Managing Holiday Package Overflow in Your HOA or Condo Community

The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means: packages, packages, and—yes—more packages! Between gifts, décor, and those irresistible online holiday deals, residents in HOA and condo communities are about to see their lobbies and package rooms bursting at the seams.

While all those deliveries bring holiday cheer, managing them can be a handful for community managers. But don’t worry—we’ve got some helpful tips to keep things running smoothly, so residents can enjoy their goodies without a hitch!

Why Package Management Gets Crazy During the Holidays

It’s no secret that online shopping is bigger than ever, especially during the holidays. Delivery services like UPS and FedEx see a major increase in residential deliveries this time of year, and that means a lot more packages arriving at your community. While this is fantastic for residents, it can lead to some storage and security headaches if we’re not ready for the rush.

Let’s dive into a few easy (and festive!) steps that HOAs and condos can take to keep everything merry and bright—even as the packages pile up.

Create a Secure Space for Deliveries

First things first: do you have a dedicated package area? If not, now might be the time to set one up! Even a small corner in the lobby or a back office can work wonders for managing packages. Not enough room? Think about temporary solutions like rented storage lockers for the holiday season. Companies like Amazon offer lockers that can be installed onsite, and these are great because they’re secure, convenient, and easy for residents to use.

Another key to keeping packages safe is good lighting and security cameras. Trust us, the added visibility and surveillance make a difference! According to Ring, well-lit areas and cameras not only make residents feel safer but also help deter package theft.

Need help setting up a secure holiday delivery area or finding the right locker solution? Need to talk with us about holiday delivery solutions and how best to handle them, reach out to us for guidance.

Partnering with Delivery Services

You’re not in this alone—most delivery services are more than willing to work with communities to make the holiday season easier. Consider reaching out to local drivers from USPS, UPS, or FedEx and see if they can deliver packages during set hours. This helps manage the flow and keeps things organized.

Some communities even arrange specific delivery windows. If that sounds like a good fit for your HOA or condo, you can communicate it through a sign posted near entrances or by notifying residents.

Keep Residents in the Loop with Pickup Reminders

It’s amazing how much smoother things go when residents pick up their packages right away! Sending quick notifications when a package arrives is a game-changer. If you don’t have package management software, no worries—a simple email reminder or a daily update on a community board can work just as well.

A gentle nudge to residents goes a long way. Try sending a fun holiday email with a few package pickup reminders. You might even include tips on safe package handling or let them know about local Amazon Hub Lockers, where they can have their packages sent if they know they won’t be home right away.

Step Up Security for a Safe (and Merry) Season

There’s nothing like a safe and well-organized delivery system to make the holidays sparkle! Unfortunately, with so many packages in transit, package theft does tend to rise during the holiday season. But with a few simple security upgrades, you can make your community a tough target for thieves. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests steps like encouraging residents to track their deliveries and reminding them not to leave packages unattended for too long.

Extra security cameras or seasonal hires to monitor high-traffic areas can also help you stay on top of things. If your community has the budget, a temporary holiday helper could be a huge asset, sorting packages and even helping with pickup reminders.

Encourage Residents to Use Off-Site Lockers

Let’s face it: sometimes there just isn’t enough room. For those high-volume shippers, suggest that residents use off-site lockers. Many services, like Amazon and UPS, offer convenient locker pickup points that are safe, easy to access, and nearby. Not only do these lockers reduce the load on your property, but they also make it easy for residents to grab their packages whenever they’re free.

Another great tip: encourage residents to use package tracking notifications. UPS and FedEx both offer text or email notifications, which help residents stay in the loop and pick up packages right away.

Keep the Holiday Cheer High with Communication

The holidays are all about giving, and one of the best gifts you can give your community is clear, friendly communication. A quick email reminder or a festive sign by the entrance can make a huge difference. For instance, a message from the National Security Council highlights the importance of holiday safety tips, which are always good to share with residents during this busy season.

Remind residents to pick up packages promptly, suggest they use alternative pickup locations, and share a few helpful safety tips. A cheerful holiday-themed bulletin board with delivery tips and safe storage practices adds a fun touch and keeps residents informed. By keeping everyone in the loop, you can help create a secure and joyful environment that lets everyone fully enjoy the season.

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FAQs

Q1: What should I do if I think my package was stolen?
A1: First, double-check with the delivery service to confirm if it was delivered. If confirmed and still missing, report it to property management and, if needed, local authorities.

Q2: How can I make sure my packages are safe during the holidays?
A2: Try to be home for deliveries, or consider sending items to a trusted pickup location like an Amazon Locker or nearby collection point.

Q3: Can our HOA set specific delivery hours?
A3: Absolutely! Many communities work with delivery services to set preferred hours to avoid congestion. Check with management for your community’s guidelines.

Q4: Are there fees for using package lockers?
A4: Some communities offer free lockers, while others might charge a small fee. You can also check out public lockers, which are often free to use.

Q5: Can I have packages sent to an off-site locker?
A5: Definitely. Many delivery services offer lockers or pickup points nearby, which can be handy during the busy season.