Household Safes: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right One

When securing your valuable possessions, one of the first considerations that may arise is whether you can install a household safe on your own. Installing a safe can be tricky, but hiring someone can be expensive – can someone install a safe themselves? Yes, if you’re willing to do plenty of research and know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you could end up spending more by making a mistake.

At Safe Removals, we often hear this question. To ensure you know what you’re getting into, we’re giving an overview of everything you need about household safes. From the different types of safes available to crucial factors such as fire rating, anchoring, and proper sizing, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about safeguarding your valuables. Let’s dive in and explore the world of household safes together.

Contents

1. Is DIY Installation of a Household Safe Recommended?
2. Why are there Different Types of Safes?
3. What’s the Significance of Fire Rating for Safes?
4. What’s the Most Suitable Location for Your Household Safe?
5. The Crucial Importance of Anchoring Your Safe: Here’s Why
6. How Would You Calculate the Ideal Size for Your Household Safe?
7. What are the Hidden Risks of Opting for a Budget-Friendly Safe
8. Safe Removals – Safe Experts By Name and an Unbeatable Track Record

Is DIY Installation of a Household Safe Recommended?

When it comes to installing your own household safe, there are both benefits and drawbacks to consider. Doing the installation might save you money on professional services. However, there are crucial factors you should take into account before diving into this project.

It’s non-negotiable that you have prior experience and the correct tools for the job. Installing a safe requires precision and expertise, which involves working with heavy and secure equipment. With the necessary knowledge and tools, the installation process can quickly become easier and potentially compromise the security of your valuables.

It’s important to remember that there’s a reason why experts specialise in safe installations. They have the knowledge and skills to ensure good quality and adhere to health and safety standards. By relying on professionals, you can have peace of mind knowing that your safe is installed correctly and effectively.

While DIY installation may seem cost-effective initially, it’s crucial to consider the potential long-term costs. If you lack experience or make mistakes during installation, it can damage your property or the safe. Repairing or replacing the safe and addressing any associated damage can significantly outweigh the savings you hoped to achieve through a DIY approach.

In summary, while DIY installation of a household safe may be tempting, it is generally only recommended if you have the necessary experience and tools. Engaging the services of experts ensures that your safe is installed correctly, maintaining the highest quality standards, and prioritising your safety and security. By avoiding potential mistakes and long-term costs, you can have peace of mind knowing that your valuables are protected in the best possible way.

Why are there Different Types of Safes?

Different types of household safes serve specific purposes for safeguarding your valuables. From fireproof safes that protect against fire damage to gun safes designed for secure firearm storage, each safe offers unique features to meet your specific needs.

This is an overview of each safe:

1. Fireproof safes are essential to protect important documents and valuables from the destructive forces of fire.
2. Burglary safes are designed to resist break-ins and unauthorised access, providing enhanced security for your belongings.
3. Wall safes offer discreet storage options by seamlessly blending into the wall, providing a secure, hidden solution.
4. While not suitable for fire protection, floor safes provide an added layer of security as they are concealed and challenging for burglars to locate.
5. Gun safes ensure the safe and responsible storage of firearms, keeping them out of unauthorised hands and protecting against accidents.
6. Jewellery safes have dedicated compartments and organisation features to secure and protect valuable items.
7. Data safes protect electronic storage media from fire, heat, and humidity, preserving critical information.
8. Portable safes provide convenience and security while on the move, allowing you to protect your valuables wherever you go.
9. Biometric safes offer quick and secure access using advanced biometric technology, adding a layer of convenience and protection.
10. Depository safes are commonly used in commercial settings. Still, they can also be suitable for residences, providing a secure option for cash and item deposits.

By understanding the specific functions of each safe, you can choose the one that best fits your security requirements and provides optimal protection for your valuable possessions. If you have specific questions – click here to discuss them with our team. 

What’s the Significance of Fire Rating for Safes?

Understanding fire ratings and their importance is crucial for protecting your valuables. Fire ratings indicate the ability of a safe to withstand and control the internal temperature during a fire.

If you purchase a safe with a low fire rating, it has limited ability to withstand high temperatures and protect your belongings effectively. Higher fire ratings provide better insulation and longer durations of fire resistance.

You’ll likely come across the terms “fire resistant” and “fire retardant”. The first point is knowing they have vastly different meanings and capabilities. Fire-resistant safes can handle the fire’s heat and maintain the safe’s internal temperature. Whereas a fire-retardant safe has materials that slow fire spread.

While fire safes are specifically designed for fire protection, checking other safes’ fire levels or ratings is worth checking. For example, a burglary safe may have some fire resistance, offering additional protection in a fire incident.

In summary, a fire rating significantly determines a safe’s ability to protect your valuables during a fire. Opting for a safe with a higher fire rating increases assurance and better preservation of your belongings. Understanding the distinction between fire-resistant and fire-retardant safes ensures that you make an informed decision when choosing the right safe for your needs.

What’s the Most Suitable Location for Your Household Safe?

Deciding where to place your safe can be a challenging decision. Keeping it “out of sight, out of mind” becomes crucial without a burglar alarm system.

Considerations before buying a safe:

1. Accessibility: Will the safe’s placement encourage you to use it regularly? Ensure it’s in a convenient location and not tucked away in a dark or less frequently visited part of your home or business.
2. Adequate Lighting: Can you quickly see inside the safe and operate the lock? Avoid placing it in a dimly lit area, as it may cause frustration when trying to read the combination dial or view the contents.
3. Strong Flooring: Is the chosen location capable of supporting the weight of the safe? Heavy safes require a solid and sturdy surface like concrete rather than wood.

