If you don’t want your home to be burglars’ next target or a potential hazard for the people you love, there are some things you should never leave out in the open!
Your home should be a safe haven, but certain things you should never leave out in the open could put your privacy, security, and even health at risk. From valuable items to everyday essentials, leaving certain things on display can lead to trouble—like theft, identity fraud, or even unexpected household hazards.
Think about it: Have you ever left personal documents on the counter? Or a spare house key in a spot where anyone could see it? Maybe you’ve left medications within reach of little ones or pets? These little oversights might not seem like a big deal, but they can have serious consequences. Burglars love easy targets, identity thieves spot carelessness from a mile away, and even food left out can attract unwanted pests!
The great news is that with just a few simple changes, you can help keep your home, your valuables, and your loved ones safe. In this post, we’ll share some key items you should never leave out in the open, along with why it’s a smart idea to store them properly.
You might be surprised by some of these tips! Let’s dive in and discover ways to make your home safer, more organized, and stress-free!
1. Keys, wallet, and purse
We start off this list of things you should never leave out in the open with something that will make your home a potential thief’s target: keys, wallet, and purse. While it’s easier to leave these things on a hanger in the hallway, it’s actually a terrible idea.
Think of it as an invitation for trouble: brave and opportunistic thieves can immediately spot them through a window and decide to try their luck. Your wallet contains IDs, credit cards, and other important information that can lead to identity theft.
As for the house keys, that’s like an invitation to pass into your home. Think of a more secure place to store all these valuable items, such as a hidden key hood or a drawer. If you want to take it a step further, a key tracker is a great choice.
A little caution goes a long way when it comes to organizing your home and keeping it safe from potentially dangerous events, so don’t neglect this!
2. Laptop and other gadgets
Your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and other gadgets aren’t just costly devices but can also be used as gateways to your digital life. Just think of what would happen if someone were to break in and see those gadgets unlocked: they’d have access to your passwords, financial information, and personal data.
Whether you’re browsing or working from home, make sure you always keep your valuable items in places that can’t be easily reached by strangers. One of the simplest ways to keep your home private and cozy is by hanging up high curtains. Not only do they block nosy neighbors from peeking in, but they also make your space feel warm and inviting. Besides that, they’re an easy way to add a stylish touch to any room!
Other than that, keep your things safe by enabling password protection, two-factor authentication, and encryption on sensitive files.
…Keep reading to discover other things you should never leave out in the open! Some of them might surprise you!
3. Personal mail
Leaving your important mail lying around isn’t just a surefire way to create clutter—it’s also a security risk! Medical bills, bank statements, and even those “harmless” credit card offers are filled with personal information that could easily fall into the wrong hands.
These are all things you should never leave out in the open, so make it a habit to sort your mail right away: file the important stuff, shred what you don’t need, and take care of the bills on time.
If you want to make sure that your personal info stays personal, here’s a shredder that will get the job done for you!
4. Cash and jewelry
Jewelry and loose cash are undoubtedly things you should never leave out in the open because they’re like an open invitation for trouble! Even if you’re not expecting anyone, it’s safer to make it a habit and store these valuable items in a hidden or safe spot.
Keep your valuable things protected by placing them in a discreet, locked drawer or a home safe. For extra security, avoid sharing too many details about your possessions, especially if you’re heading out of town. A little precaution goes a long way in keeping your important objects and your home safe!
…Can you think of any other things you should never leave out in the open? Let us know in the comments below! We’re all about safety!
5. Food and leftovers
As tempting as it might be to leave snacks or leftovers on the counter, remember that they’re one of the things you should never leave out in the open—not because they’ll attract thieves but because they can invite unwanted guests like ants and rodents.
Leaving perishable foods at room temperature for too long creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. To keep your food fresh and your kitchen safe, store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly.
Even dry goods like rice, flour, and cereal should be kept in sealed containers to prevent infestations. If you want easy access, I recommend using glass jars. A tidy kitchen isn’t just about looking clean and organized—it’s also about keeping your food safe and your home pest-free!
6. Prescription medications
Leaving your prescription on the bathroom counter or the nightstand is easy, but it can be risky for those around you. Playful furry friends, curious kids, and even guests could accidentally ingest them, leading to potential health concerns.
Not to mention, some medications lose their potency when not stored properly and are exposed to humidity or light. Instead of keeping your pills out in the open, put them in a locked drawer or a secure medicine cabinet.
If you have multiple prescriptions, a simple organizer like this one can help you stay on track without creating a mess. Pretty simple, right?
7. Cleaning supplies
Detergents, bleach, and other household cleaners are definitely things you should never leave out in the open—especially if you have kids or pets around. These powerful chemicals can be dangerous if spilled or ingested, and no one wants an accidental mess (or worse!).
To keep your little ones safe, store your cleaning supplies on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. Don’t forget to secure the lids tightly after each use. It’s a simple step that goes a long way in keeping your home and those you love safe!
What are your thoughts on these things you should never leave out in the open? Do you agree? Have you ever run into issues from improperly storing any of these items? We’d love to hear your story, so leave a comment below, and let’s chat!
Until next time, don’t forget to check out this other post from The Home Team: 6 Useless Things You Can Toss Right Now!
