Let’s talk burglary for a minute…
According to crime data, the average burglar spends about 6–10 minutes in a home.
That’s barely enough time to microwave a Hot Pocket, much less check under every floorboard for your granddad’s coin collection.
Most thieves are looking for big-ticket items they can grab fast—TVs, laptops, jewelry, guns.
They head straight for the master bedroom or office because that’s where you keep the “good stuff.”
But you?
You’re smarter than that…
Set’s build you something that’s so sneaky, any would-be criminal will overlook it completely…
Burglars Are In A Hurry – So Don’t Help Them Get Lucky!
Here’s How to Make a Homemade “Secret Stash Can” To Hide Your Money, Jewelry, Or Even “Weapons Of Opportunity”… Right In Plain Site!
Making a stash can is a very simple process.
In this example, I’m using a used aerosol paint can, but you can use any kind of similar can that works for you…
Items You’ll Need:
- An empty aerosol (or similar) type can
- A simple can opener
- A couple of strong ceramic or disk magnets
Step 1: Pick The Right Can
Not all cans are created equal.
First, test your can with a magnet.
(Not all metals are magnetic, and unless you plan to MacGyver a tiny vault, this trick only works if magnets stick.)
Next, make sure your stash can blends in.
If it stands out like a neon piñata in a closet full of greys, you’ve already lost.
Also… avoid flashy logos or bright colors – go boring (Think: Dad’s garage in 1987.)
And never, ever use something someone might actually grab for its original purpose.
If you have company in town and your sister-in-law goes to grab the can of hairspray you have under the bathroom sink – only to find a can of silver coins – well… cover blown, my friend!
(Because nothing kills a covert stash like your sister-in-law grabbing your “hairspray safe” from your bathroom cabinet – only to find a can of silver coins! Cover blown, Warrior!)
Step 2: Remove The Bottom (Without Blowing Yourself Up)
Your “secret safe” shouldn’t be synonymous with “trip to the ER”…
If you’re using an aerosol can, discharge it fully first by holding down that nozzle until it hisses like a deflating balloon—and then keep going for good measure.
Then grab a standard can opener and line it up just above the bottom lip of the can.
Cut slowly, carefully, and evenly—because jagged edges will make your stash can scream “homemade safe” louder than a conspiracy theorist at a family reunion.
Step 3: Clean Out The Inside
You don’t want Grandma’s pearls to smell like paint thinner.
So, once the bottom’s off, it’s time to give your can a spa day.
Clean it thoroughly with soap and warm water, removing any residue or gunk that could damage or permanently “perfume” your stash.
Let it dry completely before moving on because trapped moisture means mold or rust—and neither goes well with cash, silver, or heirloom jewelry.
Step 4 & 5: Insert The Magnets With Secret Agent Dexterity
Here’s where things get clever…
Place your magnets inside the can to ready it for stashing your goods.
These are your closure mechanism—no duct tape, glue, or super-sneaky Velcro involved.
When positioning them, do it in a way that the magnets are flush with the very bottom of the can (See Image #5).
Also, the polarity of the magnets matters when you’re using multiples like this.
Mismatched poles can repel the bottom lid like it owes them money—and that’s not a good look when you’re trying to be subtle.
Step 6: Add Your Valuables (Or WEAPONS!)
Keep it quiet, Warriors!
Loose coins, keys, bullets – anything that clinks or jingles needs to go into a plastic baggie with bubble wrap or padding.
Imagine a burglar casually nudging your stash can and hearing jingle-jingle-plink.
(That includes “weapons of opportunity” like a fixed-blade knife you can grab at the right moment if you’re being held hostage by home invaders!)
On the other hand, wads of cash or paper documents? Totally fine.
They’re silent, stealthy, and very James Bond.
Step 7: Reattach The Bottom
The metal bottom you removed earlier?
That now becomes the door to your hidden treasure.
Let it snap in place via the magnets, making sure it fits snugly, with no visible gaps.
Test it: Pick up the can, shake it gently.
You want “secure and subtle,” not “shaky and suspicious”.
If the lid stays on and doesn’t clatter or shift, you’re golden!
This is also where you’ll find out if your magnets are strong enough to handle the weight of whatever you’re hiding.
If they’re not? Upgrade them.
No shame in going from “DIY” to “fortress-grade.”
Step 8: Hide It… Right Out In The Open!
Now comes the magic trick…
The best place to hide a tree… is in a forest of trees, right?
Place your new stash can somewhere it looks totally normal for the can you chose – on a workshop shelf, in a cleaning supply bin, under a bathroom sink.
(Bonus points if it’s surrounded by similar items that scream “Nothing Valuable Here!”)
But – and this is key – don’t put it where guests or house cleaners might actually pick it up or use it.
You don’t want to explain why your can of shaving cream has 500 bucks and a folding knife inside.
Use it smart, and your stash can becomes one of the cheapest, most effective “anti-burglary” upgrades you’ll ever make.
