There are many valuables that we would like to keep protected within our homes including important documents, jewelry, and money. Although burglary and theft can’t always be prevented in your home, there are many ways that you can make it more difficult for them to find your things. Here is a list of the top five DIY home security projects to help prevent theft of your valuables.

Hollowed Book – One of the most common, but most successful and popular ways to protect your valuables, is to hollow out a book. It may take you a couple of days depending on how determined you are to finish it, but it’s a pretty simple process. First, you’ll need a hardback book, some glue, a box cutter, and a brush you don’t mind getting glue in. Mix the glue with a little water (making it about 60% glue), hold the pages together and begin gluing the outside of the book. Once it’s dried, you can begin cutting out your pages from the middle leaving about ½ in. around the edges to make it look like the pages are still in the book. Once you reach the back of the book, you can take glue to the inside of the book to make sure that everything stays together. Now, you have a hollowed out book to hide some of your valuables in!

Safe Pillow – Although this way is a little bit trickier, it is a great way to make sure that your valuables stay safe. You’ll need a throw pillow that you’re willing to cut up, some scissors, thread the same color as the pillow, and some scissors. Cut a horizontal line on the back of the throw pillow that matches the length of the zipper. Take out the stuffing and start stitching the zipper into the pillow. Then, you can put the box or valuables you have set aside into the pillow with the stuffing, making sure the valuables are surrounded by the stuffing so you can’t feel them, and zipping up the pillow. Now you have a secret hiding place, in plain sight, that can help you keep your valuables safe and away from prying eyes.

Painted Jar – A great and simple project that you can finish in a day is to paint a food jar, particularly mayonnaise jars, to make them look like they still have food in them when in fact, it is holding your valuables. Find a paint that looks like mayo and gradually paint the inside of the jar with the color, making sure that it doesn’t get on the outside. A good way to prevent this is to use a plastic bag on the outside to prevent drips. Then, once your paint is completely dry on the inside (could take a couple of days depending on the paint and how thick it is), you can hide your valuables that won’t be harmed by cold temperatures and put it in the fridge!

Potted Plant – Although it may seem simple, using a potted plant to hide your valuables or money is a great way to thwart people who would steal from you. All you need is a plant that you want to hide your items in, and an old medicine bottle or small watertight container. Then, put your valuables or money into the bottle or container and dig a hole big enough for the container in your potted plant. You can then try to remember where your valuables are hidden, or you can put down a small rock or plant decoration to remind you where you hid your valuables.

False Bottom Drawers – Hiding things is drawers is not always the best way to protect important documents and valuables, but hiding things ‘underneath’ your drawers is a great way to prevent valuables from getting stolen. All you need is fabric or wood that looks like the bottom of your drawers cut to the size that you need. Then, you can put your valuables in the drawer, put the false bottom over them, and fill up the drawer with things that you normally would such as clothes, office supplies, or less important paperwork. False bottom drawers are a great way to hid paperwork and other important documents that people might want to steal. This way, even if someone rifles through the drawer, they won’t be able to find anything of value.