I always grew up with my father telling me an empty gun is worthless. I keep all my guns loaded when legally allowable, sometimes even when it isn't. I have the following layout:
In the nightstand by my bed I store my 9mm. 10 rounds in the mag, one in the pipe and decocked (DA first round) with a spare mag loaded next to it.
Loaded SA 44mag holstered under the bed. Rounds loaded in firing order: 44spl shotshell, 44spl hollowpoint, 44spl shotshell, 3x 44spl hp. No safety on the gun. I use specials instead of magnums to allow for more expansion if they are used and also to prevent them from passing through the walls of the house to the outside world.
12ga shotgun in the closet, 4 roungs in the mag, cocked w/ 1 in the pipe w/ safety on. Rounds in firing order: 2x target loads, 2x 00 buckshot, 1 magnum 00 buckshot.
22magnum SA revolver holstered in my top dresser drawer, loaded.
22lr semiauto pistol between the bed and nightstand. Loaded 10rd clip, nothing chambered. Four more loaded clips right nest to it.
I generally rotate the rounds in my clips as I've had trouble with clip springs developing a memory of being depressed in the past. Always clean my weapons after each firing. Deep, thorough cleaning after about every 10 times out.
I imagine most intruders in California wouldn't expect to be greeted with such a "warm" welcome...
-MW