There are quite a few variables that go into choosing the right size safe. If you’re looking for a place to store personal items at home, you’ll need to consider the quantity, size, and types of your valuables before purchasing a safe. As a business owner, you’ll want to consider the features and security level you need for your commercial safe. Here at American Security, we have a large selection of safe sizes to choose from, and we’re happy to assist you in choosing the right one.
Let’s dig deeper into how you can select the perfect size safe for your valuables.
Home Safe Sizes
The first and most obvious question you need to ask yourself is what items do you need to store? Smaller valuables such as jewelry, cash, and documents will likely require a small to medium-sized safe, possibly with organized compartments for easy access. Here are some compact options AMSEC has for you to choose from:
HIGH SECURITY COMPOSITE SAFE
MAX1014
- UL certified TL-15 burglary protection
- 90 minute Intertek verified fire rating
- Composite materials offer excellent fire protection
- Massive 4-3/4″ thick door
- Drill shattering glass plate re-locker protection
JEWELRY SAFE
JS2020E5
- ETL-verified 45-minute fire protection
- 3/16″ solid steel plate door
- UL listed E-Lock with illuminated keypad
- Quilted faux leather interior
- 2 interior drawers
BURGLARY & FIRE SAFE
BFS1512
- UL certified RSC burglary protection
- ETL certified 60 minute fire protection
- 1/2″ solid steel plate door
- Handsome two-toned black and gray textured finish
We also have large home safes available for those who need more space. Many of our gun safes listed below can also be great general-purpose options.
Gun Safe Sizes
If you’re a gun owner, you’ll most likely require a much larger size safe. You may not necessarily need a huge gun safe, but review your inventory and check out the following recommendations:
Safe Sizes for Handguns
Handgun safes are usually smaller and can be placed in accessible locations. Consider the number of handguns and whether you need a mechanical or electronic lock for fast access. Here are a few AMSEC safes we recommend:
PISTOL SAFE
PS1210HD
- 3/16″ solid steel door
- Fast access mechanical push button lock
- Perfect for home and travel
AM SERIES HOME SECURITY SAFE
AM2020
- ETL-verified 45-minute fire protection
- 1/4″ solid steel plate door
- UL listed E-Lock with illuminated keypad
- Plush velour interior
- Deep blue textured paint finish
Safe Sizes for Long Guns
Rifles and shotguns require larger safes with vertical storage options. These safes often include features like rifle racks and additional compartments for ammunition and accessories. Here are a few AMSEC safes we recommend for larger guns:
BFII GUN SAFE
BFII6636
- Only UL RSC Level 2 security rated gun safe on the market providing double the security protection
- ½” solid steel door
- Double the steel protection in the body with 11GA outer steel barrier and 5/16” inner steel barrier
- Revolutionary light-weight poured fire barrier providing proven superior fire protection
- UL TL-15 rated bolt work
BFX GUN SAFE
BFX6032
- ½” solid steel door
- Dual steel body constructed with an outer and inner steel body
- Revolutionary light-weight poured fire barrier providing proven superior fire protection
- Most robust 4-way active bolt work in the industry
If you have a variety of guns in different sizes, a large multi-purpose safe would be the best option for you.
Commercial Safe Sizes
For many businesses, maintaining a clear process for cash handling is crucial. Our CashWizard Smart Safes are perfect for keeping your money safe and accounted for. With our smart safe technology, many tasks are automated and reduce human error as a result. As far as size goes, these safes offer plenty of room and are customizable to fit your business’s needs.
If you’re not interested in investing in a smart safe, AMSEC still has a variety of regular depository safes available in many different sizes.
If you’re looking for a safe that isn’t just for cash handling purposes, we offer plenty of other high security or pharmacy-specific safes to choose from.
Safe Accessibility
How often you need to access your valuables is another key component you have to take into consideration. If you need to access the safe frequently, such as for cash, documents, or a handgun, consider a smaller, more accessible safe that can be placed in a convenient location like a bedroom or office. A larger safe can’t promise the same accessibility. However, for items that you need to access less frequently, such as important documents, long guns, or valuable jewelry, larger safes placed in more secure, less accessible areas like a basement or closet may be more suitable.
Selecting the right safe for your needs involves more than just choosing the right size. It also means ensuring that the safe fits well in the intended location and that you can access it easily. Proper measurements are crucial to avoid installation issues and to make the most of your safe’s features.
Some of the common residential areas homeowners store safes are:
- Closets: Closets are a popular location for home safes because they are discreet and easily accessible. Measure the floor space as well as the height of the closet to ensure the safe fits comfortably without interfering with shelves or hanging clothes.
- Under Beds: If you plan to store a safe under your bed, measure the clearance from the floor to the bottom of the bed frame. Ensure there is enough space to slide the safe in and out easily.
