and there – definitely not an area where one would find family heirlooms and valuables, right?

Your child’s ransacked playroom, full of random objects, is the perfect place to camouflage your safe.

Simply place it amongst the toys and clutter, and nobody will ever think twice about it.

Moreover, kids’ playrooms are usually located in a central spot in the house – making it easy for you to access your safe when needed, but also keep it out of sight and mind for potential burglars.

Behind A Hidden Door

A slightly more expensive but perhaps one of the most effective solutions for hiding your safe is getting it professionally installed behind a hidden door.

All you need to do is ask a professional to replace a regular closet or cabinet door with a hidden one, completely camouflaged into its surroundings.

Such a safe is easily reachable for those who know about it but practically invisible to a burglar or a thief who has just entered the premises.

However, to make this hack work, you must ensure your door blends completely into the surrounding environment and doesn’t stand out.

Within the Air Vent

Most people wouldn’t think to look in an air vent for anything other than air – but that’s what makes it the perfect place to hide a safe!

An air vent is especially ideal if your home has a central heating and cooling system because the ductwork can provide extra support for the weight of the safe.

Just make sure the chosen vent isn’t too close to the furnace or AC unit, so the heat or cold doesn’t damage your valuables.

To install a safe in an air vent, first measure the size of the opening, then find or build a false wall that will fit snugly inside.

Cut a hole in the false wall for the door of the safe, then attach it to the frame of the vent.

It’s important to make sure the false wall is securely attached, so it doesn’t fall and damage your safe – or worse, injure someone walking below. Once everything is secure, reattach the grillwork.

Within Modified Furniture

If you’re looking for a more creative way to hide your safe, consider modifying a piece of furniture!

This could be anything from a bookshelf to an ottoman – as long as it’s big enough to fit the size of your safe.

This is a perfect idea, as nobody except you will know that your furniture doubles as a secret storage spot for your most prized possessions.

To modify a piece of furniture into a hiding spot for your safe, you’ll need to cut out part of the back paneling or side panels.

Once the interior space is big enough, reattach any removable shelves or drawers, then position the safe inside. You may need to add some extra support to keep the safe in place, like brackets or L-braces.

Bottom Line

It’s important to remember that when finding a hiding place for your safe, the goal is to make it as difficult as possible for someone to find – but not impossible.

The best hiding spots are usually in plain sight because people rarely think to look there.

So, when it comes time to hide your safe, get creative and think outside the box! With a little ingenuity, you can easily keep your valuables hidden and out of sight.

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