No one wants to return home to find all of their most prized possessions missing. Sadly, this is a reality faced by victims of the 2.5 million burglaries that happen in America each year, 66% of which are home break-ins. You can also lose your possessions to a fire, flood, earthquake, or other unexpected events. Fortunately, investing in a quality home safe is one of the best things you can do to safeguard your possessions from thefts and other perils. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding what safe will be best for you. Here’s what to think about before purchasing a home safe.
- Cost
Your budget will ultimately decide what kind of safe you can purchase, so it is prudent to keep costs in mind. Additional costs when buying safes can quickly add up, so you must set a price point before shopping. A standard model is unlikely to break the bank, but prepare to encounter upgrades like additional bolting and better steel quality. You may also want to pay slightly more for a safe with interior shelving. Additionally, some companies may offer warranties on their products, and you may need to pay to install this critical home security system.
- Preferred lock type
Home safes typically have two lock options: digital and dial. Each has its unique pros and cons, so it is prudent to consider which option best suits your needs before purchasing. Dial locks are similar to what you will find on school lockers. You open these locks by rotating the dial right and left until you input your unique combination. Many safety-conscious homeowners regard this type of safe lock as the most reliable because it is not susceptible to electronic outages or failure. However, if you are locked out, you will need the help of a mobile locksmith to change the combination. Conversely, digital locks are the kind you will find on hotel safes. You open a digital lock by inputting a pin into a keypad. These locks are easier to open than their combination counterparts, allowing quicker access to your belongings. Still, you will need a locksmith’s help if you forget your password.
- Items to be stored
Many experts agree that you must take stock of your most prized possessions before deciding which type of safe to buy. These possessions are what you would be most upset to lose, assuming all your belongings are stolen, lost, or destroyed. Items that are quite difficult to replace, like birth records, passports, and legal paperwork like wills or deeds to your property, are classic examples of such possessions. Wall safes are best for keeping these possessions since they cannot support much weight. Also, it is best to acquire a floor safe if you are seeking to store external hard drives, expensive jewelry pieces, or precious metals. Finally, the 2021 National Firearms Survey indicates that 32% of Americans say they own a firearm. If you constitute this demographic, consider purchasing a dedicated weapon safe to store your guns. These specialty weapons safes are better suited for gun storage than the standard wall and floor safes.
