12 Secret Hiding Places That Will Deceive Thieves

Whether it's jewelry, important papers or emergency cash, we all have stuff we want to keep safe. These hiding spots are sure to deceive even sneakiest thieves.

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cash
Family Handyman

Not IN the Drawer

Drawers don’t go all the way to the back of a cabinet, and there’s typically a little space on the underside too. Put cash or important papers in an envelope and tape them to the back or underside of a drawer. Plus: Watch this video to learn how to make a secret hiding place out of a stack of old books.

No one ever expects to get robbed, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Your home is full of secret hiding spots for valuables that thieves will never look at.

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clock
Family Handyman

Time Well Spent

Store a few small items in a wall or mantel clock, as long as the clock itself isn’t worth stealing! Tape them to the back or put them in any open cavities. Steer clear of these hiding places, because that’s where burglars always look first!

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Jewels
Family Handyman

Slip a Box Inside a Box

Store a container of valuables inside a larger bin full of unappealing stuff. Label it accordingly.

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litter
Family Handyman

“Litterally” Buried

Put small containers of valuables in a tub of cat litter (unused!) and then pour the cat litter back into the tub.

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magnet
Family Handyman

Good Venting Is Key

Stick a magnet to a spare house key using hot glue, and tuck the key up out of sight inside the dryer vent hood. If your vent hood is aluminum or plastic, glue a magnet to the inside of the hood as well as the key. Check out our ultimate guide for finding secret hiding places in your home.

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panel
Family Handyman

Sitting Pretty

Dining chairs often have space under the seat for a drop-down hinged panel.

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MARKER
Family Handyman

It’s Magic, All Right

Pop the end cap off a marker and remove the ink cartridge. Just right for a spare roll of cash. Want more? There are our top 20 secret hiding places in the home.

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tire
Family Handyman

Spare Tire

Pick up a spare wheelbarrow wheel and tire (about $20 at a home center). Deflate the tire, tuck in your goods and reinflate it. Plus: Check out these 13 inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.

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Roll
Family Handyman

A Roll in the Roll

Take apart the spring bar that holds your toilet paper. Roll up a stack of bills, stash them inside and reassemble the bar.

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Sunblock
Family Handyman

Secret Cash Stash

Keep some emergency cash rolled up in a clean, empty sunblock tube. Tuck it in a drawer or medicine cabinet where you can easily grab it when you need it. Don’t forget about the garage! Learn how to secure your garage and prevent theft.

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Soccer
Family Handyman

Don’t Kick This Ball!

A soccer ball makes a perfect spot for little items. Let some air out of the ball and cut one of the seams using a utility knife. After inserting your items, tuck the seam back into place.

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key house
Family Handyman

Key House

An unoccupied birdhouse makes a handy spot for a spare key. Screen off the bird entrance to keep out tenants.

Brad Holden
Brad Holden, an associate editor at The Family Handyman, has been building cabinets and furniture for 30 years. In that time, he has absorbed so many slivers and ingested so much sawdust that he's practically made of wood.