The Apartment Dweller's Guide: How to Secure Your Packages in a Shared Building
There’s a unique feeling of anxiety that every apartment dweller knows. It’s the gap between seeing "Delivered" on your tracking app and having the package safely in your hands. In a shared building with common hallways and lobbies, that gap can feel like a huge vulnerability.
With the boom in online shopping, package theft—or "porch piracy"—has become a nationwide issue. For those in apartments, the challenge is even greater. You need a security solution that is effective, affordable, and, most importantly, doesn't violate your lease agreement.
The good news is that you have the power to protect your property. This guide will walk you through the simple, smart, and renter-friendly ways to secure your packages and get your peace of mind back.
Be Proactive: Your First Line of Defense
Before a package even arrives, you can take steps to ensure its safety.
Track Everything: Use tracking notifications from carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Sign up for text or email alerts so you know the moment your package is marked as delivered. The less time a box sits unattended, the lower the risk.
Leave Specific Instructions: When checking out, use the "delivery instructions" field. Simple directions like, "Please leave packages with the front desk," or "Place package behind the potted plant" can make a significant difference.
Explore Alternative Locations: Consider having valuable items delivered to a secure off-site location. Options like Amazon Lockers, FedEx Ship&Go, or even your workplace can eliminate the risk of lobby theft entirely.
Leverage Your Building's Resources
Many modern apartment buildings have systems in place to manage the flow of deliveries.
Talk to Management: Does your building have a mailroom, a concierge, or a secure package locker system like Luxer One? Make sure you’re signed up and know how to use these services. If your building lacks these features and theft is a common problem, consider organizing with neighbors to request improvements from your property manager.
The Power of Community: Get to know the people on your floor. A friendly neighbor is often happy to grab a package for you if you're running late, and you can do the same for them. A simple building-wide chat group can also be a powerful tool for sharing security alerts and looking out for one another.
The Kangaroo Solution: Your Personal Package Watchdog
The single most effective way to deter theft is to make a potential thief feel like they are being watched. This is where a video doorbell for apartments becomes a game-changer, and Kangaroo is designed for the unique needs of renters.
Our Doorbell Cameras are the perfect solution for apartment doors.
100% Renter-Friendly: No drilling, no wiring. The peel-and-stick adhesive means you can install it in seconds and remove it without a trace when you move out.
Instant Motion Alerts: Get a notification sent directly to your phone the moment someone approaches your door, whether they ring the bell or not.
See and Speak: Use the live video feed and two-way talk feature to see who is there and speak to delivery drivers directly. You can instruct them on where to safely leave the package, no matter where you are.
Clear Evidence: In the unfortunate event of a theft, the camera's recorded clips provide clear visual evidence that can be provided to building management and law enforcement.
Thieves thrive on anonymity and easy targets. A visible camera tells them this door is not an easy target. It's a simple, powerful deterrent that gives you control over your front door.
Comparing Your Options: What’s the Best Security Solution for an Apartment?
When it comes to securing your packages, you have several options. But what’s the right fit for the unique challenges of apartment living? Let’s break down the most common solutions.
| Solution | Pros | Cons | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Doorbell (Kangaroo) |
Proactive Deterrent: Stops thieves before they act. Provides Evidence: Records clips for police/management. Renter-Friendly: No drilling or wiring required. Affordable & Multi-Use: Low cost, also screens visitors. |
Requires Wi-Fi. Doesn't physically block access to the package. |
The renter who wants an all-in-one, affordable deterrent and evidence-gathering tool for their specific doorway. |
| Package Lockbox | Physically Secure: The package is locked away. |
Bulky & Costly: Can be expensive and take up space. Lease Issues: May violate building rules for hallways. Inflexible: Only works if the driver uses it; can't hold large items. |
Homeowners with a private porch where they can leave a large, permanent box. Generally not ideal for apartments. |
| Off-Site Lockers (e.g., Amazon) | Extremely Secure: Theft is virtually impossible. |
Inconvenient: Requires you to travel to another location to retrieve your items. Limited Availability: Not all retailers or items are eligible. |
People who work near a locker location and can easily pick up packages on their commute. |
| Building Concierge / Mailroom |
Reliable & Secure: Often the best built-in option. No Cost to You: Included in your rent/HOA. |
Limited Hours: You can only retrieve packages when they are open. Not Available in All Buildings. |
Renters lucky enough to live in a full-service building with these amenities. |
Renter's FAQ: "Am I Even Allowed to Have a Doorbell Camera?"
It's the first question every smart renter asks: "Will I get in trouble for installing a camera?"
Here's the simple breakdown: In most cases, you are well within your rights to install a video doorbell, especially one like Kangaroo's that requires no drilling or permanent modification. The general legal and community rule is that your camera should primarily capture the area immediately in front of your own door. It should not be angled to look into a neighbor's private apartment or window across the hall.
Because Kangaroo cameras are 100% wire-free and install with a removable adhesive, they are designed from the ground up to be lease-friendly. However, we always recommend a quick review of your lease agreement or a friendly chat with your property manager to ensure you're aligned with building policies.
Reclaim Your Peace of Mind
You don’t have to accept package theft as a part of apartment living. By being proactive with your delivery instructions, leveraging your community, and installing a simple and effective deterrent like a Kangaroo Doorbell Camera, you can create a robust system of security. As crime prevention experts often note, increasing the effort and risk for thieves is a key strategy in theft prevention.
Stop letting delivery anxiety ruin the convenience of online shopping. It's time to make your front door a secure final destination for all your packages.
Explore Kangaroo's Renter-Friendly Security Solutions Today and make your apartment a safer place.