Traditional mechanical combination locks may pose challenges for those with eyesight issues due to minor hash marks on the dial. Consider opting for an electronic lock that is user-friendly and equally secure.

Avoid placing the safe in the master bedroom or walk-in closet, as these are often the first areas targeted by burglars searching for valuable items. Instead, explore alternative locations such as under an enclosed stairway, in a guest bedroom closet, or in a utility room.

Remember, burglars have ample time to search your premises without a burglar alarm system. Installing a monitored burglar alarm system is highly recommended, particularly when storing cash, gold, silver, or jewellery in the safe. National statistics indicate that burglars typically spend less than 10 minutes on-site with a blaring alarm, making it difficult to access or remove a properly anchored safe within a short timeframe.

By considering these factors and taking appropriate security measures, you can ensure the optimal safe placement, providing peace of mind and adequate protection for your valuable possessions.

The Crucial Importance of Anchoring Your Safe: Here’s Why

When you bolt a safe to the floor, it becomes nearly impossible for someone to pry open the door while standing upright. The secure anchoring prevents a thief from tipping over the safe and attempting to break into it.

During a break-in, most thieves aim for a quick smash-and-grab operation. However, thieves are aware of the presence of your safe and plan to remove it from your home; anchoring it to the floor ensures that it stays in place, thwarting their efforts.

Anchoring your safe offers additional safety for you and your family during use. It ensures stability by preventing the safe from tipping over when you open its door, especially if you store heavy items inside.

Various anchoring methods are available:

• Wood thread bolt and plug: This method uses a specialised bolt and plug combination designed to secure safes to wooden floors.
• Mechanical anchor (wedge bolt or spreading load anchor): These anchors provide a firm hold by expanding and gripping the surrounding materials, such as concrete or masonry.
• Chemical anchor: This method involves using a chemical adhesive to secure the safe to the floor, providing a robust and long-lasting bond.
• Alternative processing methods: Some safes can use alternative approaches like glueing, which may suit specific circumstances.

By selecting the appropriate anchoring method for your safe, you ensure it remains securely in place, enhancing its resistance to unauthorised access and preventing potential damage or theft.

Anchoring your safe adds an extra layer of protection, giving you peace of mind knowing that your valuables are secure and inaccessible to intruders.

How Would You Calculate the Ideal Size for Your Household Safe?

Many must pay more attention to adequately considering the safe’s interior size to accommodate their belongings. You measure a Safe by cubic feet, which you can determine with this simple math formula.

To calculate the internal size of the safe:

• Multiply the safe’s interior’s height, width, and depth.
• Divide the total by 1728.
• For example: Height x Width x Depth / 1728 (e.g., 20″ x 15″ x 20″ = 6000 cubic inches / 1728 = 3.47 cubic feet).

This calculation reveals the total cubic feet of the safe’s interior, enabling you to choose a safe that fits within your desired size range. Select a size slightly larger than you currently need, considering you may accumulate more items to store and protect. We recommend planning for at least five-to-ten years ahead. 

It’s important to note that some safe companies incorrectly calculate cubic feet using only the interior dimensions. Make sure to utilise the formula provided above to determine the actual interior cubic feet of the safe accurately. Discussing your safe’s requirements with a professional installer is a good idea.

By considering the interior space required and using the correct calculation, you can confidently select a safe that accommodates your current and future storage needs, ensuring sufficient room for your valuable possessions.

What are the Hidden Risks of Opting for a Budget-Friendly Safe?

Considering the potential drawbacks and limitations of opting for a budget-friendly safe is essential. Cheaper safes often compromise on quality, durability, and advanced security features, making them more susceptible to unauthorised access and damage.

While affordability is a valid consideration, balancing cost and the level of quality and security you require is crucial. Investing in a reputable and reliable safe ensures greater protection for your valuable possessions and peace of mind.

When storing your most prized possessions, relying on something other than a cheap safe is advisable. These items hold significant personal or financial value, and opting for an inferior safe could lead to irreversible consequences.

It’s essential to recognise that most people store their most valuable and vital items in a safe, such as important documents, jewellery, cash, or irreplaceable sentimental items. Investing in a safe that offers robust security measures and meets your specific storage requirements is crucial to safeguard these cherished possessions.

The safe you purchase should suit the items you intend to store. Consider size, fire resistance, water resistance, and specialised compartments for specific valuables. Consulting with experts throughout the process will help ensure your cherished possessions have adequate protection in a secure environment.

You can mitigate the hidden risks of cheaper alternatives by prioritising quality and security over cost when choosing a safe. Protecting your valuable belongings should be a top priority, and working with knowledgeable professionals will ensure that you make an informed decision and provide the highest level of security for your prized possessions.

Safe Removals – Safe Experts by Name and an Unbeatable Track Record

Our name says it all – Safe Removals is synonymous with expertise in safes. As London’s trusted professionals, we regularly handle various domestic and commercial safes, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge.

When choosing the right safe for your specific needs, our experts know the score. With an in-depth understanding of various safe types and functionality, we can provide tailored recommendations that align with your security requirements.

Our unbeatable track record of delivering exceptional customer satisfaction sets us apart. We take pride in our commitment to service excellence, ensuring we handle each job professionally and carefully.

Click now to begin your assessment or discuss safe options with us. We offer a free quote to help you make an informed decision without pressure to book. Trust Safe Removals for your safe needs – because your security is our top priority.