Dear Gabby, 

I have a problem. I really love online shopping. Because I order a lot of stuff online, I get a lot of packages in the mail but my apartment community says they are no longer accepting packages in the office on behalf of tenants and I’m worried. I’m not too fond of coming home to "missed package" slip stuck to my door—that sort of voids the convenience of online shopping. Are there any better solutions? 

Sincerely, 

#OnlineShopaholic 

Dear #OnlineShopaholic, 

I’m going to start by saying that I fully support your online shopping habit (sorry, am I being a bad influence?). Getting a package in the mail is one of life’s simple joys. Coming home to a “missed package” slip can really take away from that excitement, so I feel your pain. Fear not though, I’m here to help. 

First of all, there is actually a reason many apartment communities are no longer accepting packages for their tenants. In 2014, Camden Property Trust reported that they received one million packages. The Wall Street Journal then estimated that around 10 minutes of productivity is lost per package delivered. For Camden, this adds up to a loss of approximately $3.3 million a year!

If you’re a tenant at a community like Camden (which it sounds like you are), there are still plenty of options for getting your packages with ease. For many complexes, the solution is as simple using electronic lockers at their properties. This way, tenants can enter with a special code and pick up deliveries themselves. If your community isn’t providing this option, here are few other services popping up in some big cities that let you get home deliveries on your time: 

1. Shipping Company

Both major shipping companies, FedEx and UPS, will hold your package at their facility for you to pick up instead of shipping it directly to your apartment building. While this is not the most convenient option, it’s not a bad option either because there is no charge and it’s completely secure. 

2. Amazon Locker 

Order from Amazon frequently? Just me? 

Well, this service lets you select an Amazon Locker location and pick up your package at a time that's convenient for you. The location will hold your package for up to three business days until you pick it up yourself with a unique pick-up code that Amazon emails you once your package has arrived. 

More good news, the lockers have early morning and late evening hours, and some locations are open 24/7. 

3. Swapbox

Swapbox is an online service that allows you to receive packages at boxes located in office buildings and other public places. Your first delivery is free and then $1.99 each after that, making it cost-effective (depending on the number of packages you get delivered of course). This service is only available in certain cities, so use the location tracker to see if it’s available to you. 

4. Lockbox

Since you said you recieve a lot of packages, you may want to consider purchasing a secure lockbox. You’ll want to buy one that locks using a padlock. Leave the padlock—unlocked on or inside the lockbox — and ask the delivery person to lock up the box after they’ve dropped off your package. 

With online shopping becoming the norm, communities and tenants will have to adapt in one way or another to make room for so many deliveries. 

What do you think about communities refusing to accept packages for tenants? 

Do you have any other better solutions for tenants? 

Let me know in the comments below. Until next week, over and out!