Keeping a home organized can feel like a constant battle. Whether you live alone, share a space with roommates, or have a large family, time and space constraints can make it difficult to stop the clutter from creeping in. The best organizing products make it possible to develop a solution to tame the clutter and find a spot to keep your items easily accessible without making more of a mess. Continue reading to learn more about some of the top organizing products for the kitchen, office, closet, bedroom, bathroom, garage, and car.

Best Kitchen Organizers

1. Food Storage Containers

The pantry is often one of the most disorganized spaces in a home. This set of 24 airtight food storage containers are one of the best home organization products to help you regain control of a cluttered pantry. The set includes four different container sizes (2.5 quarts, 1.8 quarts, 1.5 quarts, and 0.7 quarts) to hold snacks, cereal, pasta, baking necessities, tea bags, and more. The containers are stackable and come with reusable labels, making it easy to keep everything organized and easy to find.

Get the Vtopmart Airtight Food Storage Containers at Amazon for $36.99 (Save $5)

2. Refrigerator Organizer Bins

The refrigerator is another area of the kitchen that can often use some TLC when it comes to organization. These bins can hold fresh fruits and vegetables, condiments, snacks, soda cans, and other loose items that would otherwise get jumbled around in the fridge. Four medium and four large bins come in the set, providing plenty of space to store several items. The clear design makes it easy to see what is in each bin and helps prevent food waste. In addition to being used in the fridge, these clear bins can also help you keep the freezer, pantry, or countertops organized.

Get the Utopia Home Organizer Bins at Amazon for $16.99

3. Can Organizer

Canned soups, fruits, vegetables, and meats are a staple found in many pantries. However, when you have several cans in your pantry, it can be really difficult to find the one you need for a specific recipe—or to even know what you have when getting your grocery list ready. This can rack organizer has a three-tiered design to hold up to 36 cans. Customize the placement of the included plastic dividers to accommodate the cans in your pantry. If the space in your pantry allows, you can even purchase two sets of racks and stack them together to store up to 72 cans.

Get the Sagler Stackable Can Rack Organizer at Amazon for $19.99

4. Pots and Pans Organizer

Keep your pots and pans from taking over your cabinets with this organizer. It offers a customizable design to accommodate your specific storage and organization needs. Choose a horizontal layout to hold up to eight lids and frying pans, or opt for one of the two horizontal settings to hold larger cookware pieces.

Get the GeekDigg Pot Rack Organizer at Amazon for $23.99

5. Spice Organizer

This two-tiered spice organizer can hold up to 40 different seasonings and condiments, making it much easier to find exactly what you need for a specific recipe. There’s an adjustable top shelf and four different height settings to choose from, depending on the space in your cabinet and the height of your seasoning bottles. With the built-in lazy Susan, you can rotate the shelves 360-degrees to quickly grab the spice you want.

Get the Spice Spinner Two-Tiered Spice Organizer at Amazon for $19.99

6. Water Bottle Organizer

If you’re afraid all of your water bottles and tumblers are going to come crashing out of the kitchen cabinet every time you open it, consider picking up this water bottle organizer. It features four stacking trays, each with three deep wells to hold bottles of varying sizes. The organizer is made of shatter-resistant BPA-free plastic, so it’s built to last. In addition to helping you keep your cabinets organized, you can also place this product directly in the refrigerator to keep water bottles, sports drinks, and other beverages ready to go.

Get the ClearSpace Water Bottle Organizer at Amazon for $24.95

Best Office Organizers

7. Acrylic Desk Organizer

With the right home organization products, you can keep your pens, pencils, scissors, even craft supplies tidy on your desk. This clear acrylic desk organizer offers six compartments to corral your desk’s clutter, and spins 360 degrees on a lazy Susan so that you can see all with ease.

Get the Absonic Acrylic Pen Organizer at Amazon for $29.99

8. Desk Drawer Organizer

With 10-interlocking bins of varying sizes, this desk drawer organizer will help you neatly store pens, pencils, paperclips, scissors, staples, and other office essentials. The layout is completely customizable, allowing you to create a customized design based on your exact organizational needs and the dimensions of your desk drawer. The durable plastic bins are available in black or white and can also be used to organize bathroom drawers, junk drawers, and other problem areas in the home.

Get the Backerysupply Interlocking Desk Drawer Organizer at Amazon for $8.99

9. Cable Management Organizer

If you’ve had enough of the jumbled mess of cords and cables behind your computer, solve your problems with this handy organizer. This set of three cable holder clips can keep your charging cords, mouse cables, audio cables, Ethernet cables, and more from getting tangled or lost behind the desk. It’s made of 100 percent silicone construction to avoid interfering with any of your electronic devices. Plus, the base of the silicone strip has an adhesive to keep in place on a variety of surface types.

Get the Soulwit Cable Holder Clips at Amazon for $6.55

Best Closet and Bedroom Organizers

10. Over-the-Door Shoe Storage

Our favorite over-the-door shoe rack from testing is versatile in both how it hangs and what it can hold. Measuring 35.2 inches tall by 17 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep, these cubby-style shoe racks come in a two-pack that can either be hung separately or together. For added convenience, there are three hooks on the bottom where the racks can attach to each other to create one larger rack that holds 24 pairs of shoes. In testing, we found that each set had a row of deeper pockets that worked well for large or bulky shoes like trail runners and boots. Plus, the sturdy design can also hold toys, crafts, socks, clothes, tools, belts, or even cleaning products.

Get the StorageManiac over-the-door shoe rack on Amazon for $32.99

11. Drawer Organizer

With the best drawer organizers, finding clothing in your dressers is a lot easier. This set of four drawer dividers is perfect for clearing up space to keep underwear, socks, bras, and other delicate clothing items under control. Each bin offers cells of varying sizes to better accommodate each of your items. Choose from gray, dark gray, black, beige, brown, pink, and turquoise color options to better match your room’s decor and your preferences.

Get the SimpleHouseware Drawer Organizer at Amazon for $13.97

12. Hanging Closet Organizer

A hanging closet organizer allows you to maximize space in a tight closet and makes it easier to store bulkier items, such as sweaters, towels, and bedding. This organizer offers four shelves, a side pocket that will support up to 30 pounds, and hooks to hang it on a garment rod or to wire shelves. Made from a durable polyester canvas material, it’s also available in four different color options.

Get the StorageWords 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer at Amazon for $26.99

13. Shoe Storage Boxes

These shoe storage boxes will keep your shoes dust-free in addition to keeping them organized and easy to find. The set includes 12 durable plastic shoe bins large enough to hold women’s size 10 shoes or men’s size 9 shoes. The bins are stackable and allow you to create a customized configuration based on the constraints of your space. Their clear front and side design makes it easy to quickly spot the pair of shoes you want, and the breathable back frame allows for enough airflow to keep them in good condition.

Get the Pinkpum Shoe Storage Boxes at Amazon for $29.99

14. Underbed Storage Bags

Store off-season clothes and extra linens under the bed with this three-pack of large storage bags. Each one has a clear top window, allowing you to easily verify the contents of each container. There’s 10 adhesive tags included for labeling the contents of each bag, and each bag is designed with a durable rip-resistant cloth, metal zippers, and reinforced handles. The set is available in gray,

Get the NestNeatly SmartCube Underbed Storage Bags at Amazon for $25.99

Best Bathroom Organizers

15. Shower Door Caddy

Keep shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other bathing essentials organized with this shower caddy. It offers three spaced out shelves, making room to store taller or smaller bottles. Two integrated hooks can hold pumice stones, loofas, and other hanging items, and the caddy hangs over shower doors using the built-in hooks. As a bonus, they also double as towel hooks.

Get the mDesign Over Shower Door Caddy at Amazon for $39.99

16. Styling Tools Organizer

Blow dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons, brushes, and other hair care products can take up a lot of space under the cabinet or on a bathroom countertop. This is one of the best organization products to keep these tools out of the way, but also easy to access when needed. It can be mounted on the wall or hung over a cabinet or shower door using the removable hooks.

