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There are few things more frustrating than ordering something online, tracking its delivery, and receiving delivery notifications. Then, the item may go missing at your doorstep. According to Forbes magazine, nearly 40% of Americans will have at least one package stolen in 2023, representing about 115 million packages with an estimated value of about $9 billion. Porch pirates pirate, especially during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you have to go easy on them.
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In addition to installing a doorbell camera or similar entrance surveillance system, you can protect your deliveries by building an enclosure to keep them safe until you get home. Lockable boxes can also be used as general outdoor storage for tools, cleaning supplies, bird feeder food, and more. These two storage box designs from YouTube channels GoodlyEarth and DunnLumber1907 serve the same general purpose, but each has unique features that could make it better suited to your needs.
Option 1: Auto-lock storage bench
Much of this DIY follows the conventions of regular DIY rectangular storage benches and planter boxes, but the magic is hidden beneath the seat. GoodlyEarth designed a bench with two compartments with a sliding divider in the middle. The hinged lid is split down the middle, and each side is supported by two dampers, like those used in soft-close drawers (like the dampers sold by Rok on Amazon, each with a 3.24 dollars). The idea is that the lid will remain slightly open on the damper until the delivery driver puts the package in and closes the lid again. The feature that makes it a locked storage bench is a battery-powered cabinet lock (similar to this $20 WOOCH electronic lock) that activates when the lid is fully closed and can only be opened with a key card or RFID tag.
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Because the bench locks when closed, this design is ideal for homeowners who have daily access to the bench and do not expect deliveries from more than two carriers. You should also install some kind of signage to direct delivery people to the bench, at least until the regular driver arrives.
Option 2: Package Drop Box
For infrequent drop-offs, there are DIY drop box designs, familiar from the containers used to drop off videos and books, clothing donations, and rental car keys. In the video above, DunnLumber1907 demonstrates how to build a box with a lockable storage compartment at the bottom and a hinged flap door at the top. Connecting the two is a ramp that allows luggage to pass through, but is angled so you can’t get your arm in and pull it out.
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This design is ideal for small to medium-sized packages, but in theory you can scale up your builds as needed. You’ll lose the extra seats provided by option 1, but you’ll have more flexibility in terms of how often you need to access the box. That means small gifts, medicine, and other packages are still there even if you leave for a few days or a weekend. These are DIY projects, so of course you can spruce up the exterior of either option with paint or wood stain, or easily create a new look with spray wood paint.
