How to Get Packages Delivered to Your Apartment

Package delivery looks a little different when you live in an apartment. Rather than coming home to boxes on your doorstep, you’ll instead receive deliveries through a unit-specific mailbox, parcel locker, or even at the front desk of your lobby or leasing office.

These unconventional methods may seem intimidating at first, but they are actually designed to make package deliveries more secure and convenient for apartment dwellers. So, before you start stressing about package theft or loss, allow us to share some tips on how to get packages to your apartment without any hassle.

Key Takeaways:

• Parcel lockers are a secure and convenient option for apartment deliveries, offering digital notifications, unique access codes, and 24/7 pickup for packages of various sizes.
• Standard unit-specific mailboxes only accommodate small items, with dimensions typically limited to 3 1/4"H x 12 7/8"W x 15 1/2"D, making them unsuitable for most package deliveries.
•  Delivery management apps like Fetch and Luxer One streamline the delivery and pickup process, allowing residents to schedule drop-offs and access real-time tracking and secure codes.
• Amazon Lockers and Hub by Amazon provide flexible pickup alternatives for apartments without dedicated package rooms or doormen, especially in high-density urban areas.
• Apartment security features—like video doorbells, secure access points, and surveillance systems—significantly reduce the risk of package theft and should be considered when choosing a rental.

Overview of Apartment Package Delivery Options

Mail systems vary from apartment to apartment. However, most communities implement a combination of the following methods: unit-specific mailboxes, parcel lockers, and leasing office deliveries. If you’re not sure how these options differ, let’s take a closer look at each of them and what they mean for your online orders:

Parcel lockers

If you’re new to apartment living, this may be your introduction to parcel lockers. Parcel lockers are essentially mini, lockable storage units that make up apartment package rooms. They come in all shapes and sizes and are specifically designed to house deliveries until residents pick them up.

The parcel locker delivery process is typically the most secure and convenient of all methods. This is because of its digital components, as well as the seamless pickup system that goes as follows:

• Step 1: The mail carrier unlocks the locker through a keypad, QR code, or barcode scanner. After placing the package inside, they can select the recipient on their interface to notify them of the delivery.
• Step 2: Once the package is inside and the locker is locked, the resident will be notified via text, email, or through their system’s respective app. The notification contains a unique delivery code that must be scanned or input to open the locker and receive the package.
• Step 3: Resident enters the pin or scans their QR code to unlock the locker and retrieve the package.

The parcel system is commended for its security, accessibility, real-time tracking, and easy handling. Not to mention, parcel lockers come in various sizes, welcoming deliveries of different weights and fragility. Traditional unit-specific mailboxes, on the other hand, aren’t as size-inclusive.

Unit-specific mailboxes

In addition to the package room, most apartment communities have an adjacent mail room composed of unit-specific mailboxes. Rather than for package deliveries, these mailboxes are used strictly for letters, bills, magazines, and small boxes of a certain weight. The reason they aren’t used for packages? Well, size is the main factor.

According to regulations set by the U.S. Mail Supply, the standard tenant mailbox is 3 1/4"H x 12 7/8"W x 15 1/2"D. That said, they’re not designed to hold packages like your dog’s monthly supply of kibble or a new pair of knee-high boots. Rather, they’re meant for things like birthday cards, catalogues, and coupons to your favorite restaurant down the street.

From a security standpoint, unit-specific mailboxes come with a key that residents receive on move-in day. This key will only open their respective mailbox, and mail carriers have their own set of keys to access the entire unit. This system ensures that residents' personal mail is kept safe and secure, as only they and authorized personnel can open their mailboxes.

Leasing office or concierge

Depending on your community, you may also receive deliveries to your leasing office or concierge. This will typically be for items that require a signature upon delivery or food takeout orders. While some carriers attempt delivery at the front desk, they’re usually then directed to the mail/package room for a more secure delivery. However, your leasing office may hold packages upon request, such as if you’re on vacation, if their policies allow. Make sure to check with your apartment management about delivery policies and procedures to avoid any confusion or missing packages.