Get the Simple Houseware Cabinet/Wall-Mount Hair Dryer Organizer at Amazon for $16.87

17. Wall-Mounted Toothbrush Holder

Upgrade your bathroom experience with this sleek and stylish wall-mounted toothbrush holder. It has four hooks to hold both manual and electric toothbrushes, while keeping them covered and dust-free. This bathroom organizer offers additional storage space for tubes, bottles, hair care accessories and more with its flat top shelf and small drawer. Plus, an integrated toothpaste dispenser offers convenience and reduces waste by releasing the right amount of toothpaste.

Get the Showgoca Wall-Mounted Toothbrush Holder at Amazon for $17.99

Best Garage Organizers

18. Wall-Mount Tool Organizer

Don’t let shovels, rakes, brooms, and other tools prevent you from keeping a tidy garage. Keep these items off of the floor with this wall-mount tool organizer. The system includes four 16-inch segments, 20 hooks, and 20 pegs, allowing you to create a layout that will work with your space and storage needs. Each hook can support up to 15 pounds, and each peg can hold up to 5.5 pounds.

Get the Horusdy Adjustable Storage System at Amazon for $14.99

19. Magnetic Tool Holder 

Mounting this magnetic tool holder above your garage workbench will help you keep screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and other tools within easy reach. The carbon steel magnetic bar can support up to 10 pounds, and packs of two or four magnetic bars are available to customize the length and layout based on your space.

Get the RamPro Magnetic Tool Holder Strip at Amazon for $27.99

20. 44-Drawer Plastic Storage Cabinet

Trying to find a place for small odds and ends like screws and batteries can be difficult; however, simple plastic storage cabinets like the ones from Akro-Mils can be an easy solution. There are numerous drawer options, ranging from 16 to 64 drawers, with additional drawer dividers included. They’re available in black, red, and yellow. The drawers are big enough to handle things like screws, drill bits, craft supplies, batteries, and other spare parts. The cabinet can be stacked and left freestanding or mounted for extra security. 

Get the Akro-Mils Plastic Storage Cabinet at Amazon for $48.35

Best Car Organizers

21. Trunk Organizer

Whether you’re bringing home groceries, heading to the beach, or driving the kids back and forth between sports practices, a trunk organizer can help you maximize the space in your trunk and keep items from sliding around inside the car. This trunk organizer from Miu is expandable to meet your specific storage needs; it can be configured with one, two, or three compartments. When you need to transport something bulkier in your trunk, simply collapse the organizer to get it out of the way.

Get the Miu Color Car Trunk Organizer at Amazon for $19.99

22. Backseat Organizer

Clear backseat clutter with this organizer that attaches to the back of the front seats. It has eight elastic pockets of various sizes to hold books, toys, snacks, and more. The front center pocket is large enough to hold an 11-inch tablet, which is perfect for keeping your kids entertained on longer drives. Made with a heavy-duty scratch-proof and waterproof oxford fabric, it attaches to the front seats easily with adjustable straps and quick-release buckles.

Get the One Pix Backseat Car Organizers at Amazon for $9.99

23. Car Seat Gap Filler Organizer

The gap between the front seats and the center console is not only wasted space, but it often causes problems with cell phones, crumbs, or other items that drop down and are difficult to reach. This gap filler organizer fills in that otherwise wasted space and provides you with a few additional compartments to hold your phone, keys, coins, and other small items. It has an adaptive sponge mechanism that expands to create a secure fit, allowing this organizer to work with gaps of varying widths.

Get the Paffenery Car Seat Gap Filler Organizer at Amazon for $25.99

The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on February 3, 2025

The post The 23 Best Organization Products Under $50 appeared first on Bob Vila.

Installing a locking mailbox can be a useful home security upgrade, protecting against package thieves and identity theft. But are all lockable mailboxes created equal? We recently put a number of them to the test, leaving them out in inclement weather and even taking weaponry to them to determine how well they’d stand up to determined thieves. The results? We found the Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager to be the best overall, due in part to its nearly indestructible nature. But in order to cover a variety of locking mailboxes, we tested different styles, such as wall-mount mailboxes, and included recommendations based on our test results as well as customer reviews and reviews.

To learn what to look for while evaluating locking mailboxes, we first consulted with security specialist Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder of Security Guards Only, an online community for security professionals. He provided his expert insight on how to properly deter package pirates and what to look for in a locking mailbox, and this info helped set our research into motion. Whether you’re looking to ward off would-be package thieves or protect your mail from the elements, have a look through this roundup of the best locking mailboxes to find the right pick for you.

1. BEST OVERALL: Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox
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2. RUNNER-UP: Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dalmbox Locking Mailbox
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4. BEST WALL-MOUNTED: Architectural Mailboxes Designer Locking Mailbox
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5. BEST VINTAGE: Polar Aurora Cast Aluminum Post-Mounted Mailbox
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6. BEST MODERN: Mail Boss 7412 Locking Security Drop Box 
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7. BEST FOR PACKAGES: Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic Locking Mailbox
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8. BEST CURBSIDE: Mail Boss 7207 Package Master Locking Mail
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9. ALSO CONSIDER: Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox
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Our Top Picks

The quest for the right locking mailbox for a home can take some time, especially since there are many good options on the market. To help narrow the field of potential picks, this guide showcases some of the best lockable mailbox options in a variety of sizes, shapes, and mounting styles. One of the following may be what you need for your home.

Best Overall

Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Nearly indestructible design
• United States Postal Service (USPS)-approved
• Includes 3 keys and installation hardware
• Holds small parcels 
• Baffle door helps prevent theft 
• Designed for post mounting

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy: may take two people to mount
• Style can feel too industrial for some 
• On the expensive side for mailboxes

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 11.1 inches high by 10.8 inches wide by 21.5 inches deep
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, two 12-disc locks with anti-drill and anti-pick design, front and rear keyed access

Our Ratings: Security 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Value 5/5

This USPS-approved large lockable mailbox is designed to keep mail and small packages safe while users are away, and it comes with all hardware to install on a post upon arrival. In our rounds of testing, the galvanized steel Mail Boss 7536 was nearly indestructible. After aggressive tampering, we were unable to cause damage beyond a few dents on the top. We spent some time hitting the lock and attempting to pick it, all to no avail. And during a storm, the Mail Boss 7536 kept mail inside the box bone dry.

The interior is roomy enough to hold small packages. The baffle door on the inside helps to prevent fishing from the mail slot, and the anti-pry lock withstood our attempts with a screwdriver, crowbar, and even an axe. Overall, this was the strongest mailbox we tested, though the Mail Boss 7506, also on this list, is nearly identical. The 7536 model is slightly larger, which gives it the edge.

What our tester says: “I was amazed at how well this mailbox stood up to my tests, including chopping at it with an axe, trying to pry the locks with a screwdriver and crowbar, and hitting it with a sledge hammer. It remained nearly flawless, and the locks held tight.” —Amber Guetebier, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Mail Boss 7536 locking mailbox at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Runner-up

Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Incredibly durable material
• Keeps mail dry
• Accepts mail and small parcels
• Includes three keys and installation hardware
• USPS-approved
• Post mounted

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy: may require more than one to mount 
• Utilitarian style may not appeal to some

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 11.3 inches high by 10.8 inches wide by 21 inches deep
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, two 12-disc wafer locks, anti-drill locks, anti-pick mechanism, front and rear keyed access

Our Ratings: Security 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Value 5/5

The heavy-duty, post-mounted Mail Boss 7506 is a worthy option for anyone hoping to keep packages and mail secure. Like the Mail Boss 7536, which took best overall, this locking mailbox is made of extremely heavy-duty galvanized steel that endured rigorous testing. Additionally, the locks were difficult to pick or smash open—and oh, how we tried. In many ways, it is identical to the 7536 model, but is slightly smaller. It also features those 12-disc wafer locks with anti-pick and anti-drill ratings.

This model provides extra protection for mail with the inclusion of an interior baffle door. This helps prevent fishing and helps keep the mail nice and dry, which it did beautifully during testing. There is also an anti-pry latch so the mailbox cannot be forced open with a prying tool, like a screwdriver or the crow bar we used in testing. 

