Recently conducted research on publicly accessible package lockers got me thinking about whether I would ever use them. Having packages delivered to a remote locker is certainly not as convenient as having them delivered to my front door. But they are a safer option if I cannot guarantee I will be home when a delivery arrives. Therein lies the conundrum with package lockers.
It is not an issue for people who have no other choice – like those living in multi-unit apartment buildings with no options for secure package delivery. But for the typical homeowner who may or may not be home at any given time, convenience and security need to be weighed against each other.
When Homeowners Work Outside the Home
Publicly accessible package lockers are most suited for homeowners who work outside the home. They know they will not be home when a delivery arrives. So rather than leaving packages on the porch in plain sight, they could have them delivered to a public locker location.
Hopefully, there is a nearby location that is easily accessible on the way home from work. That would be the ideal circumstance. Otherwise, having to drive out of one’s way to retrieve packages could lead a person to decide it is not worth it. It is better to take his chances with home delivery.
I work at home, so it’s not really an issue. But there are several locker locations within five miles of my neighborhood. I could easily see myself utilizing a package locker if I worked outside the home. And when I am on vacation, a package locker is a reliable solution.
There Are Other Options
Publicly accessible package lockers are not the only option for people concerned about their deliveries. Moreover, they aren’t available everywhere. Major cities tend to have plenty of package locker locations. But smaller cities might not. So what can you do if a package locker location isn’t available where you live?
1. Your Own Package Locker
You can actually purchase your own package locker for home use. It is a device that you mount to your porch or a wall with bolts. Delivery drivers leave packages inside, close the door, and press a button to activate the lock. It’s a workable solution if you don’t tend to have a large number of packages delivered at the same time.
2. Video Surveillance
Another suggestion is to utilize video surveillance via a camera mounted near the front door. A video doorbell is another option. Vivint Home Security explains that video surveillance is a fairly good deterrent. However, it might not deter the most hardened package thieves.
3. Interior Access
Another suggestion offered by Vivint is giving delivery drivers temporary access to your home by way of a smart lock. When they arrive, they notify you via text. You remotely unlock the door so that packages can be placed inside. You then lock the door behind the driver.
4. Garage Access
Similar to granting access to your home, you could make arrangements to provide access to the garage. Remote garage access would work much the same way.
5. Delivery to Neighbors
Still another option is to have packages delivered to a neighbor you know will be home during the day. It’s not unusual for neighbors to cover for one another to ensure that all packages are kept track of. The only downside is that you need to be on good terms with your neighbors to make it work.
Package theft is an ongoing problem thanks to so much online shopping. Publicly accessible package lockers are one solution among many.
