4 Best Places to Store Ammunition (And What to Avoid)

The best places to store ammunition aren’t just about convenience—they’re about safety, longevity, and protecting your investment. Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or just starting out, where and how you store your ammo can make a big difference in its performance and reliability. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top ammo storage solutions, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and show you how secure, stylish options like hidden gun shelves and wall safes from Bellewood Designs can elevate your storage game while keeping your home safe.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Proper ammunition storage protects your investment, extends shelf life, and enhances household safety.

• Wall hanging gun safes and hidden gun shelves offer secure, stylish, and discreet options for storing ammo.

• Cool, dry, and low-humidity environments are ideal to prevent corrosion and maintain ammo performance.

• Avoid storing ammo in garages, basements, vehicles, or near heat sources due to extreme temperature fluctuations.

• Bellewood Designs provides handcrafted, lockable storage solutions that blend seamlessly with your home decor.

Why Ammo Storage Matters

Ammunition may look tough, but it's sensitive to its environment. Heat, moisture, and even poor handling can reduce its lifespan or make it unsafe to use. By storing your ammo the right way, you're:

• Extending its usable life

• Keeping it safe from curious kids or guests

• Avoiding accidental discharge

• Protecting your investment (because ammo isn't cheap!)

Best Conditions for Storing Ammunition

Before picking the perfect place to store ammunition, think about its enemies: heat, humidity, and exposure.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Factor	Ideal Range/Condition	Why It Matters
Temperature	Cool (around 55-70°F)	Heat can cause breakdown of gunpowder and primers
Humidity	Low (below 50%)	Moisture can lead to rust or corrosion
Exposure	Minimal light and oxygen exposure	Reduces chemical degradation
Access	Controlled access only (preferably locked)	Prevents unauthorized use or accidents

Tip: Use a dehumidifier or silica gel packets in your storage area to control moisture!

The Best Places to Store Ammunition

Now that you know what conditions to aim for, let’s talk about where to actually put it.

1. Inside a Wall Hanging Gun Safe

One of the smartest and most secure ways to store ammo is inside a wall hanging gun safe. Not only does it keep your ammunition locked away, but it can also double as home decor.

• Perfect for bedrooms, closets, or home offices

• Keeps ammo cool and dry

• Disguised designs help keep contents private

2. In a Hidden Gun Shelf

Hidden gun shelves are another excellent option. These dual-use furniture pieces often include a locking mechanism and can be mounted high out of children’s reach.

• Easy to access when needed

• Can hold ammo, handguns, or both

• Stylish and space-saving

3. Inside a Closet or Cabinet in a Temperature-Controlled Room

Your standard home closet or cabinet—away from vents and direct sunlight—can also work if set up correctly.

• Add a small lockbox or safe inside

• Use moisture absorbers

• Keep it away from cleaning chemicals or sharp temperature swings

4. A Locking Ammo Can or Storage Box

If you need to store a larger quantity or want portability, ammo cans are durable and airtight.

• Great for stacking or storing on shelves

• Often made of steel or heavy plastic

• Just make sure they’re in a cool, dry room

Comparison Table: Popular Ammo Storage Options

Storage Method	Security	Discreet Appearance	Moisture Control	Best For
Wall Hanging Gun Safe	High	High	Moderate	Small-to-medium ammo collections
Hidden Gun Shelf	Medium	High	Moderate	Quick access and home decor use
Locking Closet Cabinet	Medium	Low	Low (add silica gel)	Long-term storage in small homes
Ammo Can w/ Seal	Medium	Low	High	Bulk ammo and portability

What NOT to Do: Common Ammo Storage Mistakes

Avoiding the wrong places is just as important as choosing the right ones. Here are a few areas to skip:

1. The Garage

Garages often experience huge temperature swings and high humidity. These extremes can damage your ammo fast.

2. The Basement

Even finished basements tend to be damp. Unless you have a dehumidifier and consistent temperature control, it’s best to store other things down there—not your ammunition.

3. Near Heat Sources

Don’t store ammo near furnaces, water heaters, radiators, or even ovens. Heat can make your ammo unstable over time.

4. In Vehicles

It might seem convenient to leave ammo in your glove box or trunk, but cars get hot—and fast. Temperatures can climb over 100°F, even on a mild day.

5. In Open Containers

Storing ammo in cardboard boxes, open bins, or drawers without protection can expose it to dust, moisture, and accidental handling.

Safety Tips for Families

If you have kids, guests, or just want an extra layer of caution, follow these tips:

• Always use locked storage for both firearms and ammunition.

• Store firearms and ammo separately if required by law or best for your situation.

• Educate household members about safe firearm and ammo practices.

• Use childproof locks in addition to hidden or disguised storage.

• Mount hidden gun shelves or safes out of reach of small children.

Remember: safe doesn’t have to mean boring. Products like a hidden gun shelf or wall hanging gun safe offer both security and style.

Design Meets Safety: Custom Storage from Bellewood Designs

At Bellewood Designs, we believe storage should be smart and beautiful. Our handcrafted furniture pieces are built to blend seamlessly with your home decor while keeping your firearms and ammunition safe and out of sight.

Why Choose Bellewood Designs:

• Hidden gun shelves and wall safes made from real wood

• Custom finishes to match your interior style

• Discreet locking mechanisms for secure access

• Perfect for ammo, handguns, or both

Whether you want a rustic floating shelf or a picture-frame wall safe, we’ve got something that fits your space and keeps your ammo exactly where it should be.

Smart Storage = Safer Home

Choosing the best place to store ammunition is about more than just picking a spot. It's about creating a system that protects your investment, your family, and your peace of mind.

Whether you're using a wall hanging gun safe, a hidden gun shelf, or a well-placed closet cabinet, remember that good ammo storage is cool, dry, secure, and smartly designed.

Ready to upgrade your ammo storage with something that looks as good as it functions?

Check out Bellewood Designs and explore our stylish, secure options today.