Get the Mail Boss 7506 locking mailbox at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Dalmbox Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Easy to install with included hardware 
• Attractive: fits a variety of home designs
• Mounts to wall near door 
• Kept mail dry in inclement weather during testing
• Good cost value

What We Don’t Like

• Small: can’t hold packages 
• Dented easily during testing
• Requires wall mounting

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 12.6 inches high by 10.2 inches wide by 3.7 inches deep
• Security features: Locking

Our Ratings: Security 4/5; Build Quality 3/5; Value 5/5 

For a basic wall-mounted mailbox that won’t cost a fortune, we recommend Dalmbox’s locking mailbox, which held up well to testing. This small locking mailbox kept the mail inside dry during a storm and includes installation hardware to make installation easy. 

The material is a coated galvanized steel, but it’s relatively thin compared to other locking mailboxes. We found it caved instantly under the axe and did not stand up well to the hammer. Heavy hitting did cause the lid to pop open and off, despite the fact that it was locked. 

Before testing the mailbox with blunt force, we spent time trying to pick and pry the lock open and were unsuccessful. Because of this, the mailbox does the job it is set out to do: it keeps mail dry and prevents easy theft, so we feel it does add a measure of security. It has a simple, attractive design that goes with any style of home and will provide more peace of mind than a non-lockable mailbox. 

What our tester said: “Although this wasn’t as sturdy as the post-mounted mailboxes I tested during heavy hitting, I liked how dry it kept the mail and felt that overall it would stand up to would-be thieves, as long as they aren’t on your porch wielding an axe or a sledgehammer. If they are, you might have bigger problems.”—Amber Guetebier, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dalmbox locking mailbox at Amazon.

Best Wall-Mounted

Architectural Mailboxes Designer Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Mounts to wall near front door 
• Simple installation with hardware included
• Includes two keys 
• Good budget-tier option

What We Don’t Like

• Won’t hold larger packages 
• Material caved during (excessive) testing

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 12.6 inches high by 9.7 inches wide by 4.4 inches deep
• Security features: Locking

Our Ratings: 4/5; Build Quality 3.5/5; Value 5/5

If you’re in the market for a wall-mounted locking mailbox, the Architectural Mailboxes Designer model is an excellent choice. It includes all the necessary mounting hardware to install it on your porch under the watchful eye of a security camera or near your front door. The mailbox itself is made of a strong galvanized steel that held up relatively well during tests, though it did not endure as well as some of the more heavy-duty, post-mounted models on this list. The material did cave under the heave of an axe. The lock was fairly difficult to pick, though we did manage to get it open by hitting it with a hammer repeatedly. 

The mailbox itself kept the mail inside dry despite a major storm. The mailbox includes an optional vintage-style plaque that reads “mail,” which can be placed anywhere on the front of the mailbox or left off for a more modern, streamlined look. The mailbox also comes in several colorways including black with brushed black, black with bronze or silver, as well as white and silver.

Get the Architectural Mailboxes Designer locking mailbox at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

More Great Options

With so many options for locking mailboxes, we weren’t able to test as many as we would’ve liked. We hope to test the following models someday, but their excellent reviews and ratings convinced us they’re worthy picks for folks looking for other styles and types of locking mailboxes.

Best Vintage

Polar Aurora Cast Aluminum Post-Mounted Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Water-resistant aluminum holds up to the elements
• Vintage style looks good with older homes
• Variety of colors available 
• Suitable for large envelopes, magazines, and small packages

What We Don’t Like

• Fairly expensive, though high-quality
• Heavy: may require help to mount
• Style is not for everyone
• No red flag for outgoing mail

Specs

• Material: Cast aluminum and steel 
• Dimensions: 46 inches high (including pedestal) by 14 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep 
• Security features: Locking mail compartment 

Those who are interested in a statement piece that also functions as a locking mailbox may want to consider this sophisticated option from Polar Aurora. This aesthetically pleasing curbside mailbox is made of water-resistant cast aluminum and steel with a powder-coated finish to withstand the elements long term. Its mail compartment is suitable for small to large envelopes, magazines, and small packages. 

Approved by the United States Postal Service, this pedestal model is 46 inches high, comes with a locking access door and two keys, and is offered in three color options to match a home’s current exterior fixtures. Plus, all the necessary installation hardware is included with the purchase. Though this model comes with many fine attributes, it does not come with a red flag for outgoing mail.

Get the Polar Aurora locking mailbox at Amazon or Wayfair.

Best Modern

Mail Boss 7412 Locking Security Drop Box

See It

What We Like

• Powder-coated finish designed to endure the elements 
• Includes 3 laser-cut keys for multiple users
• Available in a variety of colorways 

What We Don’t Like

• Cannot hold larger packages and parcels
• Vulnerable to picking, drilling, and prying

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 16.2 inches high by 11.2 inches wide by 4.7 inches deep 
• Security features: 12-disc wafer lock and anti-pry latch

If your goal is to replace an old wall-mount mailbox with a new locking mailbox, but a bland, forgettable design isn’t appealing, take a look at the various color and style options offered with the Mail Boss 7412. Each model has a different powder-coated finish that users can match with the outside of their home and their personal tastes. Plus, the mailbox comes with steel hinges for ease of use and durability.

The locking mailbox measures 16.2 inches high by 11.2 inches wide by 4.7 inches deep, and it comes with three laser-cut keys for the household. The sturdy 16-gauge galvanized steel body, patented anti-pry latch, and chrome alloy-tempered steel hook cam are all great vandalism deterrents. The mailbox comes with mounting screws and drill bits, so users have everything necessary to install it as soon as it arrives.

Get the Mail Boss 7412 locking mailbox at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best for Packages

Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Powder-coated finish resists exposure 
• Multiple security features to keep mail safe
• Hopper drawer to allow for larger packages 

What We Don’t Like

• High-volume mailboxes can be more appealing to thieves

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 15.2 inches high by 11.5 inches wide by 18.1 inches deep 
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, stainless steel tamper-proof lock, anti-pick mechanism

For those who frequently order items online and worry about parcel safety when they aren’t at home, the extra-large capacity and specialized features of this parcel mailbox can help.

The locking mailbox can accept small to medium parcels up to 9.75 inches long by 6.5 inches wide by 2 inches high. The entire box measures 15.2 inches high by 11.5 inches wide by 18.1 inches deep, giving users more than enough space for multiple package deliveries and an average volume of mail.

Once delivered, the packages are protected by the heavy-duty 16- and 18-gauge galvanized steel mailbox, an anti-pry latch, an anti-fishing hopper door, and a pick-resistant stainless steel lock that can only be opened using one of the two included keys.

The doors of the locking mailbox have weather-resistant rubber seals to keep the mail dry and stainless steel hardware that is naturally rust-resistant, so users don’t have to worry about the mailbox becoming stuck in the open or closed position.

Get the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic locking mailbox at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Upgrade Pick

Mail Boss 7207 Package Master Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Durable construction withstands exposure to the elements 
• High-security mailbox comes with multiple safety features
• Accommodates small packages and high volume of mail

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive compared with other similar options
• Outgoing mail may be more attractive to thieves

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 16.5 inches high by 12 inches wide by 21.5 inches deep
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, 12-disc wafer lock, anti-drill lock, anti-pick mechanism

This Mail Boss unit is a pricey addition to a home, but it has a strong, durable design that justifies the cost. The stainless steel hinges resist the elements well, and the 12- and 14-gauge electro-galvanized welded steel body prevents forced break-ins.

The anti-pry latch keeps out thieves who may try to pry the mailbox open, while the 12-disc wafer lock is rated for anti-pick and anti-drill security, and it’s made with flame-hardened steel. The mailbox has a large package slot that accepts items up to 10.5 inches long by 4.5 inches high by 4.5 inches wide.

A larger slot size can encourage fishing because the opening appears wider and easier to access, but the mail shield mechanism within this mailbox prevents this type of theft. Setting up the mailbox is easy, too, thanks to Mail Boss’s patented Fast-Track mounting plate for quick installation.

Get the Mail Boss 7207 locking mailbox at Amazon.

