TES5 Skyrim AE: safe storage

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (TESV:AE) without mods, there are several non-ownable locations with containers that are safe for long-term storage. These containers do not respawn or empty their contents, making them reliable places to store items without the need to purchase a house. Here are the key locations and details:

College of Winterhold

The Arch-Mage's Quarters in the College of Winterhold contains safe storage containers[1]. While the room itself is not technically owned by the player until they become Arch-Mage, the containers within are safe for storage from the beginning of the game.

Abandoned House in Markarth

This location becomes available when starting the "The House of Horrors" quest[3]. The containers inside this house do not respawn, making it a useful early-game storage location. You don't need to complete the quest to use this storage safely.

Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood

After progressing through the main questline and completing the "Diplomatic Immunity" quest, the secret room in the Sleeping Giant Inn becomes a safe storage location[8]. The chest on the left side of the room is particularly useful as it's the same chest used during the Thalmor party quest.

Anise's Cabin

Located just outside of Riverwood, the basement of Anise's Cabin contains safe storage containers[2]. This location also provides access to an alchemy lab and an arcane enchanter, making it a useful early-game hideout.

Cronvangr Cave

While not initially safe, this location can be made safe for storage by preventing cell respawning[7]. However, this typically requires the use of mods or console commands, which are not part of the vanilla game experience.

Other Safe Containers

• The UESP Wiki lists several types of containers that are always safe for storage, regardless of location[1]. These include:
  • End Tables
  • Wardrobes
  • Dressers
  • Some types of chests (like "NonRespawningChest")

Important Notes

1. While these locations are generally safe, it's always wise to test with non-essential items first before storing valuable gear[6].

2. Some players have reported success using barrels near specific shops in Whiterun, such as Warmaiden's, for long-term storage[9]. However, this is not officially confirmed as safe and may vary.

3. The game's loading screen advice states that only containers in player-owned homes are safe for storage[1]. While this is not entirely accurate, it's the safest general rule to follow.

4. Exterior cells in the game world typically respawn after a set period (usually 10 days), which can affect the safety of outdoor containers[13].

5. The safest option for long-term storage remains purchasing a house, as all containers within player-owned homes are guaranteed to be safe[5].

Remember that while these non-ownable locations provide safe storage options, they may not offer the same convenience or role-playing satisfaction as owning a proper home in Skyrim. Always exercise caution when using non-standard storage methods to avoid potential loss of important items.

Sources
[1] Skyrim:Containers - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Containers
[2] Where can I store my extra stuff if I dont own a house? : r/skyrim https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/15e2lsh/where_can_i_store_my_extra_stuff_if_i_dont_own_a/
[3] How to keep containers (barrels) from resetting? - Arqade https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/70839/how-to-keep-containers-barrels-from-resetting
[4] the elder scrolls v skyrim - Where can I safely store my stuff? - Arqade https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/35314/where-can-i-safely-store-my-stuff
[5] Category:Skyrim-Places-Safe - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Category:Skyrim-Places-Safe
[6] Skyrim list of safe containers, that are non-respawning. - Giant Bomb https://www.giantbomb.com/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/3030-33394/forums/skyrim-list-of-safe-containers-that-are-non-respaw-529459/
[7] Making a location "safe" to live in - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/65580039
[8] Safe Storage for Items - Skyrim Forums https://skyrimforum.com/forum/threads/safe-storage-for-items.302/
[9] Do any containers ever clear their inventory and/or respawn? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61368901
[10] Houses with safe containers? - UESP Forums • View topic https://forums.uesp.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=24863
[11] Non-respawning containers : r/skyrimmods - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/fxc9f6/nonrespawning_containers/
[12] Which places am I able to store my items without them disappearing? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61652785
[13] Container respawning - Skyrim LE - Nexus Mods Forums https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/1600453-container-respawning/
[14] Can you stash items anywhere? - Fallout 3 - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/939933-fallout-3/48559862?page=1
[15] Are all the containers in your house safe storage? - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/60982487
[16] are all containers in houses safe to store items in? - Skyrim LE https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/463594-are-all-containers-in-houses-safe-to-store-items-in/
[17] Safe Storage Containers? : V - Game Skyrim Forum http://www.gamesas.com/safe-storage-containers-t252009.html

Based on the search results, there are several early-game accessible and free locations with reliably safe storage in Skyrim, without using mods or console commands:

Anise's Cabin

Located southwest of Riverwood, this small dwelling offers safe storage options:

• The cellar contains safe containers and doesn't respawn[2][8]
• The cupboard and dresser on the ground floor are safe[2]
• Features an alchemy lab and arcane enchanter[2]
• The bed becomes unowned after defeating Anise[2]

Abandoned House in Markarth

• Available early in the game by starting "The House of Horrors" quest[4]
• Contains over 60 safe containers[8]
• Doesn't require quest completion to use for storage[4]

Embershard Mine

• Located near Helgen and Riverwood[7]
• Becomes safe for storage once cleared of bandits[7]
• Contains multiple containers, a forge, grindstone, and workbench[7]
• Safe for approximately 300 in-game days after clearing[7]

College of Winterhold

While there are conflicting reports about safety, some containers appear reliable:

• The wardrobe in the Apprentice Quarters (Hall of Attainment) is considered safe by some players[4][6]
• Use caution and test with non-essential items first

Sleeping Giant Inn (Riverwood)

• The chest in the secret room becomes safe after the "Diplomatic Immunity" quest[10]
• Located on the left side of the secret room[10]

Other Options

• Some players report success using barrels near Warmaiden's in Whiterun[1][12]
• The Abandoned Shack from the Dark Brotherhood questline (after completing the quest)[5]
• Cleared bandit camps that are marked as "Cleared" on your map (visit every 300 days to prevent reset)[7]

Remember to always test these locations with non-essential items first, as some players have reported conflicting experiences with certain containers.

Sources
[1] Earliest safe place to store stuff? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://www.giantbomb.com/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/3030-33394/forums/earliest-safe-place-to-store-stuff-523953/
[2] Which areas offer free and safe storage on Skyrim:Remastered? https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/5l24kw/which_areas_offer_free_and_safe_storage_on/
[3] Where can I store my extra stuff if I dont own a house? : r/skyrim https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/15e2lsh/where_can_i_store_my_extra_stuff_if_i_dont_own_a/
[4] the elder scrolls v skyrim - Where can I safely store my stuff? - Arqade https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/35314/where-can-i-safely-store-my-stuff
[5] Category:Skyrim-Places-Safe - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Category:Skyrim-Places-Safe
[6] Skyrim talk:Containers/Archive 1 - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:Containers/Archive_1
[7] Where is the best early game place to store your stuff? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimrequiem/comments/41wp4j/where_is_the_best_early_game_place_to_store_your/
[8] Is your room in Collage of Winterhold safe place to store stuff? https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/2984284-is-your-room-in-collage-of-winterhold-safe-place-to-store-stuff/
[9] Which places am I able to store my items without them disappearing? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61652785
[10] Safe Storage for Items - Skyrim Forums https://skyrimforum.com/forum/threads/safe-storage-for-items.302/
[11] Skyrim:Containers - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Containers
[12] Is there anywhere to safely store your gear until you can buy a house https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/64323774?page=1
[13] Early SAFE storage sites? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/69438931
[14] Keep Your Loot Safe! Early Game Storage Options In Skyrim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx2bYzn04XI
[15] Safe Storage besides houses ? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61760290
[16] Are all the containers in your house safe storage? - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/60982487

Anise's Cabin is a small dwelling located in Falkreath Hold, west-southwest of Riverwood and south of Bleak Falls Barrow. This location serves as an excellent early-game resource and potential player home in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition. Here are the key details about Anise's Cabin:

Location and Features

• The cabin consists of two areas: the main floor and a cellar.
• It contains several useful features for early-game players:
  • An alchemy lab
  • An arcane enchanter
  • Safe storage containers
  • A bed (becomes unowned after Anise is defeated)
  • Various alchemy ingredients and magical items

Safe Storage

• The cellar does not respawn, making all containers within safe for long-term storage[1].
• On the ground floor, the cupboard and dresser are also safe containers[1].
• The barrel and apothecary's satchel are not safe for storage[2].

Anise and Her Secret

• Initially, Anise appears as a harmless old woman tending her garden.
• Exploring the cellar reveals Anise's true nature as a witch[1].
• Upon exiting the cellar, Anise becomes hostile, shouting "Fool! None may know my secret!"[1]

Lore and Story

• A letter in the cellar reveals Anise's plan to form a witch coven[3].
• The cabin may be connected to a larger network of witches and possibly Hagravens[2].
• Anise's motives for secrecy remain speculative, ranging from avoiding witch hunters to personal reasons[3].