And no, you don’t need to wear a tux and carry a martini to feel like a secret agent every time you stash your loot.
What Other “Secret Hiding Spots” Are Good Locations In A Home For Covertly Stashing Valuables?
Please Leave Your Best Tips In The Comments Below Now…
Different shtf scenerio but if a woman is trying to hide cash to escape an abusive relationship, putting it under the tampons in the box, and/or you can take the cotton out of a tampon and roll money into it, slip it back in it’s wrapper and put that one in your purse. Also in a mobile home once I discovered the closet rod was hollow plastic. These were the only places he never found while tearing the house apart looking for my money.
Ingenious, ma’am.
The cat box is the perfect hiding place. Get a clean litter box and put in clean kitty litter. Place your valuables under and in the litter. Take some large Tootsie Rolls and cut in various lengths, then cover with spray adhesive and roll in litter. Next, spread Tootsie Rolls in various places and depths, then make some wet spots with lemon juice. Place completed litter box in an obvious place and spread a small bit of litter around the box.
No one will mess with it and won’t be suspicious if they don’t see a cat as they often hide from strangers.
Wow @4Mary13! Did you get your PhD in “Creative Hiding Places”?! hahahaha
Brilliant!
Almond Roca works too…
Just don’t get the 2 mixed up!
As a cat lover I find that truly genius and hilarious at the same time
Just be sure to tell the executor of your will where you’ve hidden valuables.
It’s a wonderful idea in theory but, as somebody else mentioned, if you pass away unexpectedly, somebody had better be aware of your hiding spots. Otherwise, some very valuable things will end up in the county landfill or the local thrift shop. After my mother passed away, we never found her expensive jewelry. Don’t know if it was stolen while she was in the hospital or if somebody entered her condo while she was hospitalized, found it and gave it a new home. We looked everywhere. I am still wondering if she stashed it in a box of food in the kitchen. I don’t think she would have hidden it with food because she was neurotic about keeping it clean but who knows…..?
I would recommend getting a small fireproof safe and having it mounted to the floor in a bedroom closet. Hang clothes over it or store blankets on top of it and it should be fairly well hidden. Just don’t stub your toe on it.
Good point Agatha!
It does make sense to include instructions in a will if it’s really something valuable or something you don’t want just getting thrown out by mistake (like more expensive weapons, etc.)
Safes are definitely a better idea for truly valuable goods but, as you stated, they should be either too heavy for criminals to just “grab and go” or bolted down if they’re smaller and easily carried off.
Thanks for sharing!
I used to sell the commercial version of this product. Don’t hide your goodies in a fake beer can in the refrigerator. Too vulnerable to accidental discovery. My favorite — a spray can of jock itch medicine! Spray a little of the real stuff on top and let it dry. Ain’t no one gonna mess with that! Store with other, similar products.
My military shadow boxes hanging on my ” World Wall” have a little extra depth to them which allows easy hiding for pistol(s) money, knives and other assorted valuables.
Really – who wants to bother with my trophy’s and flags.
My mom had a little wall safe in the closet that pulled out from a realistic wall (electric) socket face plate. I thought is was genius….
My Uncle had a number of rental properties. He kept the keys in a coffee can on the shelf in the kitchen along with the real coffee in front. Looked just like a spare can. The food pantry offers a lot of options with ready access if needed.
hide in bottom of dog food bag with food on top
3 gallon bucket of wall spackling. Place items in a sealed food saver bag, then place into the spackling pushing down until they are submerged below the surface. Place the lid back in the bucket and put it on a shelf. It’s a pain to access, but nobody’s gonna be digging around in that mess on the off chance someone stored something in it and the bucket is fairly heavy when full so you won’t notice the difference in weight if the items you put in have a heavier or lighter density.
What happens when the spackling dries up?
This is an excellent idea! Though not sure my wife would be happy with me storing paint supplies in our bedroom …..
Cash may be no good when SHTF. Try silver or gold.
I made one out of a large Crisco shortening can which holds my 9mm
plus cash and emergency car keys
The toilet paper sleeve is just the right size for quarters and the spring holds them in place. Cash can also be put there in a rubber band down the center of the spring.
If you have home repair skills and the money for materials, you have a LOT of options. I’m too broke to have small valuables to hide. Next year will be even worse. Good luck, folks!
That’s the beauty in being short of cash. Nothing to worry about. It’s strangely comforting.
Thank you for the wonderful idea and step-by-step directions.
Maybe this is a little too “cloak and dagger,” but I hide my home cash reserve in books. I also have stock certificates, bonds, etc. in one of the ca. 100 binders in my home office.
Old books with a cutout for a pistol work well too.
How “secret” is this info if it’s here on the internet for everyone to see and read?!
Naomi
Same for those hidden compartments in furniture ads. Pictures of what the furniture looks like.
My thought exactly. The best places are those that ONLY the executors of your will know about!
They are in a hurry… they’re not going to pick up every can in the house.