- Basements: Basements offer larger, more secure spaces for safes. Measure the available floor space and check for potential obstacles like support beams or utilities. Ensure the basement environment is suitable for a safe, with low humidity and minimal risk of flooding.
For businesses, consider measuring the following areas (depending on the layout of your building):
- Office: In an office setting, measure the available space under desks or counters, in corners, or in dedicated storage rooms. Ensure the safe’s placement does not interfere with daily operations or workspace layout. Consider the proximity to valuable assets and the need for quick access.
- Storage Room: Storage rooms offer secure locations for larger safes. Measure the floor space and height, and ensure the safe does not block access to other stored items. Consider the security of the storage room itself and whether additional measures like reinforced doors are necessary.
Consider the Safe’s Dimensions
When shopping for a safe, make sure to keep in mind the exterior and interior dimensions of the container. The exterior dimensions determine whether the safe will fit in the intended location. Measure the height, width, and depth of the safe and compare these to the available space. Remember to account for any protruding handles, hinges, locks, or other external features. Interior dimensions are critical for determining what you can store inside the safe. Ensure the interior space meets your storage needs, considering the thickness of the walls, door, and any shelving or compartments.
Don’t forget to take note of the doors swing radius on the safe you’re considering purchasing and consider whether or not there will be any potential barriers for opening the door in the location you’re placing the safe in. In addition, if there are any drawers that can be pulled out, you want to ensure that there’s ample space to fully extend them.
Other attributes to consider when choosing a safe include:
- Weight and Floor Support: Especially for larger safes, consider the weight and whether the floor can support it. In homes, this is particularly important for upper floors. Consult a structural engineer if you are unsure.
- Accessibility: Ensure the safe’s location allows for comfortable access. You should be able to open and close the safe easily and reach inside without difficulty. For larger safes, consider the height of the top shelves and whether you’ll need a step stool or ladder.
- Environmental Factors: Consider the environmental conditions of the chosen location. Avoid placing safes in areas prone to moisture, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight. This is particularly important for protecting sensitive items like documents and electronics.
Additional Safe Features
When choosing a safe, considering additional features beyond basic storage capacity is crucial to ensure your valuables remain protected against a range of threats. American Security safes offer various options tailored to enhance security and convenience.
Fire Resistance
Most AMSEC safes are listed with a fire rating established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This rating will indicate how long the safe can withstand high temperatures and protect your valuables inside. Many large safes are typically constructed with thick steel walls and other materials to protect from a potential fire. Just make sure you consider what steel gauge you would prefer in your next safe.
Burglary Ratings
Most AMSEC safes receive a burglary rating which indicates the level in which the container is protected from intruders. These ratings are also created by UL as the common industry standard. Depending on your needs, you may not necessarily require the highest security level. Our team can also assist you in determining which rating fits your needs.
Learn More About Burglary Ratings
Weight and Mobility
The size of a safe directly impacts its weight and mobility capabilities, which is important to consider for installation and relocation purposes.
Large Safes: Designed to accommodate substantial storage needs and provide enhanced security, large safes tend to be heavier due to their robust construction and thicker materials. The weight of these safes can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on their size and level of protection.
Small to Medium Safes: Conversely, smaller safes are generally lighter and more manageable in terms of weight. Installation and transportation is easy, making them suitable for both residential and commercial settings where mobility and placement flexibility are important.
Future Planning
When shopping for a safe, it’s crucial to consider not only your current needs but also your future plans and potential growth in your collection of valuables. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Expanding Inventory
If you’re an avid gun owner or a collector of valuable items, it’s wise to anticipate future acquisitions. By choosing a larger safe, you can ensure you have ample space for new additions without needing to invest in a second safe later on. This is particularly important for gun enthusiasts who may plan to acquire more firearms, ammunition, or related accessories over time.
Diversification of Valuables
Your collection of valuables may diversify as your interests or financial situation evolves. Besides firearms, you might start collecting items like jewelry, important documents, precious metals, or even sentimental keepsakes. A larger safe can accommodate these diverse items, ensuring they are all protected in one secure location.
Family Growth
Consider the needs of your family as it grows. You may need to secure additional valuables, such as heirlooms, important family documents, or personal items for new family members. A safe that can accommodate these future needs will provide peace of mind and security for your loved ones.
Flexibility and Convenience
A larger safe provides greater flexibility and convenience in organizing and accessing your valuables. You can store items in a more orderly fashion, reducing the risk of damage and making it easier to locate specific items when needed.
Key Takeaways on Safe Sizes
Going with the largest, high security safe isn’t always the ideal choice for your valuables. Make sure to assess your needs and review the available AMSEC safe sizes to determine what you require. Additionally, keep in mind other factors such as a safe’s fire rating, burglary rating, and weight. Our team can help you narrow down your choices within our high quality safes that include an array of security features.