or any non-respawning containers other than those in the player house???

I believe everything in the gas station is okay.

The schoolhouse has a safe that's well, safe. I believe the lockers are also all safe.

the dumpster is safe

How long does it take for a retainer to respawn?

i use the room next to where Easy Pete sleeps. is my stuff safe there?

Until the orthodontist needs a new BMW.

Or more than four days without you being in the area. Though desks, filing cabinets and lockers seem to respawn on game reloads for some reason, but only when completely empty. Possibly related to the respawning creatures on reload issue.

*Container

I did the same thing I've done since Oblivion. Just dump stuff on the floor. In this case, dump stuff on the floor of the gas station.

In case you are thinking of picking up all the stuff you would have picked up in FO3, don't bother. Check recipes at a workbench first.

thanks everyone.

Never had any container respawn in Goodsprings, personally. I've stored stuff in Easy Pete's cabinet, Doc Mitchell's cabinet, and the Sunset Sarsaparilla crates next to the ammo/work benches.