Post-Anise Usage

• After defeating Anise, the cabin can serve as a useful early-game base[2].
• The bed becomes unowned and free to use[2].
• Other items in the cabin remain marked as owned, and taking them counts as stealing[1][2].

Unique Finds

• The Alchemy skill book "Song of the Alchemists" can be found in the cabin[1].
• A hidden treasure (Flawless Emerald) can be found in a nearby skeleton of a deer[5].

Considerations

• Entering the cellar is always considered trespassing, even after Anise's death[1][2].
• Some items in the cabin are owned by the HagravenFaction, which may trigger hired thugs if stolen[1].

Anise's Cabin serves as an excellent introduction to alchemy and enchanting for new players, while also providing a intriguing narrative hook into the darker aspects of magic in Skyrim.

Sources
[1] Skyrim:Anise's Cabin - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Anise's_Cabin
[2] The Dark Secret of Anise's Cabin in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzloLgJDWWQ
[3] Skyrim talk:Anise's Cabin - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:Anise's_Cabin
[4] Which house / safe storage chest is closest to a fast travel destination? https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/38950/which-house-safe-storage-chest-is-closest-to-a-fast-travel-destination
[5] Anise's Cabin | Skyrim Explored - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I310ZXvfce0
[6] How safe is Anise's Cellar as temporary storage? - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/191475-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-special-edition/75280622
[7] Skyrim: Wilderness Player Home (Beginners) + Secret - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chQ1iQP9aT8
[8] Anise's Cabin Redesign - Skyrim Special Edition/AE Player Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xQQEAcSyDU

Embershard Mine is a notable location in Skyrim that can be used for early-game storage under certain conditions. Here are the key details about using Embershard Mine for storage:

Safe Storage Potential

Embershard Mine can be used as a relatively safe storage location, but with some important caveats:

• The mine becomes a safe storage location once it's cleared of bandits and marked as "Cleared" on your map[1][10].
• After clearing, the containers inside should remain safe for storage for approximately 300 in-game days[1].

Location and Features

• Embershard Mine is located near Helgen and Riverwood, making it convenient for early-game storage[4].
• The mine contains various useful features for early-game players:
  • Multiple containers for storage
  • A blacksmith forge
  • A grindstone
  • A workbench
  • Even a fishing spot[2]

Precautions

While Embershard Mine can be useful for storage, there are some precautions to keep in mind:

1. Visit the mine at least once every 300 days to prevent cell reset[1][10].
2. Be aware that exterior cells in Skyrim typically respawn after 10 days, which could affect containers near the mine entrance[11].
3. Some players recommend testing with non-essential items first before storing valuable gear[11].

Alternatives

While Embershard Mine can serve as a temporary storage solution, it's worth noting that:

1. The safest storage options remain containers in player-owned houses[11].
2. Some players have created mods like "Embershard Cottage" to add more permanent and safe storage options to the area[6].

Remember that while Embershard Mine can be a useful early-game storage location, it's not as reliable as player-owned houses for long-term item storage. As you progress in the game, consider investing in a house for more secure storage options.

Sources
[1] Where is the best early game place to store your stuff? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimrequiem/comments/41wp4j/where_is_the_best_early_game_place_to_store_your/
[2] Skyrim's Hidden Treasures - Embershard Mine - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY_p8qipcf0
[3] Do Containers Resawn in Your House Skyrim https://www.prefab-house.com/a-news-do-containers-resawn-in-your-house-skyrim.html
[4] Let's Play Skyrim Special Edition Part 02 - Embershard Mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO3niV8xkyM
[5] Making containers "safe" - Skyrim LE - Nexus Mods Forums https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/560533-making-containers-safe/
[6] Embershard Cottage at Skyrim Nexus - Mods and Community https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51701
[7] Skyrim:Containers - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Containers
[8] Skyrim - Embershard Mine, Riverwood and The Golden Claw (Let's ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaDcWr6aZ4k
[9] Any confirmed safe spots to store items? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61724239
[10] Is there anywhere I can store my items early in the game? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/66372303?page=1
[11] Storing Items in Random Places :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/2247805152836408703/?l=french
[12] Can't complete quest (Embershard Mine) - UESP Forums • View topic https://forums.uesp.net/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=29637