Keeping Your Valuables Safe at Home, at Work and While Travelling

Lost or stolen valuables are more than just an inconvenience. For many Australians, they can mean lost time, financial stress and major disruption to daily life.

With rising theft, busy lifestyles and more shared spaces at home, work and on the move, keeping track of valuables like laptops, tools, bags and luggage has become increasingly challenging. While no solution is foolproof, a combination of smart habits and modern technology can significantly reduce the risk of loss and help you recover items faster if the worst happens.

Keeping valuables safe at home

While home feels like the safest place, it’s also where items are most commonly misplaced. Keys, wallets, devices and bags often go missing simply because they’re placed down during busy routines.

Simple ways to reduce loss at home:

  • Designate consistent places for keys, bags and devices
  • Avoid leaving valuables near doors or open windows
  • Label or mark high-value items discreetly
  • Keep an inventory of important belongings

A practical advantage of choosing a tracker that supports both Apple and Android is flexibility: additional trackers from a multi-pack can be paired to different family members, even if they use different phones.

Protecting valuables at work and in shared spaces

Workplaces, schools and cafés present a higher risk environment. Laptops left behind in meeting rooms, tools stored in vehicles and bags placed under desks are all common targets for theft or accidental loss.

Practical workplace safety tips:

  • Never leave valuables unattended in public or shared spaces
  • Store equipment securely when not in use
  • Avoid leaving items visible in vehicles
  • Use identification and tracking for frequently moved items

Choosing tracking devices that work with both Apple and Android phones can simplify deployment across teams – particularly when purchasing multiple trackers – without needing to standardise everyone onto the same phone type.

Staying safe while travelling

Travel is one of the most common times for valuables to go missing. Airports, hotels and public transport hubs create busy environments where luggage and bags can be easily misplaced or taken.

Travel safety best practices:

  • Use sturdy luggage with secure locks
  • Choose TSA-approved locks for international travel
  • Keep valuables in carry-on luggage where possible
  • Track checked luggage digitally in case it’s delayed or separated

How technology can support smarter protection

While good habits form the foundation of valuables safety, technology can offer an added layer of support. Bluetooth tracking devices can help locate items through trusted networks, alert users when something is left behind, and assist with recovery if an item is found.

When choosing a tracker, it’s worth considering:

  • Whether it supports your current phone and future upgrades
  • How location sharing works within the app ecosystem
  • Battery life and rechargeability
  • Privacy protections and data security
  • Durability for everyday and travel use

Solutions like the Verbatim My Finder Dual range are designed to work with either Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, allowing each tracker to be paired to one device at a time, while offering optional location sharing within the same app and long-term flexibility across different phone platforms.

Recommended Tools for Keeping Track of Your Valuables

While good habits are the first line of defence, the right tools can make it much easier to recover items if they’re misplaced or taken.

For everyday items like keys, backpacks and laptops

Compact Bluetooth trackers paired to your phone can help you locate items nearby or see their last known location. When purchasing multiple trackers, choosing models that support both Apple and Android allows each person to pair their own tracker, even if they use different phones.

For travel and luggage protection

A TSA-approved lock with built-in tracking adds both physical and digital protection. TSA approval allows airport security to inspect your luggage without damage. While each lock is paired to one device, location sharing within the same app can help travel companions assist if luggage is misplaced.

Verbatim’s My Finder Dual Wireless works with Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, offering rechargeable convenience and everyday durability.

The My Finder Dual Channel TSA Lock combines secure locking with app-based tracking for travel peace of mind. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 120 days per charge.

A Balanced Approach to Peace of Mind

No single solution can prevent every loss, but combining smart daily habits with thoughtful use of technology can greatly reduce the risk. Whether at home, at work or travelling, taking proactive steps helps protect what matters most, and reduces stress when life gets busy.

The goal isn’t to track everything, but to create confidence and control over the items that matter most in everyday life.