LUXER ONE BLOG

The Ultimate Holiday Survival Guide for Multifamily

The holidays are a time for celebration, but for property managers, they can also bring the year’s biggest operational challenges. From snowstorms and staffing shortages to delivery surges and resident events, even the best-run communities can feel the strain.

According to ShipMatrix, national holiday package volume is expected to rise another 5% this season, adding pressure to mailrooms and lobbies already bustling with guests and events. And with colder weather and more residents staying home, maintenance and communication demands also increase.

This holiday survival guide for multifamily highlights seven smart, proactive ways to prepare your property so you can keep things merry, bright, and under control.

Tip #1: Winterize Early — Inside and Out

Get ahead of the freeze before it gets ahead of you. Schedule HVAC inspections, change filters, and make sure all thermostats and building sensors are functioning properly. Insulate exposed pipes and check entry points for drafts to prevent bursts or heat loss.

Outside, trim back tree branches, clear gutters, and secure patio furniture or signage against high winds. If your property includes outdoor smart lockers, this is also the time to weather-proof them — inspect seals, confirm power protection, and follow these locker weather prep best practices.

A little preparation now can prevent major headaches once the temperature drops.

Tip #2: Plan for Snow, Ice, and Exterior Safety

Once the first flakes fall, it’s too late to start calling contractors. Secure snow-removal and de-icing services early, and confirm coverage for weekends and holidays. Stock salt, sand, and shovels before the first freeze.

Clearly mark high-traffic paths like entryways, parking lots, and stairwells. Be sure to double-check outdoor lighting and railings for safety as well. Roofs and gutters should be inspected for potential ice dams or heavy buildup.

These small steps can reduce liability risks, prevent slips and falls, and keep both residents and delivery carriers safe on your property.

Tip #3: Cross-Train Staff and Secure Holiday Coverage

Between vacation requests and vendor downtime, staffing challenges can quickly snowball during the holidays. Get ahead of it by cross-training your team. Your leasing staff, maintenance, and concierge should all understand the basics of package handling and resident communication.

Create an internal coverage schedule with emergency contacts for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC vendors. Order essential parts and supplies in advance to avoid holiday shipping delays.

With a Luxer One package system you can also implement a Luxer Liaison that will perform pre-holiday audits, staff refreshers, and remote system monitoring. This helps your property stay fully supported when teams are stretched thin.

Tip #4: Host Safe, Simple Resident Events

Holiday gatherings are a great way to build community, but they also bring logistical and safety considerations. Plan events early so you can coordinate staffing, cleaning, and setup.

Use only fire-safe lights and décor, and avoid blocking hallways or emergency exits. Keep gatherings to manageable sizes and encourage RSVPs to avoid overcrowding.

Resident events are also a perfect opportunity to share friendly reminders about package pickup etiquette, winter maintenance tips, and upcoming property updates, all while keeping the atmosphere festive and neighborly.

Tip #5: Stay Ahead of Holiday Package Piles

Delivery volumes are rising again. U.S. carriers are expected to handle more than 2.3 billion packages this holiday season, up nearly 5% from last year. That surge won’t just hit retailers as it’s headed straight for your community. Even the most advanced locker systems can fill up fast in December. Prepare overflow plans now so staff aren’t scrambling later.

Convert unused rooms or secure corners into temporary overflow areas.
Label overflow zones clearly and track them digitally to prevent lost packages.
Use your property app or signage to remind residents to collect packages within 48 hours.
Utilize temporary expansion lockers if offered by your package system vendor.
Add a smart package locker system or an additional smart package room to handle the rush efficiently

It’s also smart to review our holiday package preparedness guide for more ways to minimize those dreaded holiday package piles.

For more insights on finding the best package management solution, download the Modern Multifamily Guide to Package Management.

Tip #6: Communicate Clearly and Often

With so many moving parts — event invites, maintenance notices, delivery alerts — it’s easy for residents to feel overwhelmed. Simplify your messaging by sending one comprehensive “holiday readiness” update by early November. Include office hours, emergency contacts, safety reminders, and package procedures.

Then, use your property’s communication tools (apps, email, SMS, and signage) for short, targeted reminders as the season progresses. Encourage residents to report maintenance issues early and provide feedback through quick surveys.