Tips to Make Delivery Reliable and Secure

As a resident, there are certain steps you can take to simplify the package delivery process. While they aren’t foolproof preventatives to package theft or loss, the tips below may make things less stressful as you await your package's arrival:

Communicate with property management

Open communication with your property management can significantly help with package delivery. For instance, if your parcel locker won’t open, your property manager might use a master key to assist. If you're on vacation and expect a delivery, you could ask the leasing office to hold it for you. Maintaining this communication helps resolve issues and simplifies the delivery process.

Provide clear delivery instructions

Another way to ensure successful delivery is to give clear instructions. For example, if there is a specific entrance or gate to the mail/package room, make sure to direct them accordingly. Or, if your package room is only accessible during certain hours, provide a viable delivery window. Details like this will matter come time for delivery, so make sure to be as clear and direct as possible to avoid package loss or failed delivery.

Use tracking notifications and alerts

Most carriers, whether it be FedEx, USPS, or UPS, have online tracking features for deliveries. These systems will send alerts when deliveries are shipped and en route to their final destination. Utilizing these tracking features will help you stay on top of deliveries and address issues quickly. Just make sure you’re signed up for alerts after placing your order to receive the most accurate and real-time updates.

Tools and Tech to Simplify Package Pickup

Now that we’ve discussed the delivery process, let’s touch on ways to pick up your package. As mentioned, most apartments have package rooms equipped with high-tech parcel pickup systems. These systems, along with some of the tools and tech listed below, are used to simplify package pickups and ensure every delivery ends up in the right hands.

Delivery management apps

Most apartment communities have a designated delivery management app for residents. For example, Fetch is a popular system used for apartments, which allows residents to schedule deliveries directly to their door. For parcel systems, Luxer One is another commonly used app, which allows for package tracking and secure pick-up codes.

Video doorbells and security cameras

If your apartment allows door deliveries, it might be worth it to invest in a video doorbell. Tech devices like Ring or Nest cameras are great for surveilling deliveries and preventing package theft. Plus, they also allow you to monitor visitor arrivals and even alert you of suspicious motion outside your door.

Utilize Amazon lockers and Hub by Amazon

For those who live in busy cities and may not have a doorman or package room, Amazon Lockers are a great alternative. These self-service kiosks allow you to pick up packages at your convenience from designated locations like grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies. Another option is Hub by Amazon, which allows secure package delivery inside apartment buildings with designated lockers for each resident.

What to Check When Choosing an Apartment with Good Delivery Features

As you tour apartment options, remember to inquire about the community mail system. Maybe you’ve had issues with package theft or loss in the past, or perhaps this is your first time renting an apartment. Whatever the case may be, here are some things to consider when evaluating an apartment’s delivery system:

Ask about past issues

When touring an apartment, it’s important to ask about any past issues with the community mail system. This can give you insight into how well the system is managed and if there have been any recurring problems that may affect your experience as a resident. If there have been frequent issues with lost or stolen packages, this could be a red flag.

Understand delivery policies

Before moving into an apartment, it’s important to understand the delivery policies in place. Some apartments may have strict rules regarding package delivery and require residents to sign for all packages or pick them up at a designated location. Inquire about community policies before you sign to ensure guidelines align with your preferences and lifestyle.

Look for secure features

When touring apartments, take note of the security features in place. A secure building with controlled access, surveillance cameras, and well-lit common areas can deter potential package thefts. Additionally, look for parcel lockers or a designated package delivery area where packages can be safely stored until you are able to pick them up.

Ace Apartment Living with Apartments.com

There are certain things to stress about when renting an apartment – but package deliveries shouldn’t be one of them! Yes, sometimes deliveries can be lost or stolen, but usually you’ll find that apartment mail systems are secure and designed with renters in mind. However, if you’re still concerned about package deliveries or other aspects of apartment living, check out more helpful resources on Apartments.com. From decorating guides to moving checklists, we have you covered through every step of your rental journey.

This article was originally published on November 21, 2022, by Megan Bullock.