Looking to keep your valuables extra secure at home? A money safe might be just what you need. You could store heirloom jewellery, documents, or even cold hard cash. A safe adds serious peace of mind. And with so many clever models now available, it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your space AND your needs.
Let’s explore the best types of money safes (especially those highly recommended by professional locksmiths), including their must-have features. As a bonus, we’ll share locksmith proven tips an expert for protecting your precious items from burglars, fires, and even floods.
Do Safes Really Work?
Of course, they do! And we’re not only talking about burglaries. The right money safe model can shield your valuables from fire and water damage. Many home safes can rest fire for 30 to 60 minutes, although pro locksmiths can point you to premium models that can hold out for up to 4 hours.
Live in a flood-prone area? Don’t worry! A local locksmith can recommend the right money safe that will keep your valuables dry and secure even with the safe submerged for up to 72 hours.
Please remember that water-resistant DOES NOT mean waterproof. So, if disaster drags on longer than the safe’s water immersion rating, even a tough safe can still give in. The good news is 3 days is plenty of time to act.
What Should I Look for in a Money Safe?
Like everything else, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits all money safe. However, locksmiths recommend looking at 2 key features to help you shop smarter.
Size and Capacity
Most home safes are roughly the size of your trusty microwave oven (about 34 to 37 litres). It’s a smart choice for storing passports, bank documents, cash, hard drives, or a small jewellery collection.
More importantly, money safes often weigh in at around 45 kilogrammes when empty. It’s “light” enough to be positioned into your ideal space, but “hefty” enough for burglars to lug down your drive. After all, no burglar will want to carry this hefty and bulky box onto the street!.
Locksmiths agree that a money safe’s weight is its most solid deterrent.
Where to Put the Safe
A great money safe in the wrong place can lose much of its effectiveness. Unsurprisingly, locksmiths say strategic placement is vital to protecting your valuables from theft, flood, or fire.
For burglary protection
The best safes are those that burglars can’t find. Safes you can inconspicuously hide (behind furniture or in a closet) are perfect! You can also bolt it to a corner (where 2 walls meet) to make a burglar’s life more challenging to pry.
For flood-prone homes
Choose a safe with excellent water resistance, which you can secure on an elevated area or platform (at least a metre off the ground). Locksmiths strongly advise against placing safes directly on the floor if your neighbourhood is flood-prone.
For fire safety
Safes in flood-prone areas need height. Safes in fire-vulnerable locations do the opposite. You’ll want a safe you can bolt safely to the ground (remember, heat rises). Pick a fire-rated safe, so you’ll never worry about fires or extreme temperatures gobbling up your valuables.
Locksmiths say people should never advertise they have a money safe. Keep it discreet. There’s no need to showcase it to visitors (you’ll never know if they have accomplices waiting for some “juicy” information about your stash).
Cash Rating: What’s That?
Safes come with a “cash rating.” This grading system gives you an idea of how much money an insurer will cover if you stash your cash inside. Locksmiths also recommend using this rating to calculate how much jewellery or valuables you can store (hint: it’s usually around 10x their cash value).
Locksmiths advise homeowners to pick a safe with an appropriate Eurograde rating to ensure insurance coverage. Here’s a quick breakdown of Eurograde Ratings commonly used across the UK.
Grade | Cash (in £) | Valuables (in £) |
0 | 6,000 | 60,000 |
1 | 10,000 | 100,000 |
2 | 17,500 | 175,000 |
3 | 35,000 | 350,000 |
4 | 60,000 | 600,000 |
5 | 100,000 | 1 million |
6 | 150,000 | 1.5 million |
These ratings are no joke. Eurograde safes undergo rigorous testing. That’s the only way they get a EN1143 certification (if they pass). Unsurprisingly, insurance companies take these ratings seriously.
Should You Bolt Your Safe Down?
Short answer? Yes! Remember that money safes typically weigh 45 kilogrammes when empty. It’s hefty, but movable!
Bolting your safe to the wall or floor will make burglars think twice before attempting to yank it out.
While bolting your safe can make relocation more challenging, locksmiths say it’s worth it.
What Clever Places Can I Hide a Safe at Home?
Hiding your money safe makes it harder for burglars to find it. Here are some options.
Behind a sliding mirror or wardrobe
Inside a cabinet or false drawer
Beneath the floorboards
Under the stairs
Inside a wall niche
In the loft or attic
Under the bed
It’s important to keep your safe discreet, regardless of where you put it. Locksmiths say it’s how you can boost a safe’s effectiveness.
Final Thoughts: Keep it Safe, Keep it Smart
Money safes aren’t only for the ultra-rich. These security devices are a smart investment for anyone with important items at home, from heirloom jewelleries and sensitive documents to spare cash.
Today’s safes stand up to far more than just theft. They can withstand fire and flood too. Your trusty locksmith can help you pick a money safe that suits your lifestyle, space, and, more importantly, one that safeguards the value of what you’re storing. They’ll place and bolt it securely too.
So, stay safe and keep your valuables even safer.