Also Consider

Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Includes four keys 
• Has predrilled 4-inch by 10-inch holes for mounting
• Built-in mail clip to keep outgoing mail
• Durable, heavy-gauge galvanized construction 

What We Don’t Like

• Mounting hardware and post are not included

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 11.5 inches high by 11.4 inches wide by 20 inches deep 
• Security features: Locking, front and rear keyed access 

Those who want a simple and safe mailbox will want to take a look at the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 locking mailbox. This model provides both front and rear access for receiving mail, is made with powder-coated galvanized steel inside and out, has a red flag, and has predrilled 4-inch by 10-inch mounting holes for its post-mount installation. The box itself measures 11.5 inches high by 11.4 inches wide by 20 inches deep, and the magnetic door accepts parcels of up to 9.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches long by 2.5 inches high. 

This versatile mailbox is capable of holding small to large envelopes, magazines, and small parcels, and it comes with four keys for multiple users to access their mail. Plus, it has a mail clip that keeps outgoing envelopes in plain sight. The only downside to this option is that it does not come with the mounting bracket or hardware for installation. 

Get the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 locking mailbox at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Locking Mailboxes

We curated this selection of the best locking mailboxes through extensive testing, research, and a focus on several top factors that impact the security, quality, and functionality of the locking mailbox. We interviewed security specialist Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder of Security Guards Only, an online community for security professionals, who provided his expert insight on how to properly deter package pirates. He suggested that “choosing the right locking mailbox for your needs will be effective at preventing mail theft as [it] mainly acts as a deterrent to potential thieves.” He went on to say that “Although the design may not be 100 percent effective in preventing hacking, someone looking to steal mail will usually skip the locked boxes and try for an easier grab elsewhere.”

The top consideration when selecting these products was the security of the mailbox, including the style of lock, the construction material, and any security features like baffle doors and anti-pry latches. We spent hours testing each mailbox for durability. We attempted to break into, smash, and pry open each mailbox, using heavy tools such as an axe, sledge hammer, standard hammer, and screwdriver. For added tenacity, we asked two teenage boys to have a go at each mailbox, and each attempted to pick the locks. 

We also put mail in each box and left them out in a rain storm as well as during a heavy snowfall to determine how waterproof the boxes were. 

The list of top picks includes several locking mailboxes with varying types, sizes, and shapes to provide a range of choices to suit a variety of users. However, some attention was also given to products that stood out with unique aesthetic features, proving that products can look great without sacrificing functionality.

What to Consider When Choosing a Locking Mailbox

Before choosing the first locking mailbox that seems appealing, it’s worth considering various features and product factors. Factors that can impact the design type, durability, and overall security of household mailboxes include the material, security features, weather resistance, installation procedures, and aesthetics. 

Taking some time to think about the type, size, and quantity of mail that you typically receive also can help narrow the options, making it easier to find the perfect locking mailbox for your home.

Type

Locking mailboxes are typically one of three different types: wall-mounted mailboxes, curbside locking mailboxes, and tower-style drop boxes.

• Wall-mounted mailboxes are secured to a boundary wall or to a house. This type will generally come with mounting brackets that can fasten to brick in order to securely attach the mailbox to the gate, garage, or house.
• Curbside locking mailboxes are typically installed on wooden or metal posts, though some service curbside locking mailbox models are installed on top of a concrete pillar. These curbside mailboxes are located near the curb, making them convenient for the mail carrier and the user. Due to the location, it reduces the likelihood and need for mail carriers to walk up to the front door.
• Tower-style drop boxes are freestanding mailboxes that are made up of a tall, tower-style drop box that sits on a broad, heavy base. For enhanced security and to prevent the entire mailbox from being picked up and loaded into a passing vehicle, it’s advised to use a mounting plate and heavy-duty bolts to attach the mailbox base to the ground.

Security

The main point of having a locking mailbox is to keep mail and packages secure after they have been delivered by the mail carrier, so it makes sense to look for an anti-theft mailbox that has high-quality security features to deter would-be thieves. 

Consider the size of the mail slot opening, whether a key lock suits your needs better than a combination lock, and if premium security features—such as anti-pry latches, baffle doors, anti-drill locks, and anti-pick locks—are necessary for the neighborhood.

• Mail slots may provide an opening for a hand or a tool to reach into the mailbox and steal the mail, so it’s recommended to look for a product with a small opening or a baffle door, which prevents thieves from reaching into the storage compartment.
• Anti-pry latches will also stop thieves from using screwdrivers and pry bars to wrench open the compartment.
• A mailbox with lock and key can be equipped with anti-drill and anti-pick mechanisms that help to prevent would-be thieves from breaking into the mailbox. However, if the key is lost and it falls into the wrong hands, then the mailbox may be vulnerable.
• Combination locks can only be opened with the correct combination, so there’s no need to worry about keeping track of a key, but a determined thief could sit outside a home while everyone inside is asleep and test every combination until they find the correct code. Both key and combination systems have their benefits and drawbacks, but a key lock tends to be more secure.

Type and Quantity of Mail

Given that the purpose of a locking mailbox is to keep the mail secure, it’s necessary to consider the type of mail you typically receive and the quantity of mail that may be delivered before the mailbox is emptied. Otherwise, the mail carrier may be forced to leave mail and packages outside the mailbox where they are vulnerable to porch pirates and other mail thieves.

Look for a locking mailbox with a substantial storage compartment to accommodate the usual volume of mail, and consider whether a mailbox that is equipped with an oversize mail slot is needed in order to securely receive small packages.

Weather Resistance

Most locking residential mailboxes are installed outdoors so that the mail carrier has access in order to deliver mail and other packages. However, this also means that the mailbox is exposed to wind, rain, snow, and sleet, so it’s necessary to look for a unit with substantial weather resistance to survive for more than a few years outside a home.

Plastic and aluminum locking mailboxes have the highest level of weather resistance. Though there’s no need to worry about rusting and corrosion, these materials are relatively fragile, so a determined thief could break them apart to access the mail.

Stainless steel and galvanized steel are much more difficult to break into, but they are more vulnerable to rusting and corrosion.

It’s best to look for a high-quality stainless steel or a galvanized steel locking mailbox for the best protection against thieves and weather conditions. A metal post is also a better option than a wooden post when it comes to longevity and security, though these posts are more pricey. In addition, it’s important for homeowners to consider if a mailbox is fire-resistant. Unlike fireproof safes, for example, most mailboxes are not designed to be fireproof, although heavy-duty galvanized steel can provide some fire resistance. 

Aesthetic

Choosing a locking mailbox with a charming aesthetic appearance that doesn’t detract from the exterior design can enhance the appearance of a home. The mailbox aesthetic can range from a design that is intended to mimic official government mailboxes to more modern locking mailboxes with creative designs that look more like lawn ornaments than mailboxes.

Mailboxes don’t need to be flashy or official to have curb appeal. There are also classic aesthetic styles that have vintage Victorian, postmodern, or contemporary looks. 

While aesthetics aren’t usually the most important factor in choosing a locking mailbox, it’s important to be happy with how a new mailbox looks. Take some time to figure out what style is the most appealing based on your personal preferences and your home’s exterior design.

Installation

The type of mailbox typically dictates the difficulty of the installation, though there is some variety between curbside locking mailboxes depending on whether they’re configured for wooden posts, metal posts, or brick pillars.

• Wall-mounted locking mailboxes typically have one or two mounting brackets, masonry wall plugs, and bolts or screws in order to fasten the mailbox to the wall. Installing this type of mailbox will usually require a drill, screwdriver, and hammer.
• Curbside locking mailboxes can be difficult to install because they must be fastened to a mounting plate, then attached to a post or pillar to secure the mailbox and prevent theft. Wooden and metal posts should be installed in the ground with concrete, similar to the installation method used for a fence post. A brick pillar needs to be sturdy enough for at least four mounting screws to be driven through the top. Use masonry plugs and mounting screws/bolts to secure the mailbox to the pillar.
• Tower-style drop boxes are the least difficult to install. It’s advised to secure the mailbox to the ground with a mounting plate in order to be sure that the mailbox cannot be picked up and carried away or loaded into a nearby vehicle.

