If you live in a small apartment or dorm room, you may find it challenging at times to stow away your personal valuables. Yet, this is especially important if you bunk with others, have room-mates who like to snoop, or reside in a building that lacks security. Having a spot to hide personal and valuable items should be a priority.
Fortunately, there are some clever options that work great in small spaces, for keeping your personal items safe and out of mind…even in plain sight.
- Tiny Safes: If you have a small room or space, get a bookshelf safe that doesn’t look like a safe. Retail stores now sell tiny safes that look like soda cans, books, picture frames, and flower pots. Look for those that include a key or combination lock that is concealed in the base. Use them on your bookshelf, a nightstand, or other area where you can keep an eye on it.
- Under the Bed Lock Boxes: It can be convenient to keep valuables under a bed, which can be effective for maintaining safety in cramped spaces. Choose an under bed lock box or trunk made from metal or wood with a sturdy padlock. There are many excellent styles that can also fit into the bottom of a closet or under a dresser too.
- Laptop Locks: If you are using a laptop for personal or school work, it’s best to keep it locked up when you are away to prevent the loss of your personal data. Get a laptop locking cord that loops through the laptop case itself and always include a security password on your device. Or simply lock the laptop inside your desk when you are not using it.
- Electronic Safes: When personal paperwork and small electronics need to be kept safe in your place, an electronic safe can be the solution. Place the safe near a bed and cover with a sheet or inside a closet under clothes over top to disguise it. Maintain a safe that includes a sound alarm if someone unauthorized tries to open it.
- Bike Chain Locks: While they are perfect for locking up your personal mode of transportation, your bike, a bike chain lock can also be used for other security measures. For example, you can chain up cabinet doors, wrap it around your entertainment stand, or use it to secure items to your bed frame. They also come in handy for items on the porch, like grills and patio furnishings.
- Safety Deposit Boxes: The best way to prevent theft of your personal valuables is to rent an off-site safety deposit box from your financial institution. Many offer a variety of sizes for an affordable monthly or yearly rate, with access during normal business hours. Your college may also provide temporary safe rentals, if you live on campus.
Keeping your valuables safe from prying eyes and thieves is important no matter where you live. Use common sense and never leave valuables out in the open where they could tempt someone to steal.
Marty Reardon is a writer for Next Door Self Storage, a company that provides storage in Naperville. When he’s not writing or working, Marty likes photography and trying new vegan recipes.
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