Key Takeaways
Avoid storing emergency documents such as passports or medical records in safety deposit boxes, as restricted access during non-banking hours can lead to delays in critical situations.
Refrain from storing cash, as it doesn’t earn interest, isn’t insured, and can be difficult to retrieve quickly when needed.
Do not keep original wills or estate documents in safety deposit boxes, as accessing them may cause delays, particularly if the box is sealed after death.
Ensure valuables, such as jewellery or collectibles, are adequately documented and insured before storage to safeguard against potential loss or disputes.
Keep frequently needed items, like spare keys or digital backups, at home, where they are easily accessible during emergencies.
Never store prohibited or unsuitable items, such as firearms, explosives, illegal substances, or perishables, in safety deposit boxes to avoid legal or safety risks.
Have you ever wondered if everything in your safety deposit box truly belongs there? While these boxes are designed to protect your most valuable possessions, not every item is suited for storage behind a bank’s locked doors. In fact, placing the wrong things inside could lead to inconvenience or even serious issues when you need them most.
Imagine needing your passport for an urgent trip or accessing a critical document during an emergency, only to realise the bank is closed. Knowing what not to store in a safety deposit box is just as important as knowing what to keep safe. This article will guide you through five items that are better kept elsewhere, ensuring you avoid unnecessary stress and keep your valuables accessible when it matters.
1. Documents Needed in Emergencies
Avoid storing passports, medical records, or your original powers of attorney in a safety deposit box. These documents are often required in time-sensitive situations, such as when travelling, undergoing urgent medical treatment, or making critical legal decisions. Since banks have limited hours and access might require additional steps, keeping these items at home in a secure but easily accessible location is more practical.
2. Medical Records

Storing medical records in a safety deposit box might seem like a safe idea, but it can lead to significant issues when you need them urgently. These documents, such as immunisation records, allergy lists, or medical histories, are often required during emergencies or routine healthcare visits. If they’re locked away in a bank, retrieving them quickly becomes impossible, especially during non-banking hours.
Keep medical records easily accessible at home. Use a secure filing cabinet, a locked drawer, or a password-protected digital file to organise and safeguard them. For instance, if a family member is admitted to hospital, having their medical information at your fingertips can be lifesaving. Storing them at home ensures you’re always prepared to provide crucial information when required.
Also, make digital copies of medical records and back them up in cloud storage for added accessibility. Options like Google Drive or Dropbox allow you to retrieve these files from anywhere, even if you’re travelling. Having both physical and digital copies not only keeps them secure but also ensures you’re ready for any situation.
3. Illegal Drugs
Storing illegal drugs in a safety deposit box is a serious offence. facilities, such as ours have strict policies and conduct regular checks to ensure compliance with local laws. If illegal substances are discovered in your safety deposit box, it can lead to immediate notification to law enforcement, account termination, and severe legal consequences.
Safety deposit boxes are not anonymous and require your personal identification to access. Hence, any illegal contents stored within can easily be traced back to you. For instance, controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, or unauthorised prescription drugs are explicitly prohibited under Australian law, and possessing or hiding them in this manner is punishable with fines or imprisonment.
Also, keeping such items in a safety deposit box could compromise the security and trustworthiness of the financial institution. Reputable facilities reserve the right to inspect the box if they suspect illegal activities, often working in coordination with authorities. Your intent to use the box confidentially doesn’t protect you under such circumstances.
4. Guns

Storing guns in a safety deposit box is not recommended due to several legal and safety concerns. Most banks and storage facilities strictly prohibit firearms in their safety deposit box policies. If you violate these terms, you could face penalties or have your box contents confiscated.
Firearms stored in safety deposit boxes may not be properly secured against moisture or humidity, which can cause rust or damage to the weapon over time. Safes specifically designed for firearms such as Gun Storage Melbourne provide better storage conditions, including temperature and humidity control.
Using a specialist gun storage facilitu will not only comply with laws but keep your firearms secure and safe from damage
Always follow local regulations about gun storage to ensure compliance with the law while maintaining safety.
5. Your Favourite Sandwich

We get it nothing beats a great sandwhich and we have all had one go missing at work or at home.
However, don’t be tempted to keep your favourite sanwich safe by storing it an a safety deposit box.
Many facilities will not allowed food to be stored and food left too long will decay and start to smell. Which won’t be good for the person who rents the box next to you! If you do need to store food look for a specilaist food storage service.
Most importantly though if you get peckish during the night that sandwich will be out of reach, so the best bet is to keep it in the fridge at home.