Preparing for your safe delivery might seem simple, but there are plenty of small details that can make or break how smoothly the day goes. From clearing enough space for our crew to work, to deciding where your safe should go, a little preparation makes a big difference.
Our team has seen it all — tight corners, curious pets, power cords in the wrong spot, and even blocked driveways on garbage day! This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your safe arrives. With a few easy steps, you’ll help ensure a fast, clean, and stress-free installation from start to finish.
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Episode 30 Topics
0:52: What do People Need
3:02: Safe Placement
4:15: Putting Your Animals Away for all Deliveries & Maintenance Visits
9:40: The Little Things that Need to be Taken Care Of
11:20: Creating a Custom Combo on a Mechanical Lock
12:38: Call with Questions
14:55: The Beauty of a Garage Install
16:05: Reasons NOT to Install Your Safe Inside Your Home
17:45: Why NOT to Use a Dri-Z-Air in a Safe
19:35: Why to Register Your Warranty
23:34: What Some of the Weirdest Scenarios of People Not Being Ready?
27:05: Pick Up Your Dog Poop
28:00: Always Bolt Down Skinny Safes Especially
Episode 30 Discussion Synopsis
0:52: What do People Need
One of the biggest challenges our techs face is not having enough space to work around a safe. Before your appointment, make sure the area is clear and easy to access. If drilling is needed, we’ll need about six feet of width and three feet of depth for equipment.
Clearing space isn’t part of the job, and delays can quickly push back our tight schedule of five to seven deliveries a day. Most customers prepare ahead, but that small percentage who don’t can throw off the whole day. A clear path helps us work faster and keeps everyone on schedule.
What to know about second story gun safe installations, which gun safes you can put on the second floor, and what it takes to safely move it up (or down) a flight of stairs.
3:02: Safe Placement
Safe placement is something many people overlook. We’ve seen safes crammed into corners or behind doors that barely open—one was wedged so tightly we had to remove trim just to close it! Before delivery day, think carefully about where your safe will go.
A space that looks open might not leave enough room for the door to swing or for you to reach inside. If you’re unsure, our team can help suggest better placement options. Have two or three spots in mind, and we’ll help you choose the one that offers the best mix of accessibility, safety, and convenience.
4:15: Putting Your Animals Away for all Deliveries & Maintenance Visits
We love animals, but for everyone’s safety, please keep pets secured during your safe delivery or service appointment. Doors will be open, and our team will be moving heavy equipment—it’s easy for a dog or cat to slip out unnoticed. Recently, two dogs escaped during a delivery; sadly, one ran into traffic.
Even calm pets can panic when strangers are in their space. We’ve also seen toddlers wander off while parents were distracted. Before we arrive, make sure kids and pets are in a safe room. It keeps them protected and helps our crew work efficiently. Once your safe’s installed, everyone can come out and admire the new setup safely.
9:40: The Little Things that Need to be Taken Care Of
When preparing your home for safe delivery, it’s often the small details that cause the biggest delays. Make sure doors can open fully — coat or shoe racks can block entryways, making it tough to maneuver heavy safes. Also check for power nearby if your safe includes lights or a dehumidifier.
We provide a six-foot cord, but closets rarely have outlets. Lastly, plan your lock code ahead of time. If you’re setting up an electronic lock, choose a six-digit code before we arrive. Taking a few minutes to handle these details keeps your installation smooth, quick, and stress-free.
Don’t let the wrong lock keep you from accessing your safe. Make sure to install the proper U.L. Listed lock on your safe based on your needs.
11:20: Creating a Custom Combo on a Mechanical Lock
If your safe has a mechanical dial lock, give us a quick call before delivery. Each new lock comes preset with a random code, which is great for security since it’s not tied to personal numbers like birthdays or addresses. If you’d prefer a custom combo, we can set one in our warehouse for just a few dollars.
Mechanical locks use three numbers, with the last between 20 and 80. We also suggest keeping at least ten ticks between the first two numbers for easier dialing. Calling ahead helps us stay on schedule and ensures your safe is ready to go.
12:38: Call with Questions
If you have questions about your safe delivery, don’t wait until we arrive — give us a call! Our team knows safes inside and out and can help you prepare. You don’t need to build platforms or buy materials; your floors can handle the weight, and we bring everything needed to protect hardwood or tile, level the safe, and prevent rust.
Avoid rubber mats or “hockey puck” pads — they trap moisture. When planning, remember we can rotate a 42-inch safe to fit through smaller gates or doors. Tight doorway? We’ve got the tools. A quick call ahead helps us arrive ready, saving everyone time and ensuring a smooth, efficient delivery.