A locking mailbox usually comes with the necessary mounting brackets, screws, and bolts. Always check the included installation instructions before proceeding.

Ketelaars shared an expert tip with us to keep in mind during installation: “Placing the mailbox within sightlines from the front of your house or in line with a security camera can also help you better monitor activity.”

FAQs

Just because you own a locking mailbox doesn’t necessarily mean that you understand exactly how it works. Even after reading this guide, you may still have questions about how to access the mailbox and what differentiates a locking mailbox from a standard mailbox. Keep reading for the answers to these questions and additional commonly asked questions about locking mailboxes.

Meet the Tester

Amber Guetebier is a writer and plant nerd who also happens to be the mother to a hockey-playing teenager. When tasked with testing locking mailboxes, she enlisted said teenager and a couple of teammates, armed them with hammers, screwdrivers, and axes, and they all went to town on the mailboxes. Despite looks from the neighbors during the axe-wielding phase of testing, overall, the tests proved just what a mailbox can endure. When not destroying large metal objects for Bob Vila, she is a product tester and garden writer.

The post 2025’s Best Locking Mailboxes for Keeping Mail Dry and Safe, Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.

Fireproof safes can stop a fire or break-in from escalating from terrible to truly disastrous by keeping essential documents like birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports safe from destruction or theft. These have at least 30 minutes of fire protection and the durability to keep thieves out. They’re also a good way to organize and keep track of sensitive information in the home as part of your home security system.

Useful features range from biometric locks and backup locks to alarms and water resistance. Wondering, ‘what is the best fireproof and waterproof safe for home use?’ Your budget, capacity needs, and available space will help determine which fireproof home safe is suitable to keep your valuables secure. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.

1. BEST OVERALL: SentrySafe Digital Fire/Water Safe
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Honeywell 1102 Molded Fire/Water Chest
3. BEST WITH ALARM: SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe
4. BEST MINI SAFE: First Alert Water and Fire Protector File Chest
5. BEST SAFE BOX: Honeywell 6104 Fire-Resistant Steel Security Box
6. BEST SAFE CHEST: SentrySafe Fire/Water File
7. BEST BIOMETRIC SAFE: Amazon Basics Safe With Biometric Fingerprint Lock
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Amazon Basics Programmable Fire-Resistant Safe

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

The safes on this list offer a wide range of features and perform well under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) testing. Some models have extra features like alarms, while others offer biometric entry. We used fireproof safe reviews and user experience to critically examine the features and benefits of the top fireproof safes to select options to meet a variety of needs.

Best Overall

SentrySafe Digital Fire/Water Safe

See It

What We Like

• Fireproof and waterproof
• Locked drawer and organization features
• Interior lighting
• Includes dual backup key
• Includes hardware to bolt in place

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy compared to similar safes

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Protects contents for 1 hour in temps up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lock type: Electronic combination lock
• Dimensions: 17.8 inches high by 16.3 inches wide by 19.3 inches deep
• Weight: 86.69 pounds

This extra-large fireproof and waterproof digital safe from SentrySafe (model number SFW123GDC) ticks all of the boxes for the safekeeping of sensitive items. Its UL fireproof rating indicates that it can keep its 1.23 cubic feet of interior space at a safe temperature for important documents, DVDs, and USB drives for up to 1 hour in temperatures up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.

This SentrySafe model is fireproof and waterproof for 24 hours in depths up to 8 inches.

Burglars will have a hard time cracking this egg since it can also withstand a 15-foot drop without breaking. The safe also comes with bolt-down hardware to secure it from thieves. Set a combination on the digital keypad but also have the assurance of access with backup keys.

On the interior, a locking drawer and shelves organize important documents and valuables, with interior lights that illuminate contents in the dark. At 86.69 pounds, this model is not lightweight. It requires four AA batteries to run the lock mechanism and interior light.

Get the SentrySafe fireproof and waterproof digital safe at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Honeywell 1102 Molded Fire/Water Chest

See It

What We Like

• Compact footprint
• Interior stays dry for up to 24 hours
• Portable design
• Lock operates without batteries

What We Don’t Like

• Small interior; paper needs to be folded

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Protects contents for 30 minutes in temps up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lock type: Key lock
• Dimensions: 7.3 inches high by 12.4 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep
• Weight: 19.8 pounds

This small 0.15-cubic-foot safe offers excellent fire and water protection at a reasonable price. The UL fire protection rating indicates that it can withstand temperatures up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. When locked, it creates a waterproof seal that keeps the interior dry for up to 24 hours.

The key lock is simple to use and fast to open, and a carrying handle makes it easy to pick up this 19.8-pound safe and store it. The design also allows it to hold important documents, CDs, DVDs, and flash drives full of irreplaceable memories and information.

Get the Honeywell 1102 fireproof safe at Amazon or Honeywell.

Best With Alarm

SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe

See It

What We Like

• Contents remain dry for up to 24 hours
• Built-in pry-resistant hinge bar
• Includes bolt-down hardware

What We Don’t Like

• Cannot be wall-mounted
• No backup key is provided
• No interior light

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Protects contents for 1 hour in temps up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lock type: Combination lock
• Dimensions: 17.8 inches high by 16.3 inches wide by 19.3 inches deep
• Weight: 86.3 pounds

This safe (model number SFW123DSB) features a combination lock and dual-key access to keep digital media, jewelry, important documents, and other valuables secure. This SentrySafe model comes with four 1-inch bolts and a pry-resistant hinge bar to prevent unwanted theft and tampering.

With 1.19 cubic feet of storage space, this safe can withstand temperatures of up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and be immersed in 8-inch deep water for up to 24 hours. This model also comes with a solid steel construction for durability and long-term protection as well as multiple racks for keeping valuables organized. Finally, bolt-down hardware is included so users can mount the safe to a shelf or floor preventing removal from the home.

Get the SentrySafe combination fireproof safe at Amazon.

Best Mini Safe

First Alert Water and Fire Protector File Chest

See It

What We Like

• Simple to use right out of the box
• Holds standard-size folders without bending
• Watertight when clamped and locked

What We Don’t Like

• Watertight seal can trap moisture inside quite easily

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Protects contents for 30 minutes in temps up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lock type: Key lock
• Dimensions: 13 inches high by 16.25 inches wide by 13.25 inches deep
• Weight: 38.9 pounds

The First Alert water and fire protector file chest acts as a fire safe for important files, guarding documents for 30 minutes in temperatures up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s enough protection for multimedia devices like CDs and DVDs and space to store hanging file folders. The water-resistant resin materials also seal in the contents to protect them even when the safe is fully submerged.

A clamp-style closure secures the seal, while a key lock keeps out unwanted hands. At 38.9 pounds, this model is relatively portable and still offers 0.62 cubic feet of storage space. That also means thieves could easily walk out with it. However, if it’s kept somewhere unexpected and away from prying eyes, it can protect valuables and keep them secure while traveling.

Get the First Alert fireproof safe at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best Safe Box

Honeywell 6104 Fire-Resistant Steel Security Box

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight and portable
• Hinged-lid design is tamperproof
• Padded bottom and interior

What We Don’t Like

• Limited fire protection compared to other options

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Unspecified
• Lock type: Key lock
• Dimensions: 4.1 inches high by 12.7 inches wide by 8.8 inches deep
• Weight: 5.8 pounds

The Honeywell 6104’s double steel walls with fire-resistant insulation create a protective chamber for cash, documents, or a few small valuables. It comes with two keys so users can keep them in separate locations and always maintain easy access.

A hidden hinge resists tampering, while a carrying handle lets users take the light 5.8-pound box with them to trade shows, on trips, or between work and home.

This security safe’s padded bottom cushions the contents to protect them from falls and scrapes. The durability and fire resistance enable this box to provide extra security while on the go.

Get the Honeywell 6104 fireproof safe at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Honeywell.

