nice post.  hard wallets are good for those reasons.  However, DON'T LOSE IT.  If you have a safe, I'd put it in there.  And if you really want to get secure - have multiple hard wallets and distribute the funds.  

However, there is a difference between an exchange and soft wallets.  there are many options out there today.  and there are also differences in how exchanges handle your money too.  some have cold storage.  some don't.  

Many different ways to secure your funds, but distribution is probably at the top for me.