Why a book safe is the smartest place to hide your passport
Let’s be honest.
Most of us don’t really have a system for important documents. Passports end up in a bedside drawer, a filing cabinet we never open, or that random ‘important stuff’ folder that somehow migrates around the house.
If you’re looking for a smarter (and much more fun) way to store your passport and other valuables, a book safe might just be your new favourite home upgrade. It’s hidden in plain sight, wrapped up in a beautiful book that looks like it belongs on your shelf.
And no, it doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it’s the opposite.
The problem with common passport hiding spots
We all have go-to spots for important documents. Drawers, filing cabinets, a stack of paperwork tucked into a cupboard. Maybe even a shoebox in the wardrobe.
The issue? These are the first places people look.
They’re also easy to forget about, easy to misplace, and not exactly inspiring. When you’re scrambling to find your passport the night before a trip, the last thing you want is a chaotic pile of paperwork.
A book safe flips this on its head. Instead of hiding something valuable in a place that screams ‘important’, you hide it in something that looks completely ordinary.
What is a book safe?
A book safe is exactly what it sounds like. A real book that’s been hollowed out to create a hidden compartment inside. From the outside, it looks like a normal book sitting on your shelf. Inside, there’s space to store passports, jewellery, cash, documents, and small keepsakes.
At Vox & Dolly, each book safe is handmade and upcycled from real books in my Inner West Sydney studio in Australia. Some are vintage classics, some are children’s books, and others are modern titles; each one has its own character and story.
Every book safe is one-of-a-kind, so no two are exactly the same.
Why a book safe is the smartest place to hide your passport
1. It hides in plain sight
A book on a shelf is one of the least suspicious things in a home. It blends in with your décor and doesn’t draw attention the way a safe or lockbox does.
2. It’s easy to access (when you need it)
You don’t have to remember a code, find a key, or dig through paperwork. Just pull the book from the shelf and open it like you would any other.
3. It fits your personality
Not everyone wants a grey metal safe. A book safe can reflect your style – vintage, literary, quirky, nostalgic, or playful. It feels personal, not clinical.
4. It’s great for more than just passports
Passports are just the beginning.
A book safe is perfect for:
· Important documents (birth certificates, visas, insurance papers)
· Spare cash
· Jewellery & watches
· Sentimental keepsakes
· USBs or external hard drives
Just be sure to check the dimensions before buying one to make sure it suits what you want to store.
A sustainable way to store your valuables
One of the best things about book safes? They’re upcycled.
Instead of old books being discarded or forgotten, they’re given a second life as functional, beautiful storage. It’s a small but meaningful way to choose something handmade, thoughtful, and sustainable.
Every book safe is created by hand in my Sydney studio, carefully hollowed and finished so it’s sturdy, practical, and looks great on your shelf. No mass production, no dropshipping – just real books transformed into something useful and unique.
Not just for minimalists (or maximalists)
Book safes work in almost any home style.
· Minimalist homes: Choose a neutral, modern title that blends into a clean shelf.
· Eclectic homes: Go bold with a vintage or illustrated cover.
· Literary lovers: Pick a classic novel or poetry collection that looks right at home among your favourite reads.
They’re also great for renters who want hidden storage without installing anything permanent.
A quirky gift idea that’s actually useful
A book safe makes a thoughtful, unexpected gift.
Perfect for:
· New homeowners
· Travellers and adventure lovers
· Book lovers
· Graduations or milestones
· Anyone who appreciates clever, handmade pieces
Each Vox & Dolly book safe is gift wrapped and can include a personalised message, making it easy to send straight to someone special.
How to choose the right book safe
When picking a book safe, think about:
· The look: Vintage, modern, illustrated, or classic literature
· The size: Check the internal dimensions for what you want to store
· Where it will live: On a bookshelf, bedside table, or coffee table
Because each book is one of a kind, you’re getting a truly unique piece. No two shelves will look the same.
Why store important documents somewhere fun?
Important documents don’t have to live in boring folders and filing cabinets. Your home should reflect your personality – even the hidden parts of it.
A book safe is practical, discreet, and just a little bit magical. It’s one of those objects that makes people say, ‘That’s such a cool idea’, when they discover it.
And when it comes to something as important as your passport, it’s nice to have a dedicated, memorable place that you won’t forget.
View the book safe range
If you’re ready to give your passport and valuables a smarter hiding place, explore the full range of handmade book safes at Vox & Dolly. Each one is upcycled, one of a kind, and made with care in my Inner West Sydney studio in Australia.
Whether you love vintage novels, classic literature, or quirky illustrated covers, there’s a book safe to suit your style.
