From sparkling lights and decorations to resident events and parties, multifamily operators go all out to foster a festive environment during the holidays. But how many apartment communities take steps to mitigate security issues that could put a damper on the holiday spirit?

One of the primary sources of resident complaints around the holidays is package management. The surge in online consumerism over the holidays floods apartment communities with packages on a daily basis, often overflowing onsite package management systems and overwhelming onsite teams. Escalating package volume regularly results in packages being dropped off in the open, unsecured and unattended. Last year, package theft increased by 47% in November and 87% in December, according to a report from Retail Dive. Last year, 40% of all porch piracy took place at apartment communities, based on data from preventpackagetheft.com. Unfortunately, it only takes one lost or stolen package to ruin a resident's holiday season and irreparably damage their living experience.

To avoid blame and liability, operators need a package management solution that puts packages directly in the hands of residents. Traditional solutions are no longer working.

Multifamily operators have tried everything to ease the issue, from dedicating onsite associates solely to package management to converting leasing offices to package storage facilities. But the inescapable reality is resident packages still end up exposed. Associates aren't present for every delivery, and they may not even be aware of packages dropped in unexpected locations. And leasing offices aren't always monitored, leading to crimes of opportunity. Not to mention the clutter created in common areas and offices by package deliveries detracts from the ambiance and impacts leasing efforts.

An emerging trend in solving theft issues is to embrace a modern approach – third-party, offsite package management. This not only alleviates strain during the holidays, but also combats climbing e-commerce trends year-round. Third-party, offsite package solutions receive and store packages at remote facilities, erasing package clutter and storage issues. Such solutions work exclusively with residents to schedule direct-to-door delivery at a time that they will be home to receive it. Packages aren't left in the open to be lost or stolen, ensuring that precious holiday deliveries find their way to their intended destinations.

Third-party package management also boosts security by significantly reducing foot traffic throughout apartment communities. When all resident packages are received at an off-site facility and last-mile delivery is handled by a single package management partner, various carrier vehicles aren't constantly congesting parking areas and assorted delivery personnel aren't continually occupying elevators and stairwells. Property management teams also have a better idea of who is in their communities at any given time, creating a more secure environment.

The holidays are a tenuous time for residents, and anything onsite teams can do to eliminate predictable sources of stress is priceless and appreciated. Third-party, offsite package solutions eliminate a tremendous burden for property team members and free up onsite associates to focus on the little things that make the holidays special. Streamlining package management is a simple step that can go a long way to securing holiday cheer.