Best Safe Chest

SentrySafe Fire/Water File

See It

What We Like

• 72-hour water protection when fully submerged
• Design holds standard file folders without folding
• Elastic straps on the lid interior

What We Don’t Like

• Some buyers say it arrived with defective handles

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Protects contents for 30 minutes in temps up to 1,220 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lock type: Key lock
• Dimensions: 14.3 inches high by 15.5 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep
• Weight: 38.85 pounds

This SentrySafe fireproof document file safe (model number HD4100) features excellent fire and water protection along with interior organization features to keep its 0.65 feet of cubic space easily accessible. This model is UL rated to resist temperatures of up to 1,220 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 minutes. It’s also ETL verified to keep the contents dry when submerged underwater for up to 72 hours.

All that protection comes with helpful organization features. Elastic straps on the inside of the lid securely hold documents or electronics. The bottom portion of this fireproof document file safe has rails for file folders. The chest can essentially become a secure mobile office for business trips or used for important documents at home.

Get the SentrySafe fireproof file safe at Amazon or SentrySafe.

Best Biometric Safe

Amazon Basics Safe With Biometric Fingerprint Lock

See It

What We Like

• Dual locking bolts and pry-resistant concealed hinges
• Organized, shelved design
• Can read a fingerprint in under a second
• 14-gauge carbon-steel body
• Predrilled holes and mounting hardware

What We Don’t Like

• No fire resistance level included
• Limited size for storing items

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Unspecified
• Lock type: Biometric and keyed
• Dimensions: 9.8 inches high by 13.8 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep
• Weight: 21.7 pounds

This Amazon Basics steel security safe protects contents with dual locking bolts activated by its finger scanner—it’s the reason this safe made our list. Biometric scans use unique physiology (a fingerprint) to keep potential thieves out and valuables safe.

With 0.5 cubic feet of storage space, this safe comes with a 500 DPI semiconductor to read a fingerprint in under 1 second. Plus, it holds up to 50 individual fingerprints and can be locked and unlocked with a fingerprint scan more than 1 million times. For additional protection, this safe is made with an 8-gauge carbon-steel door, 14-gauge carbon-steel body, and pry-resistant concealed hinges.

This pick is also capable of being wall-mounted with predrilled holes and hardware included. Finally, for quick opening, this safe comes with a backup key for emergencies.

Get the Amazon Basics biometric fireproof safe at Amazon.

Also Consider

Amazon Basics Programmable Fire-Resistant Safe

See It

What We Like

• Withstands high temperatures for 20 minutes
• Adjustable shelf
• Padded interior
• 5 large bolts prevent tampering, burglary, and prying
• Durable 14-gauge-steel body

What We Don’t Like

• Not waterproof
• 20-minute fire protection is limited compared to similar models

Product Specs

• Fire rating: Protects contents for 20 minutes in temps up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lock type: Electronic combination lock
• Dimensions: 19.67 inches high by 14.17 inches wide by 13.8 inches deep
• Weight: 67 pounds

For fire safety, the Amazon Basics safe can withstand fire up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. An adjustable shelf located at the top of the safe’s interior can keep small items like cash and jewelry organized or create a larger space suitable for firearms, documents, or other valuables.

Made with a durable 14-gauge steel body and five large 0.75-inch bolts, this safe provides excellent security and theft protection. It also complies with Underwriters Laboratories’ (UL) 72 Standards and provides 1.2 cubic feet of space for valuables. Plus, the padded interior prevents items from getting damaged.

Get the Amazon Basics programmable fireproof safe at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Fireproof Safes

We spent hours researching fireproof safes because they come in a wide range of styles and designs, with varying levels of security to protect from theft, fire, and/or water. We started by looking for safes with maximum temperature ranges above 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit with at least 30 minutes of fire protection.

From there, we considered construction. Does the safe have a live locking bolt? How many? How are the hinges designed? (Exposed hinges are easy to break into.) How many layers make up the fire protection? (It often takes several layers of materials, including thick steel, to stop high temperatures from damaging valuables.)

The locking mechanism also played an important role in our choices. The locking mechanism should be secure enough to deter thieves, though fireproof safes are better at fire protection than protection from burglary. Safes with more than one kind of entry mechanism, like a combination lock with a key, also got higher marks from us. It’s always good to have a secondary locking key in case of an emergency.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fireproof Safe 

Fire and theft are at the top of most people’s home security concerns. Some safes offer better protection from one than the other. Water damage is another issue at the top of many people’s minds, and some safes offer some water resistance in addition to their other protective capabilities.

Ultimately, the items buyers want to protect and what or whom they want to protect them from help determine the right capacity, locking mechanism, and fire rating for a safe.

Type/Lock Mechanism

• Key lock: Plain and simple describes these locking mechanisms. However, keep track of the key. If it’s kept in the room with the safe, it could get destroyed in a fire or be found by burglars.
• Mechanical combination lock: There’s no key management involved with a mechanical lock combination, nor do users have to worry about a dead battery or electronic malfunction. Some mechanical locks also have a key lock to use in an emergency. However, buyers are more limited in the choice of combinations with a mechanical combination lock.
• Electronic combination lock: These locks have more password options, and users don’t have to worry about losing the key. However, some models need periodic battery changes. Like mechanical locks, an electronic lock may come with a backup key in case owners forget the code.
• Biometric lock: Biometric locks use a fingerprint or retina scan to open the safe. There’s no need to remember a code or keep track of a key. Some may have a key as a backup security measure.

Material

Most safes are made of thick steel sheets. The sheets, which can be several centimeters thick, give safes their hefty weight. However, these aren’t just any sheets of steel. Safes contain plates made from both hard steel and mild steel. Heat can cause hard plates to crack, exposing the contents to hot temperatures. Mild steel warps rather than cracks, protecting the contents even as temperatures rise.

Fire safes are also constructed with a layer made of a nonconductive composite material that prevents the interior temperature from rising for 30 to 120 minutes. Fire-resistant insulation is also often used to help keep those interior temperatures down.

However, steel isn’t the only material used to make fireproof safes. ABS plastic and various resins are used as well. These two materials are lighter in weight and are typically used to make smaller, more portable safes.

Size and Capacity 

Shoppers will want to start their search for a fireproof safe box by making a list of what they want to keep inside it. If they have valuable jewelry or other irreplaceable items, a bank lockbox offers the best protection.

Passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, and tax returns are also valuable documents that could pose a problem if lost to theft or fire. Shoppers will want to take a look at their list and make sure the safe will hold everything on it. For example, firearms take up more space than documents or DVDs.

Size also plays a role in where the safe can be placed. A fireproof wall safe or a large safe is harder to hide and easier to spot. To keep the safe hidden, consider a small fireproof safe that more easily fits in a closet, crawl space, or under floorboards. Keep in mind that small safes are vulnerable to theft if they’re not hidden.

UL and Fire Ratings 

In truth, no safe is 100 percent fireproof. Safes are fire resistant only up to a certain temperature and for a certain amount of time.

UL evaluates safes and gives them a fireproof rating. These ratings indicate two things—the maximum temperature at which the product can maintain a safe interior temperature, and the length of time the safe can hold that temperature.

The interior temperature determines the kinds of materials the safe can protect. For example, the interior of a paper document safe shouldn’t get hotter than 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that, and the paper will burn. However, electronics may not be able to withstand temperatures of more than 125 to 150 degrees.

The UL rating also indicates how long the safe can hold that interior temperature. Most home fireproof safes offer at least 30 minutes of protection. That may not sound long, but most fires move through a room in less than 20 minutes. For additional peace of mind, however, some safes offer up to 120 minutes of fire protection.

Water Resistance 

Waterproof safes indicate how long they can protect their contents from water as well as the depth at which they can maintain that protection. Most resist water for approximately 24 hours, but some may offer up to 72 hours of protection in water that’s 8 to 40 inches deep.

If living in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to put the contents of the safe in waterproof bags, whether the safe is rated for water protection or not. Some safes also offer humidity resistance, which can protect items or documents that are sensitive to subtle environmental changes.

Usability 

Usability features include display visibility, weight, and the safe’s overall portability. LED displays are much easier to see in dim conditions. Considering that safes are often stored in dark, secure areas, a display that’s easy to see will make the safe more functional.

Some safes are portable with a top or side handle for easy carrying. These small safes may weigh 25 to 30 pounds. Others weigh more than 100 pounds and would take two people to move.

