ACMO Blog

Secure and Efficient Package Handling in Condo Buildings: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right

The explosion of online shopping has transformed how people live, but for condominium buildings the shift has introduced significant challenges. With dozens or hundreds of deliveries arriving each day, properties must adapt. If they don’t, resident satisfaction, operational efficiency and security all suffer.

When deliveries roll in by the tens or hundreds every day, standard workflows quickly become overwhelmed. Lobby desks, mailrooms or oversized hallways become clogged with parcels. That creates three key risks:

High volume of deliveries: With multiple orders arriving each day, storage space is stretched. Staff managing packages face increasing pressure, and the potential for error grows.
Security vulnerability: Packages left unattended in a common area invite theft. The risk is not limited to outside intruders—residents, visitors or delivery personnel may also take advantage of unsecured storage.
Limited space and disorganised areas: Many buildings were designed years ago without foreseeing today’s volume of deliveries. Packages may be stacked in lobbies or hallways, creating clutter, access issues and potential safety hazards.

In Canada, one survey found that roughly one in 10 Canadians reported having a package stolen in the past year. While specific statistics for condominium buildings are limited, the data points suggest that multi‑resident buildings face elevated risk.

Why standard procedures often fall short
Traditional mailroom arrangements were built around letters and small parcels. They did not anticipate the sheer volume of large‑format packages, frequent short‑term storage, rapid resident movement and high turnover typical in condo life. When a building uses its lobby or entry area as a de facto parcel room, a few problems emerge:

Packages may remain too long before being claimed.
They may block pathways or violate fire code or access regulations.
Without tracking, it becomes difficult for staff to match a delivery to a recipient.
Without clear protocols, staff and concierges may lack training in handling deliveries securely and efficiently.

Given these gaps, property management teams must rethink parcel handling as a security and service‑delivery process—not just as an add‑on.

Strategies for effective parcel management

To bring order and security to the delivery flow in a condo building, a layered approach works best, one that addresses technology, infrastructure and human procedures.

Automated tracking systems

When each parcel arriving for a resident is scanned or logged—ideally with the time of arrival, the intended recipient and pickup status—a building creates a clear audit trail. Residents can be alerted automatically and staff can more easily manage unclaimed items. The transparency reduces confusion and loss.

Smart parcel lockers or controlled retrieval zones

Installing locker systems or other delivery‑retrieval infrastructure gives each package a secure “home” rather than leaving it loose in a lobby. Residents access lockers via unique access codes or electronic credentials. This reduces handling, improves retrieval speed and limits unauthorized access.

Dedicated storage or package rooms

If lockers are not feasible, dedicating a specific room or area for package storage is an option. That room should be secured (controlled access, surveillance) and organised (clearly labelled shelving, regular purging of unclaimed items). It separates package traffic from general lobby operations and gives staff a manageable zone for distribution.

Improved access control and surveillance

Security begins with access control. If the lobby and package storage areas are secured (for example by FOB or card access), the chances of an unauthorized person entering are reduced. Internal video surveillance targeting package rooms or zones adds an additional deterrent and helps in incident investigations.

Staff training and clear protocols

Even the best infrastructure fails without the human element. Staff must be trained in:

Accepting deliveries and recording them promptly
Moving packages to secure zones without delay
Notifying residents, tracking pick‑ups and escalating unclaimed items
Recognizing suspicious activity (for example someone loitering, picking up items not labelled to them)

Once procedures are documented and staff understand their roles, the building can operate efficiently and securely.

Engaging boards and residents

Successful parcel management depends on buy‑in from all stakeholders. Property managers and boards should:

Schedule regular training workshops so management stays abreast of technologies and best practices.
Communicate with residents via newsletters, digital platforms or meetings to explain how the system works (e.g., where to pick up packages, what protocols to follow).
Develop clear policies that define responsibilities: for example size or weight limits for deliveries, how long a parcel may remain in storage before being returned or discarded, and resident rules such as identifying themselves when picking up.

If residents understand the process, and see that the building is taking it seriously, satisfaction rises and security improves.

The benefits of a structured parcel‑handling framework

When a condominium building adopts these strategies, several positive outcomes follow:

Reduced theft and loss: With secure storage, access control and tracking, packages are much less likely to go missing.
Improved resident satisfaction: Timely notifications, reliable retrieval and less clutter in common areas make the living experience better.
Operational efficiency: Staff spend less time digging through piles of parcels, dealing with complaints or tracking down items.
Stronger property value and reputation: A building known for reliable and secure delivery handling stands out. Especially in competitive markets, this operational detail can matter.
Risk mitigation: Fewer incidents of theft or unauthorized access means fewer liabilities and potential insurance exposures.

Adapting to the new normal

E‑commerce is not a temporary surge—it’s now a fixture of everyday life. Buildings that treat package management as a secondary concern risk falling behind. Lobby traffic and parcels do not slow down; in fact their volume continues to increase. Without a solid framework, lobbies can become crowded, resident frustration can grow and security risk may rise.

Conversely, the buildings that take a proactive stance—investing in tracking systems, secure infrastructure and training—set themselves up for long‑term success.

Re‑imagining parcel handling in a condominium building is no longer optional. It’s a necessary operational and security investment. By treating deliveries as part of the building’s service and security ecosystem, management teams can reduce risk, increase resident satisfaction and strengthen their property’s professionalism. When done well, the process is transparent, controlled and efficient, and all stakeholders benefit.

Learn more about Wincon Security and its full suite of condominium security services by visiting www.wincon-security.com

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