Are you an adventure-seeking driver who loves to explore new places? Parking your vehicle to take a hike in a new place creates safety challenges when it comes to storing your belongings. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to safely store items while traveling so you can enjoy the journey without worrying about theft or damage.
Different safe storage options for drivers
There are different safe storage options for drivers who want to keep their belongings safe while they’re on the road. They can choose to store their things in the car boot, under the seat, or in a locked glove box.
Car boots are a great option for storing larger items that you don’t need access to while you’re driving. If you have valuables that you want to keep hidden and out of sight, storing them in the boot is a good choice. Just be sure to lock the boot before you leave your car and ensure that any boot blind or parcel shelf completely covers your items. Covering items with a blanket or sheet doesn’t hide them from prying eyes, it just creates curiosity. Some vehicles have a subfloor in the boot.
Under-seat storage is perfect for smaller items that you need quick access to. Be sure not to store anything valuable under the seat, such as your house keys or large amounts of cash or an expensive phone, as it could be stolen if someone breaks into your car. If you have a centre console with a storage binnacle, this can also be a good place to store things like your sunglasses.
A locked glove compartment is another option for keeping your belongings safe while you’re driving. This is a good place to store things like your registration and insurance information, as well as any other documents that you might need while on the road. Again, be sure to lock the glove compartment before leaving your car.
If you’re traveling to a different city, be sure to research different storage options that are available in that area. This could be anything from a self-storage unit to an RV park with secure storage options. If you need storage while exploring Perth, for example, you can look into storage facilities in that area. Regardless of which safe storage option you choose, make sure to lock your belongings before leaving your car. This will help ensure that your items stay secure and out of reach of any potential thieves.
Tips for keeping your valuables secure
It can be difficult to keep your valuables safe when you’re constantly on the move, but there are a few simple tips that can help. First, make sure you have a good steering wheel lock for your car. This will deter would-be thieves and give you peace of mind while you’re away from your vehicle.
Second, consider what you can take with you. While you might want to leave your wallet because it’s bulky, it’s a good idea to at least take your driver’s licence and one credit card just in case you need them.
Some electric vehicles have a ‘frunk’, which is a front trunk that sits under the bonnet.
Finally, always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
How to maximize available space in your car
Assuming you don’t have a lot of extra space in your car to begin with, there are still ways you can maximize the available space so you can comfortably store your belongings while driving around. One way is to use organizers and storage containers that fit snugly in your car’s trunk or back seat. This will help keep things tidy and prevent them from rolling around or taking up too much space.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to purchase expensive organizers. Instead, you can use any spare boxes or bags you have lying around your home. You can also purchase inexpensive items like over-the-seat organisers.
To avoid things sliding around in the boot, there is often a net supplied which hooks onto tie down points in the boot.
Avoiding theft while parked
No one wants to come back to their vehicle after a long day of exploring to find that their stuff has been stolen. Here are some tips to help you avoid theft while parked:
- Keep your valuables out of sight. If you must leave them in the car, put them in the boot or lock them in the glove compartment.
- Don’t leave any clues that you have valuable items in your car. This includes things like GPS units, phone chargers, and laptop cords.
- Park in a well-lit and busy area whenever possible (an area covered by CCTV is better still).
- If you’re going to be gone for a while, consider paying for parking in a garage with security cameras.
- Lock all your doors and windows, even if you’ll only be gone for a few minutes.
- Purchase an anti-theft device like a steering wheel lock or GPS tracker.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to leave the area.
Additional security measures
There are a few additional security measures drivers can take to ensure their belongings are safe while they’re exploring around. First, they should always lock their car doors, even if they’re just stepping away for a minute. Second, they should park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Finally, they should consider investing in a car alarm or GPS tracker.
This way, if the vehicle is robbed or stolen, they’ll have a better chance of recovering their belongings and finding the perpetrator. Additionally, they should research their destination beforehand to determine the safest places to park. By taking these extra steps, drivers can stay safe and enjoy their road trip with peace of mind.
Storing your stuff safely while out exploring can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips and tricks, drivers will be able to keep their items safe and sound while they enjoy the open road. Whether you’re planning on doing some sightseeing or just need somewhere to store your belongings for a few hours, there are plenty of options available. Keep in mind that if you are planning on leaving your vehicle unattended for a long period of time, it is recommended to take extra precautions such as investing in a car alarm or locking system.
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
