The One Spot In Your Home You Should Never Store Valuable Items

Your entryway offers visitors a first impression of your home, and as the late Will Rogers said, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Guests will make snap judgments about your home from that first few feet of decor. For some (delivery people, trick-or-treaters, etc.), it will be the only part of your home they ever see. That's why many people think the entryway is the place to display their very best belongings, such as expensive artwork, delicate trinkets, and stunning rare finds. On the contrary, valuables and prized possessions are high on the list of things you should stop storing in your home's entryway.

While it's true your entryway should make a good first impression, it is still a high-traffic area where items have a greater risk of getting damaged. And storing your valuables right up front makes them an easy target for theft. So go ahead and create a stunning first impression with your favorite decor from Home Goods, but place your authentic Picasso sketch further in your home. 

Entryway items are bound to experience some level of jostling thanks to all the foot traffic. It's where everyone throws on large winter coats, backpacks, and computer bags, and where umbrellas are opened and closed. It's not the place you want to display breakable objects, especially if they are valuable or sentimental. Entryways are also more prone to the elements, and factors like sun exposure, extreme temperatures, and humidity can have a damaging effect on artwork. 

The entryway may be the only part of your home visible to passersby — and that includes burglars. If they see valuable collectibles on display, it puts your home at the top of their hit list. Being right in front also makes it incredibly easy for opportunists to snatch and run without having to step more than a few feet into your home. 

Instead of the entryway, display your favorite collectibles behind glass doors in a safe corner that doesn't see much foot traffic. To avoid common mistakes when hanging artwork, keep valuable photography, sketches, and watercolors out of direct sunlight. For sunlit areas, opt for acrylics or oil paintings since they aren't prone to fading. It's not possible to keep everything in your home safe, especially if you want to actually display items instead of hiding them away in boxes. For added peace of mind, anything that is extremely valuable should be insured.