As we shop for holiday gifts—and a variety of other items—online more and more, making sure our packages stay safe until we can get them inside our homes becomes more and more important.

Here are a few ways to keep your packages secure when you’re not there:

1. HAVE YOUR PACKAGES DELIVERED TO AN AMAZON HUB
If you’re shopping from Amazon, ship your packages to one of the many Amazon Hub locations in your area and pick them up at your convenience. This guarantees your packages are secure, and it’s free. Amazon Hub locations include participating AAA Stores, Rite Aids, Sunoco Gas Stations, and 7-Elevens.
  

  

2. GET A VIDEO DOORBELL
Video doorbells—including Ring and Google Nest Hello—are proving to be a relatively inexpensive and effective deterrent for would-be package pirates.

3. INCLUDE SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
You can usually give your delivery person specific instructions on where to deliver your packages. For instance, if your front door faces a busy intersection where your packages will basically be on display, ask your delivery person to leave the packages by your back door.
  

  

4. INSURE YOUR PACKAGES
If you’re getting something particularly expensive or valuable delivered, consider purchasing insurance for that package so you’re protected from theft or any damage that may occur during shipping or handling.

5. ENLIST YOUR NEIGHBORS FOR ASSISTANCE
If you have neighbors you trust, and they’ll be home when your package is being delivered, ask if they’d be willing to grab your delivery from your front door and store it in their house until you get home. Offer to do the same for them so this can become a continual, reciprocal safeguard. Also, if you have a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member that you know will be home when the package arrives, ask them if you can have the package delivered right to their address.
  

Be proactive about protecting your packages so you can keep your holidays festive, fun, and worry-free.