The holidays mean one thing is on every property manager’s mind: managing the package delivery chaos. UPS alone estimated it delivered 800 million packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2018 and that number is sure to rise this year. Package Concierge, the trusted provider of automated locker solutions, is sharing tips to help the multi-family housing industry make the most of the upcoming holiday season.
“It is easy to feel overwhelmed by holiday package management, but with a little advanced planning and the addition of the ever-increasing available property technology, managers can face the busy season head-on,” said Georgianna W. Oliver, founder of Package Concierge.
With the busiest shipping season of the year just around the corner, Package Concierge is sharing its top tips to help property managers prepare:
1. Supplement Staffing: With fewer shipping days in the 2019 holiday season, be prepared to efficiently handle the late spike in deliveries by ensuring enough staff and/or automated solutions are on hand to manage it all. Consider hiring seasonal employees and adding automated lockers to help fill in the gaps.
2. Make it Secure: Carriers are staffing up for the Holidays too, which means new faces may be added on your route. Tighten up security for delivery personnel and all the added packages, by reviewing your building entry procedures and access points for package drop-off and pick-up. Determine any adjustments needed to ensure residents and packages remain safe.
3. Clearly Communicate: Whether the property office will have extended holiday hours or be closed for entire portions of the holiday season, make sure both your residents and delivery personnel are well informed ahead of time – especially since this short season will be extremely busy. Be sure to outline your property’s rules for shipment processes, package pickup procedures and guest check-ins.
4. Plan the Parking Lot: The increase in visitors and delivery vehicles during this busy time may place a strain on parking for your residents. Make sure visitor parking policies are clearly communicated and that proper signage is in place. Consider designating delivery drop-off locations that provide enough space without blocking traffic.
5. Keep it Clean: Adding extra building cleanings will not only ensure it has a seasonal sparkle but will also help keep everyone healthy. Have cleaning crews pay extra special attention to high-traffic common areas, sanitizing doors and handles from the front lobby entrance to the mail and package room.
A bit of extra planning now, will help make this year’s shortened holiday season go smoothly. It’s never too early to enhance your property with technology solutions that increase efficiency for the holiday season and beyond.
