If you’re anything like me, you worry about having packages delivered to your home when you’re not there especially during the holiday season. So how can you ensure that your package will be delivered to you?
1. Install Security Cameras:
When looking at security cameras try to get one that is motion censored and Wi-Fi capable so that you can receive alerts to your smartphone when you’re not there or the police will be alerted. Important security camera features are; motion detection, field of view, night vision, movement, Wi-Fi capability, cost, sound, and resolution. security cameras can be a double task not only can they alert you when there is a trespasser but they can also get a facial reaction if the thief or intruder gets away. Security Cameras are always good to have around your home just to help keep your home secure at all times.
2. Get to Know your Delivery People
Being friendly is always a great option. When you know your delivery people you can let them know if you will not be home or if you prefer an alternate delivery time. Also if there seems to be a suspicious activity or it does not seem safe to leave your package they can let you know that they did not leave it and an alternate way to receive your package.
3. Team up with Neighbors
Teaming up with your neighbors is another good practice, you can help them and they can help you. You could send packages to their home if you’re not going to be home but they will, or you can ask them to grab your packages for you, or just to help keep an eye on your home. Keeping your neighborhood safe and friendly should be in the best interest of all who lives there.
4. Change your Mailbox
There are package mailboxes that you could get, you just need to make sure it is USPS-approved before purchasing. This is a great idea because your packages will always be secure.
5. Require Signature or Pick up in Person
Requiring a signature is an option that can help secure you are the person receiving the package and if no one is home then the package will not be left. Picking up in person is a great idea especially if you know you will not be home for a few days or are in and out. Picking up in person is the most secure method.
6. Package Guard
Package Guard is a frisbee-sized disc that is Wi-Fi capable sending an alert to your phone when your package is placed on from the disc. This is a great way to ensure that your package is arriving.
7. Reroute the Delivery
If you know that you will not be home for the delivery time you could reroute it to your workplace or a family or friends home. This is a secure way to ensure safe delivery.
8. Request Vacation Hold
If you’re going away for the holidays then you can request a vacation hold until you return. Most places offer free holding of packages, you will just need to check before making the request.
Sending packages can be just as stressful as receiving. You do not want to send a package that gets lost or broken. Check out these tips to help avoid an upsetting holiday package arrival.
1. Remove Old Shipping Labels
Reusing old shipping boxes is financially smart, but if you leave those labels on the box it could make for a stressful time. If you leave the old shipping labels on the box it could go to the wrong location or at the very least make the job more difficult for the delivery person. Plus, leaving those labels on makes it looks like you do not care or did not take your time with this package.
2. Use H-Tape Method
H Taping is the correct way to tape packages, this method secures the package from opening. When using the H taping method be sure to use packaging tape which is 2 inches thick and can withstand 60lbs. If you have an irregular shaped box just be sure to tape along all the open seams when you seal it. Do not use duct tape.
3. Box-in-a-Box
If you have a very fragile item it can be unnerving to send, especially if you’re like me and have had a bad experience of someone receiving a broken present. It’s not always the deliveries person fault, the holidays are very stressful time for them. Help make their jobs easier by doing everything you can to ensure the safety of your package, box-in-a-box is a great method, while it may cost a little more due to weight it is better than the receiver receiving a broken package. First, this is first sure your item is securely cushioned about 2 inches thick, then place your item inside your smaller box filling all open space with loosefill peanuts minimum of 2″ thick, then place the small box in the outer sturdy box filling the excess space minimum of 3″ thick with loosefill peanuts. Now you have yourself a securely packaged item.
4. Sending Baked Goods
Who doesn’t love receiving homemade cookies, especially ones that you used to make with your grandma or mom for holidays? The perfect gift for college students who won’t be going home for the holidays are their favorite baked goods. However, packaging these baked goods can be worrisome because what if they receive them and they are no longer good? Domino Sugar has a set of instructions to follow to help ensure a yummy received treat.
5. Provide an Internal Shipping Label
If your package got damaged and the delivery service needs to repackage make their jobs a little easier by providing information of where to ship to. This could include providing a business card with name, phone number, and address or just a piece of paper written on eligible with that information. It is safer to make sure you are doing everything you can to make the deliveries job easier so that you do not have to work harder if something were to happen to your package.
Do not get caught up in the stressfulness of sending packages this holiday season, just be prepared, plan ahead, and have a wonderful holiday season! Happy Holidays!
If you’re interested in purchasing a residential home in Central Florida, please contact Mike Rance at MikeRanceRealtorCFL@gmail.com.
To see residential home listings in Central Florida, please visit Central Florida Homes.
Mike Rance
RE/MAX 200 Realty in Winter Park, Florida
E: MikeRanceRealtorCFL@gmail.com
P: 407-629-6330 ext. 255
By: SaJorden Miller/ Mike Rance Team
Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens
Make it out to these great local events and see all that Central Florida has to offer for the holidays! Don’t forget that the best experience of all could be you driving around luxury or small, historic neighborhoods of Celebration, Windermere, Winter Park, Mount Dora, and many others with your family, viewing all of the inspiring Christmas lights and spending quality time together.
Mike Rance, Realtor 