You may think you’re being clever by hiding your emergency cash in a “secret” spot at home, but chances are, you’re not as slick as you believe. Burglars don’t need hours to search your house; they know exactly where to look first. In fact, some of the most popular hiding places are so overused that they’re basically an open invitation for thieves. If your cash stash is tucked into one of the following places, it’s time to move it—fast.
1. Under the Mattress
The oldest trick in the book is also one of the worst. Hiding money under the mattress is practically a cliché. It might feel nostalgic, but it’s one of the very first places burglars check because they know so many people still do it.
Better idea: If you must keep money in the bedroom, choose a more obscure location away from obvious furniture pieces.
2. In the Freezer
That sealed bag of frozen peas may not fool a determined thief. Hiding valuables in the freezer used to be clever. Now, it’s expected. Burglars often head straight to the kitchen because they know homeowners assume the fridge or freezer offers a layer of disguise.
Better idea: Use the freezer only for food. If you’re storing emergency cash, keep it well away from standard appliances.
3. Inside a Sock Drawer
It sounds harmless enough, but every thief on the planet knows to dig through drawers in the master bedroom. Sock drawers, underwear drawers, and nightstands are always prime targets.
Better idea: Avoid the bedroom altogether for cash storage. It’s one of the first rooms thieves ransack.
4. In a Cookie Jar or Cereal Box
Burglars are wise to the “hide it in the kitchen” trick. If your money is in a cookie tin, tea box, or cereal package, it’s not fooling anyone. Criminals know how to spot repurposed containers, and they’ll check them without hesitation.
Better idea: Keep the kitchen for cooking. Don’t assume food containers are a safe hiding spot.
5. Behind Picture Frames
This one might feel movie-worthy, but it’s not. Behind wall art, family portraits or mirrors are extremely common hiding places. They’re also easy to inspect quickly.
Better idea: If you want to use the wall, consider a hidden compartment built into less obvious areas like baseboards or shelves.
6. Inside Books on a Shelf
Fake book safes are popular on Amazon for a reason, but they’re also a go-to target for anyone looking to steal cash. Thieves will quickly pull books off the shelf, shake them, or inspect titles that look out of place.
Better idea: If you’re set on using books, blend a hollow one into a large, chaotic shelf with no signs of tampering.
7. In a Desk Drawer
Home offices are a hotspot for burglary. Desk drawers are usually where people stash cash, documents, or extra checks. They’re quick to access and easy to rifle through in seconds.
Better idea: Consider hiding valuables in a decoy box labeled with something boring like “old receipts” or “tax forms.”
8. In the Toilet Tank
It sounds creative, but it’s a well-known method and one that can ruin your stash if there’s a leak or moisture. Burglars who are thorough will check bathroom cabinets and toilet tanks because these spots are often used in movies or DIY hiding guides.
Better idea: Leave the plumbing alone. Water and valuables never mix.
9. In the Closet Shoe Box
A shoe box filled with envelopes of cash feels smart…until it’s gone. Closets are always searched, and shoe boxes are a natural place for burglars to investigate. They’re portable, easy to open, and often contain more than just shoes.
Better idea: Use a less obvious box in a part of the house burglars rarely spend time in, like the laundry room or basement.
10. Under the Couch Cushions
It might work for pocket change, but not real savings. Sofas are easy targets. Burglars lift cushions or flip them without even thinking. If your emergency money is tucked under the cushion, it’s as good as gone.
Better idea: Look for spots that aren’t directly connected to furniture. Hidden wall safes or locked fireproof boxes provide more security.
Stay One Step Ahead
Your home is your sanctuary, but when it comes to hiding cash, you need to think like a burglar to stay ahead. If a spot feels “obvious” or convenient, it’s likely already been compromised. The best hiding places are the ones that don’t follow a pattern, blend into clutter, or require some effort to access. Just remember: if it’s easy for you to get to, it’s probably easy for a thief, too.
Do you have a clever hiding spot that’s worked for years or a close call that made you rethink everything?
Read More:
Burglars Love When You Leave These 8 Clues That You’re Out of Town
Don’t Hide Money In The Toilet: Conversations With A Burglar
Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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