So I finally started a new character (that's right: the new player questions will start all over again ).

Are the containers her her house (cupboards, chests, etc) safe as if we owned the house?

I'm guessing not since the loading screen tips emphasize "owned" houses. Either way, wlll removing itmes I've put in there be considered stealing if I remove them later?

I remember reading that her house is safe, as she gives you a key to come and go as you please. The funny thing about Riverwood I have noticed though is it is a "small community" and you want to stay in good "legal" standing with everyone or their attitudes tend to change towards you.

Edit, just remeber barrels are never considered safe as the re-spawn contents every 30 days.

Thanks. Yeah, having the key makes me feel like they might be safe, but I wasn't sure. I've heard about the barrels.

FWIW: I used to use exteriior containers in Fallout 3 on temporary bases (ie run back to Megaton and right back), but never permanently.

I'm not trying to horde at a guest house, but I'd like to lighten my load while I grind firewood cutting.

never had a problem with gerdur's house. i used the chest, end tables, wardrobe, and barrels by the bed in the back corner. the barrels never respawned on me and i'm pretty sure i used gerdur's house for more than 30 game days, but not positive. i also seem to remember reading you have to be out of the cell for 30 days to respawn. so if you are coming and going the cell isn't left un-visited so it won't respawn (i know i definitely used the dorm room at the college of winterhold for a very long time and my barrels never respawned there either). not positive so correct if i'm wrong.

anyway, never had a problem with gerdur's house.

Sweet. Yeah, even in Fallout 3 I'd left stuff in mailboxes and it was always there months later (stuff of little value that I just dumped in there because I didn't feel like dropping it on the ground ).

Wow. The f-ing game tagged some of the things I put in the cupboard red.

Also, what event/quest makes Hod start saying, "You lost?" when you enter their house in which we're supposedly allowed to "stay as long as [we] like"?