Various organizations have reported that the month of December always sees a spike in the number of packages that go missing or are stolen. This time of year, many Americans are buying gifts online, having them shipped to their homes, and later sending them in the mail to loved ones, which leaves a greater number of thieves on the lookout for unattended packages. 

Keep Your Gifts and Packages Safe This Holiday Season

Courtesy Moving and Storage is a professional moving and storage company operating out of the Fresno area since the 1970's. We're constantly moving belongings for homeowners and receiving and delivering high-value goods and inventory for businesses and have some secure gift moving tips for those looking to keep their packages safe this holiday season.

Tips for Receiving Packages in the Mail

The most efficient way to keep your packages safe during the busiest time of year is to never leave them unattended. Track the progress of your order and try to make sure you're home or on your way home at the time it gets delivered to eliminate the risk of a potential thief spotting the boxes sitting outside your front door.

If you can't align your schedule with the delivery, there are other methods you can use, including:

  • Ask a neighbor to hold onto your package until you can come pick it up.
  • Ask your employer if you can have your package shipped to your work address instead.
  • Consider installing a lockbox for your packages, and give the code to your delivery service to secure your orders.
  • You can insure your gifts so that you are protected in the event that they go missing or are stolen.

Tips for Packing and Mailing Gifts to Others

Being one step ahead of potential thieves is just one way to keep your holiday gifts safe. Another problem many people run into is making sure items are packed appropriately to make the journey in the mail. When you need to transport fragile packages December is a time of year when extra precautions should be taken. 

With so many gifts to purchase, wrap, and send, it can be tempting to cut corners and make due with what you've got on hand to keep the entire process moving along, but this isn't a smart way to make sure all those expensive and fragile items make it to their final destination intact. Try using packing methods like:

  • Use Sturdy Boxes 
  • Pad Items with Packing Peanuts, Foam Pillows or Something Similar
  • Wrap Fragile Gifts Individually
  • Consider Double-Boxing
  • Write a Clear, Legible Label 

If you're planning a relocation around the same time, moving with holiday gifts can present a whole new set of challenges, as those packages will have to be transported an additional time or two during the process. Utilize an experienced moving and storage company like Courtesy, with access to state-of-the-art equipment and professional packing materials, to help execute your household relocation and make sure all your belongings are safe while being transported.

Between our decades of experience, membership with strong moving and storage organizations, and BBB-accreditation and A+ rating, there's no other residential moving company you want to trust your household belongings to, or that can complete your move efficiently and stress-free. Get in touch with Courtesy Moving and Storage today for a free estimate on our local or long-distance relocation services, or any of other moving and storage solutions we provide!