Weight

Fireproof home safes can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds to hundreds of pounds. The ideal safe weight depends on several factors, including portability and intended location and use.

If portability is a concern, look for a lighter safe, weighing under 30 pounds. These safes will be easier to take along when traveling or commuting. They’re also usually smaller and made to store items like USB drives, cash, passports, and other important documents that are necessary to have on hand.

Lightweight safes are easier to carry—both for the user and a possible burglar. For larger or freestanding home safes, a hefty weight can work to the owner’s benefit; it’s harder for a robber to take off quickly with a safe that weighs hundreds of pounds.

Tips for Buying and Using a Fireproof Safe 

The items shoppers want to protect, their available space, and the threats from which they’ll want to safeguard their items will help them determine the right safe for them. Here are a few more tips to help find the best fireproof safe and incorporate it into a home security system.

• Install the safe above ground level (not in a basement) to reduce the chances of water damage during a flood.
• The first level of a multistory home offers the best protection from fire.
• Safes that come with a bolting system are designed to be attached to the floor or exterior wall for added security.
• Do not keep the safe in plain sight. As part of a comprehensive plan to keep a home and its contents secure, store the safe in a place that’s inconspicuous or hidden.
• Look for a safe that’s “UL listed” or “ETL verified.” These labels indicate that they’ve been tested by and passed third-party scrutiny.

5 Things You Should Keep in a Fireproof Safe

A fireproof safe is a good place to store important belongings that users want to keep at home, while a safety deposit box is best for really important items that they won’t use often. A home safe will keep items protected but also within easy reach, in case users need to access or use the contents inside. Some items to store in a fireproof home safe include:

• Important documents like insurance policies, bank and financial account information, legal documents, and medical documents
• Identity documents like passports, birth certificate copies, Social Security cards, and other ID cards
• Digital data stored on USBs, CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, and hard drives
• Cash and other small valuables like jewelry and collectibles
• Family photos and other sentimental items

FAQs

Q. Will a fireproof safe survive a house fire? 

It depends on the safe’s level of protection. If the house fire does not exceed the safe’s maximum fire-resistance time or temperature limit, it will survive the fire.

Q. How can I be sure that I have a certified fireproof safe? 

Look for a UL-listed or ETL-verified safe; these safes have undergone trusted third-party testing based on design and performance standards.

Q. Are all safes fireproof? 

Not all safes are fireproof. Some safes are designed specifically to deter theft, while others may protect from water damage rather than fire or theft. Some protect from all three. If you want a safe that protects from fire, you need to specifically look for one designed for that purpose.

Q. What is the maximum temperature that my fireproof safe can withstand? 

It depends on the safe, so look at the displayed specifications. Many fireproof home safes can withstand temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q. What is a UL fire rating? 

A UL fire rating comes from the Underwriters Laboratories and is a rating of temperature and time. This organization tests safes to determine the maximum exterior temperature at which the safe can hold a safe interior temperature and for how long it can maintain that temperature. Be sure to buy a safe that’s “UL listed,” not “tested to UL standards.” The former means the safe has passed the UL tests, while the latter means the safe has been submitted but has not yet passed the safety tests.

Q. What does “ETL verified” mean?

Intertek inspects and tests products for safety and gives an ETL verification for those that pass. Much like the UL, they test safes for fire and water safety. An ETL verification is also a good indicator of a safe’s overall quality and safety.

Q. Is my fireproof safe going to protect my papers if it is flooded?

Not all fireproof safes have been tested against flooding, although many will offer some water protection. For reliable fire and flood protection, look for a safe that is both fireproof and waterproof.

Q. What is the safest locking mechanism for a fireproof safe? 

Choose a safe with your preferred locking mechanism for ease of use and convenience; it’s more important to consider the protection level rather than the lock type when it comes to fire safety. A fireproof safe that has been certified to a certain standard (for example, 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes) will protect its contents from those conditions for the advertised time, regardless of the locking mechanism.

Q. Where should I put my safe? 

The size of the safe will narrow down your options. Look for a low-traffic area that’s not easily seen or noticed. Someplace other than the master bedroom is a good choice since thieves usually start their search there.

A guest bedroom or hall closet are good options. However, avoid the garage or basement. Garages tend to be left unsecured and are an easy target for thieves to carry away a safe. Water easily floods basements, making them a less-than-ideal choice.

Q. Do thieves steal safes?

Determined thieves can steal and possibly open a safe despite complex locking mechanisms. A poorly made safe may open when dropped only a few feet, for example. The more deterrents the safe offers, the more likely thieves are to leave it alone. An audible alarm may be enough to scare off a jittery burglar.

Q. How do I hide a safe in a wall?

To hide a wall-mounted safe, choose a concealed spot, such as behind a door, furniture, a mirror or painting, or in the back of a closet.

Q. Should I bolt my safe to the floor?

Yes, bolting a safe to the floor offers extra security against theft.

The post Our Favorite Fireproof Safes Protect Valuables in Shockingly High Temps appeared first on Bob Vila.

Does your enthusiasm for electronics have you living in a jungle of cords? Given the sheer volume of wires that dwell in a modern home, figuring out how to hide TV wires, cords, and cables for other must-have gadgets can be frustrating. But before you hit a point of swearing off technology altogether, check out the cord management solutions below. You can buy or DIY to disguise or hide every wire in sight and permanently improve the organization of your home.

1. Hook cords to the back of your furniture.

Dangling cords disappear quickly when you anchor them to the silhouette of the nearest furniture. To do so, adhere clear cord clips like these Command Cord Clips along the back edges of your furniture. Like most of the line of renter-friendly solutions from 3M, you’ll need to press the clips in place for 30 seconds and, an hour later, you can hook in one or more cords and have them run neatly down the legs of your console. (These hooks help hide charging cords and cables at your desk really well, too!)

If you’re feeling a bit craftier, you can hide a tangle of cables behind a stand-mounted TV by incorporating built-in cord storage into the design of your TV stand. This TV table designed by Heidi from Kruse’s Workshop (and featured on Tatertots & Jello) keeps cables contained in a notch that runs down the middle leg at the back of the unit. You can recreate the stand from scratch with reclaimed wood: Follow our detailed instructions for how to use a table saw to create a recessed groove in the back leg, then run the cords for your TV and other entertainment essentials down the groove in the leg to keep them out of sight.

2. Corral cables behind the couch.

Disguise the clutter of all those charging cords with this slim sofa table from Etsy seller MittenStateWoodworks. At just 5.5 inches deep, the table tucks neatly behind any couch and features a built-in outlet with two USB ports for charging your personal electronics out of sight. You can also plug in a lamp for additional lighting and display your favorite decor on the table, too. Just be sure to keep drinks and other liquids away from the table’s electrical components.

3. Hide TV wires in plain sight.

If the cords dangling from your wall-mounted TV are distracting you from what’s on screen, conceal them with cord covers like the D-Line Cable Raceway, a favorite in our researched guide to the best cable management solutions. Plastic tracks like these mount directly to the wall on top of wires.

To install and effectively hide TV wires, measure the span of wall between the base of the screen and the floor—that’s the length of cord cover you need, and you can often cut to fit. In the case of the Cable Raceway, you’ll cut the base and top of the cord cover using a hacksaw. Then, mount the raceway base to the wall with screws according to the manufacturer’s instructions, lay the TV cords inside the channel, and snap the cover in place over the top. Cord covers are typically sold in neutral colors like white or metallic gray that can stand out if your wall is a different color. But when painted the same color as your wall (using latex-based paint), they seamlessly blend into the space.

4. Run TV wires inside the wall.

The best solution for keeping the cords of a wall-mounted TV out of sight involves hiding them behind the wall itself using recessed cable plates like the DataComm Easy Mount Cable Organizer Kit. Remove the TV from the wall (or move it aside if your TV has an adjustable arm), and then use a stud finder to find two stud-free sections of the wall: one behind where the screen would sit, and another further down the wall near an outlet. These are where you’ll make your cuts using a utility knife, fit two cable plates, and feed the TV cords in and out of the wall. Your guests may just mistake your new media setup for a wireless entertainment system.

