• Locations
  • Storage Options
  • Size Guide
  • Blog
  • My Account

Decluttering, Organization & Storage Tips | Simply Self Storage Blog

Simplify Your Life. Maximize Your Space.

877.786.7343Account

May 4, 2020
by Admin 0 Comments

How to Protect Your Packages From Being Stolen

Online shopping has exploded in popularity, especially since companies like Amazon can get items to your door in only a day or two.

And now, the current pandemic has left online shopping your only choice for everything but groceries.

Thieves are now rubbing their hands in anticipation. A huge uptick in deliveries provides them with plenty of stuff to steal.

Unfortunately for you, retailers and delivery companies aren’t responsible for items stolen off your doorstep. Your only recourse is to file a police report — and who if you’ll ever get your items back that way?

Instead, you should take measures to prevent thieves from snagging your orders in the first place. Read on to learn some effective methods for protecting your packages from theft.

Schedule Your Delivery For When You’re Home

The longer a package sits on your porch, the more time a thief has to see it and decide to snatch it. Contact the shipping company to see if you can schedule your delivery for a particular time.

Many companies will charge a fee for scheduled deliveries. Instead, you can set up free notifications for when your package will arrive. Just be sure to be home when it does.

If FedEx is shipping your product, you can ask them to deliver it to a nearby Walgreens. Walgreens will hold it for you until you can come to get it.

Rely on a Trusted Friend or Neighbor

A neighbor or nearby friend should be willing to hold your item for you while you’re away. Contact the friend or neighbor ahead of time to get their permission.

For obvious reasons, make sure it’s not an item that doesn’t require a signature or your friend/neighbor won’t be allowed to accept the delivery. These are generally high-value items, as they are natural targets for thieves.

Add Delivery Instructions to Keep the Package Out of Sight

Most companies let you add delivery instructions on your order during the checkout process. If you have a side door or back door that’s more out of sight, instruct the driver to leave it there.

Perhaps your side door is too exposed. You could even get creative and ask the driver to leave the package in some plants or something similar.

Require a Signature For Your Package

Some items don’t require a signature, usually if they’re less valuable. However, you can still ask that a signature be required to accept a delivery.

If you’re not able to be there to sign the package when the driver arrives, the shipping company will usually either try again tomorrow or leave it at a local drop-off point (such as Walgreens for FedEx) for you to pick up at your convenience.

Have Your Package Delivered to the Post Office

If you’ll be gone from your home for an extended period of time — such as during travel (or self-quarantine) — you can ask your local post office to hold onto any mail you receive. Feel free to order items while you’re on vacation, then swing by the post office when you come home.

Install a Video Doorbell

Video doorbells won’t completely eliminate the chances of package thievery, but they can definitely make some thieves think twice.

These advanced devices let you monitor their video feed from your computer or smartphone. Plus, they’re motion-activated — if a thief comes to snag your item, you’ll have video evidence that you can show to law enforcement.

Leave delivery instructions to have the driver leave the package in a location to the video doorbell.

Now, video doorbells cost $100-$200 upfront. Some charge additional monthly fees for cloud-based recording. If you can afford the cost, however, video doorbells can minimize package thievery and boost your home security.

Shop Online With Peace of Mind

Shopping online is convenient, but you run the risk of having your package stolen if you aren’t home in time. And with the coronavirus shaking up the economy, shipping times are much more unpredictable.

None of this should stop you from enjoying the benefits of online shopping, though. Take the necessary precautions and follow the above tips to keep package thieves away.

Related Posts:

  • 10 Tips for First-Time Homeschooling Parents During a Pandemic10 Tips for First-Time Homeschooling Parents During…
  • How to Declutter Your Home During COVID-19How to Declutter Your Home During COVID-19
  • New Homeowner Checklist: 10 Things You Need to Do Right When You Move InNew Homeowner Checklist: 10 Things You Need to Do…

Filed Under: Home Organization, Security

About Admin

Written by Simply Self Storage staff. With over 15 combined years in the storage industry, our staff are experts on organization, storage and decluttering tips for your home. We are here to help you Simplify Your Life and Maximize Your Space.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

100% Contact Free Rentals



Skip The Counter - Save Up To 25%
& Get Your First Month Free!

Search

Categories

  • Business
  • College Life
  • Family Life
  • Home Organization
  • How to pack
  • Moving Guides
  • Moving Tips
  • Moving Trends
  • Organization
  • Packing/Unpacking
  • Pets
  • Pop Culture
  • Safety
  • Security
  • Self Storage
  • Self Storage Tips
  • Sustainability
  • Travel
  • Vehicles
  • Volunteering/Charity

Get Tips Delivered to Your Inbox

Recent Posts

  • 10 Best DIY Halloween Decorations
  • New Homeowner Checklist: 10 Things You Need to Do Right When You Move In
  • Wallpaper vs. Paint: The Pros and Cons
  • 5 Creative Book Storage Options For Small Spaces
  • 10 Tips for First-Time Homeschooling Parents During a Pandemic
Storage Features
Blog
Contact Us
FAQs
Refer
Size Guide
Careers
Testimonials
Accessibility
Locations
Moving Supplies
About Us
Auctions
Site Map
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Do Not Sell My Info (California)
Storage Features
Blog
Contact Us
FAQs
Refer
Moving Supplies
Accessibility
About Us
Auctions
Site Map
Locations
Size Guide
Careers
Testimonials
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Do Not Sell My Info (California)
Phone large icon 877.786.7343

©2020 Simply Self Storage. All Rights Reserved.
Offered only on selected units. Subject to availability.
Other restrictions, taxes and fees apply.

Copyright © 2021 · Generate Pro (Simplyss) on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in