How about adding the ability to hide items in the current room using the hiding verb (and skill).

For instance if I am about to take a dive at a lake but am a bit burdened, I might take something heavy like a bundle I'm carrying and
hide my bundle

This would then place the bundle in the room, but out of everybody's view like secret passages and such.

Anyone (with sufficient perception) could then
search

it out and find it.

A hidden item should be protected from the janitor for a certain amount of time (like a grave perhaps). How long could depend on hiding skills.

Yes, a good idea. But I have bad news, don't hold your breath on this one.

Rangers have asked on various occasions to be able to do that exact same thing (wilderness caching, or whatever name is used at the time) and we kept getting the same answer: too resource-intensive.

They figure out a way to get around the resource issue, then it might be possible. Until then, don't count on it. Not bashing your idea, it's a good one. Just not one you should expect to see even "soon".

~~~Krin