14:55: The Beauty of a Garage Install
When I first stored my guns, I kept them downstairs—but hauling heavy cases around a tight corner was a nightmare. After scratching the walls a few times, I realized the garage was a much better choice. For hunters especially, it’s easier and quieter to load gear straight into your vehicle without trekking through the house.
Some people think safes shouldn’t go in garages, but that’s a myth. Many of us keep ours there, securely bolted to the concrete floor. Anchoring to concrete actually adds stability and protection. The garage isn’t just convenient—it’s one of the safest, smartest spots for your safe.
From space to convenience, there’s a lot of reasons to install a safe in your garage.
16:05: Reasons NOT to Install Your Safe Inside Your Home
When I got my first safe, I proudly put it in the living room—it looked great until it became a nuisance. It took up space, got scuffed by the vacuum, and was always in the way. Pets can make things worse, especially cats, whose urine can corrode paint and steel. Even spilled drinks can cause rust, especially on carpet or hardwood.
We’ve seen safes nearly glued to floors from moisture damage. When choosing a spot, avoid busy areas where spills or accidents happen. Pick a dry, low-traffic location so your safe stays clean, protected, and looking great for years to come.
17:45: Why NOT to Use a Dri-Z-Air in a Safe
Moisture is one of the most common causes of safe damage. Products like Dri-Z-Air or other desiccant dehumidifiers can help, but only if used properly. If one spills, the liquid can eat through paint, rust the bottom, and even corrode holes in the steel. Moisture can also seep through bolt holes, rusting the bolts or concrete underneath, making future moves extremely difficult.
When setting up your safe, also think about accessibility. Internal hinges only open about 90 degrees, while external hinges can open 180 degrees or more, giving you full access to your items. And don’t worry — external hinges don’t make your safe less secure. Interlocking bolt systems keep the door firmly in place even if the hinges are cut.
To keep your safe in great condition, plan ahead: store it in a dry location, handle dehumidifiers carefully, and give the door space to open fully.
We encounter a lot of safe owners who buy their safe, fill it up, and think their job is done. Reality is, protecting the environment inside is just as important as keeping thieves.
19:35: Why to Register Your Warranty
After your safe is delivered, one of the most important steps is registering your warranty. It only takes about ten minutes but can save you time and stress later. Warranty registration serves as proof of ownership, which is essential if you lose your combination, need service, or must verify ownership.
Without it, confirming records can take extra time and effort. Some manufacturers may even deny warranty coverage if you don’t register within 30–90 days. Because safes are security products, service techs must confirm ownership before providing combinations or parts. Taking a few minutes to register ensures your investment is protected and future service stays quick and hassle-free.
Requests for warranty service, lost combinations, and emergency openings are a common occurrence at NW Safe. We receive them weekly.
23:34: What Some of the Weirdest Scenarios of People Not Being Ready?
Even small details can cause big delays on delivery day. We’ve had customers schedule their safe delivery on garbage day—only to find our 26-foot truck stuck behind a garbage truck in a narrow Seattle alley. Add parked cars, and it can turn into a 15-minute puzzle!
To help things go smoothly, please clear your driveway and move any cars out of the way. Check for low-hanging tree branches or power lines, and trim or report them ahead of time. When placing your safe, try to face it inward so we can close the garage door in winter. A little prep—clearing space and planning ahead—keeps your delivery safe, smooth, and right on schedule.
27:05: Pick Up Your Dog Poop
Here’s one we hate to even mention — but it’s important: please pick up your dog poop before delivery day.
When we deliver safes, we often lay down large sheets of plywood across lawns and yards to help move the safe safely around your home. If there’s dog waste in the way, it makes things messy fast — for us, for our equipment, and for your home.
The last thing we want is to track anything inside your house or onto our gear. Our goal is to give you the best, cleanest experience possible. But if we have to dodge messes, clean our boots, or wipe down wheels before going inside, it slows everything down — and nobody enjoys that.
Plus, our tools and dollies travel from one home to the next. Keeping them clean helps protect your home and the next customer. So before delivery day, take a quick lap around your yard and make sure everything’s clear. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for everyone.
28:00: Always Bolt Down Skinny Safes Especially
Even small details can create big delays on delivery day. We’ve had customers schedule their safe delivery on garbage day, only to find our 26-foot truck stuck behind a garbage truck in a narrow Seattle alley. Add parked cars, and it becomes a 15-minute maze!
To keep your delivery running smoothly, please clear your driveway and move any vehicles. Check for low tree branches or power lines, and trim or report them in advance. When deciding on placement, try to face the safe inward so we can close the garage door during cold weather. A little planning and preparation help ensure your safe delivery goes smoothly, efficiently, and right on schedule.