5. Tuck cord chaos into tubing.

Can’t manage the melange of cords in your home office for PCs, monitors, phones, printers, and other devices used daily? A cable wrap like the AGPTEK 5-foot cable sleeve cover provides an easy way to consolidate all the loose cords that dangle from your desk. Simply bundle them together in your hands, and wrap the two-foot-long pieces of flexible tubing around the wires to corral them into one larger one and minimize chaos. Thanks to the wraparound tubing, you can break out and redirect wires from the group anywhere along the stretch so that they can reach exactly where they need to go.

6. Slip them into a drawer.

Making a few creative modifications to a desk drawer can do away with the eyesore of a clunky power strip parked on the floor and overflowing with cords. With a hole saw bit attached to your power drill, drill a hole into the back panel of the desk drawer located near a wall outlet. Then, feed the power strip cable through the hole and use double-sided adhesive to mount the back of the power strip itself to the same drawer panel. As you plug electronics into the power strip, create a space for each gadget to rest while it charges in the drawer, just as home blogger Jenny Steffens Hobick does in her kitchen cabinetry.

If you’d rather buy than DIY, check out the Compact In-Drawer Outlet Charging Station that attaches to the back of your desk, kitchen cabinet, or other furniture drawers.

7. Snake cords through baseboard accessories.

Eliminate the tripping hazard of a cable running the length of your home office, living room, or bedroom by outfitting existing baseboards in the room with baseboard cord channels. The self-adhesive, impact-resistant cord channels are little more than hollowed-out sections of plastic quarter round shoe molding. To mount the channels to your baseboards, peel off the adhesive backing of a channel, press the back of the channel against a baseboard, and then run an ethernet cable—or any other cord, for that matter—through the opening in the channel to simultaneously hide and protect the cables from damage. Stainable and paintable, the baseboard cord channels can be dressed to match any interior design aesthetic.

8. Stash wires and routers in “books.”

Your router or modem can appear out of place almost wherever you fit it, but especially so on your shelves. Consider bookending your home library with this creative router cover available from Etsy seller Covobox. You could also DIY a version of this by repurposing a binder that’s wide enough to fit your router and using hot glue to cover the back, front, and spine of the binder with colorful scrap fabric. Then sandwich the binder vertically between some books on an end table, desk, or shelf so that the router cables discreetly run down the length of the wall behind the furniture. Voilà! An instant classic that cuts cord clutter.

9. Follow the chair rail.

Homeowners who are thinking of decorating their walls with a chair rail have an opportunity for cleverly disguising the wire of a wall-mounted TV or other cords: Use a cord cover raceway like this corner cable hider from ZGYJM that’s designed for baseboards, but flip it 90 degrees so a flat side is on top. Then position it underneath 1-by material that runs the length of the wall. The corner cord concealer will look like part of the molding, and you can use a vertical cord chaser to run vertically to the outlet. Just make sure to paint the cord covers so they blend with the decor.

10. Add living room furniture with hidden outlets.

Instead of plugging everything into the wall, minimize the number of cords that need a wall plug with furniture that has integrated outlets and USB ports like the Lark Manor Avetis end table. A slim table at just 13.8 inches wide, the end table has a partial flip-top that conceals two standard outlets and two USB ports. You’ll still need to run its 6.5-foot-long power cord to run to an outlet, but that’s just one instead of potentially five.

11. Camouflage cords on the floor.

If you find yourself in the situation presented above, with furniture or electronics that need to be plugged into wall outlets but are nowhere near them, sometimes the easiest solution can be the best. Instead of worrying about moving electronics and furniture so wires are closer to outlets, just run the wires along the floor and cover them with a floor cord cover that looks like wood from Electriduct to blend in with your flooring. In colors from cherry to dark brown, the strips mimic wood grain, too.

12. Add wainscoting to create a channel for wires.

Beyond covering and concealing cords along the floor on inside furniture, consider giving the room a stylish upgrade that offers an easy-ish way to conceal cords and move outlets to where you actually need them. By installing wainscoting like beadboard an inch or so in front of the wall, there’s space to run conduit like this 10-foot-long PVC conduit, which can house TV cords or other wires. Make sure to cap it with chair rail and trim the bottom with baseboard for a finished look.

Bonus: The beadboard also opens up the opportunity to move outlets to where you actually want them, and there’s no need to finish drywall. Just make sure to hire an electrician if you aren’t experienced working with electricity.

The post 12 Genius Ways to Hide Every Wire in Your Home appeared first on Bob Vila.

A built-in bookshelf can transform both the functionality and aesthetics of a room. Beyond offering a place to hold your books and keep them from piling up in a corner or on a table, built-in bookshelves can bring charm and style to your space. They also allow for creativity, allowing you to give purpose to corners, the walls surrounding a window or fireplace, stairwells, and other areas of the home that are often viewed as wasted, unusable space. The trick is deciding on the best design and layout for your space. Use the built-in bookshelf ideas below to help you find some inspiration for this next home improvement project.

1. Hidden Door Bookshelf

While doorways are often overlooked when it comes to storage and organization, creative built-in bookcase ideas don’t let these spaces go to waste. Instead, they transform a basic doorway into an attractive storage solution. With a Murphy door bookshelf, your doorways can pull double-duty. They’ll not only provide access between rooms in the home, but they’ll also offer a convenient and attractive solution for organizing books and displaying treasured items. 

2. Relaxation Nook

Whether you’re looking for a DIY bookcase idea or would rather hire a professional to construct one, consider making better use of the space around a bedroom, office, or family room window. Adding built-in bookcases on either side of the window, with a cozy bench connecting them, will instantly create a relaxation nook. Add all of your favorite books to the shelves, toss a blanket and some throw pillows on the bench, and you’ll be all set up to cuddle up and enjoy a wonderful story.

3. Wall-to-Wall Storage

Why not make your new bookshelf the focal point of your space? With wall-to-wall built-in book cabinets, you can do just that. Upper glass doors allow you to showcase memorabilia and other more attractive items, while solid lower cabinets offer hidden storage for items that aren’t as visually appealing. 

4. L-Shaped Corner Library

The corners of our rooms are among the most underutilized spaces in a home. L-shaped built-in bookshelves can help reverse this trend, converting a corner into one of the most organized and functional spaces in a room. With an L-shaped corner library, you can display artifacts and mementos, while still having ample room to store books, file boxes, bins, and more. 

5. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a built-in shelving option that can allow for greater flexibility. You can customize the design and layout based on the other elements in your space—placing the shelves underneath a television, above a couch, or behind the desk in the office. Installing floating shelves is also relatively simple if you’re up for a quick DIY project. You’ll just need a stud finder, a level, a drill, and a few anchors and screws to secure everything in place and support the weight of the books and other items you wish to keep on the shelves.

6. Modular Library

If you’re looking for some bookshelf plans you can make in a weekend, consider a modular library made from floating shelves. For this DIY built-in bookshelf, consider the available wall space, and then create modular boxes that you can hang to create a design that is as functional as it is attractive. Place a mix of books and decor items for an aesthetically pleasing finished product.

7. Branched-Out Storage

This tree-shaped built-in bookshelf design might be the ideal fit for your space if your goal is to make the shelf an integral element of your room’s decor. The branches of the “tree” function as the shelves to hold books. Some of these shelves are slanted, mimicking the twists and turns of real tree branches and adding to the overall appeal of the design.

8. Wall of Books

Those looking to embrace Cluttercore design and showcase precious items can consider installing a wall-to-wall built-in bookcase with open shelves. Sectioning these shelves into separate compartments will help you organize books, memorabilia, and other items, making it possible to draw attention to your favorite treasures.

9. Fireplace Surround

Direct attention to your fireplace by building some bookshelves on either side of it. The fireplace will stand out as the star of the room, while the built-in bookcases will provide additional storage and allow you to highlight other key decorative elements that make the space unique to you.

FAQ About Built-In Bookshelves

The post 9 Built-In Bookshelf Ideas for Customizable Storage and Display appeared first on Bob Vila.