Clear, proactive communication keeps residents informed and reduces avoidable service calls.

Tip #7: Prepare for the Unexpected

Even the best plans can hit a few bumps in the snow. Set aside a small contingency fund for overtime, emergency repairs, or weather damage. Test your backup power systems and ensure all emergency lighting is working.

Run a mid-season check-in with your team to see what’s working and what needs adjustment from snow clearing to delivery procedures. Track your property’s performance data (maintenance calls, overflow volume, resident satisfaction) to inform next year’s planning.

The best holiday prep isn’t just about surviving the season, it’s about learning how to make next year even smoother.

Conclusion: Plan Early, Stress Less

The holiday season can stretch any property thin, but a strong plan, and the right partners, make all the difference. By preparing your team, your residents, and your systems early, you can keep operations running seamlessly and show residents that your community truly has everything under control.

Luxer One helps properties eliminate one of the biggest holiday pain points — package management — through Smart Lockers, Package Rooms, Temporary Locker Expansion Systems, and Luxer Liaison on-site support staff designed for high-volume, high-pressure seasons.

Contact Luxer One today to get your property holiday-ready and make this year your most organized season yet.

Christina Draper

Christina Draper, Marketing Content Manager at Luxer One, creates storytelling-driven content that connects with property management professionals and highlights innovations in multifamily package management. With a marketing background from UNC Charlotte, she develops cross-channel campaigns that showcase how Luxer One is redefining the resident experience.

See Posts

Turning Package Management into a New Revenue Stream for Multifamily Communities

As multifamily budgets tighten and operating costs rise, property leaders are rethinking how every amenity contributes to the bottom line. From EV charging stations to storage units, the best-performing communities are transforming resident conveniences into measurable financial returns. One opportunity that’s often overlooked? Smart package management.
With eCommerce deliveries now a daily norm, package lockers and rooms are more than a resident perk, they’re a powerful way to create a new revenue stream for multifamily communities while easing staff workload and improving satisfaction.

How to Unlock Government Funding for Food Pantries

As food insecurity continues to rise across the U.S., food pantries and food banks are being asked to do more than ever with fewer resources. But new opportunities are opening for organizations ready to modernize their approach.
From federal grants to local partnerships, government funding for food pantries has expanded in recent years to support infrastructure upgrades, technology innovation, and programs that improve equitable access to food. For many communities, that means new potential to integrate solutions like smart lockers that make food distribution safer, faster, and more accessible. But with the right preparation, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to boost resident satisfaction and prove your property is ahead of the curve.
If you’re asking yourself “What is the best package management solution for my community?”, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve outlined the most common questions property managers face, along with insights from our Multifamily Guide to Package Management.

How to Prepare for the Prime Day Effect on Multifamily Communities

Amazon Prime Day isn’t just a shopping holiday anymore, it’s a logistical event that reshapes how communities handle deliveries. Not to mention it feels like they add a new Prime event every year! With the October Prime Day approaching, multifamily properties should expect another surge of packages that can rival peak holiday season. For property managers and regional managers, the Prime Day effect on multifamily means crowded lobbies, strained staff, and rising resident expectations for seamless service.
But with the right preparation, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to boost resident satisfaction and prove your property is ahead of the curve.
If you’re asking yourself “What is the best package management solution for my community?”, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve outlined the most common questions property managers face, along with insights from our Multifamily Guide to Package Management.

IFMA World Workplace Recap: Key Takeaways for Facility Leaders

Every year, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) hosts World Workplace, bringing together leaders, innovators, and solution providers shaping the future of our built environments. This year’s event highlighted the pressing challenges and opportunities facing facility professionals across industries. From hybrid operations to sustainability and artificial intelligence, the 2025 IFMA World Workplace Recap underscores how facility leaders are rethinking spaces, systems, and strategies to prepare for what’s next.

How Do I Find the Best Package Management Solution for My Community?

Package delivery is no longer a side task for onsite teams, it’s a daily operational challenge. With residents receiving more than ten packages a month on average and package volume growing 67% since 2019, property staff are now spending up to 10 hours a week managing deliveries. Add in the rising issue of package theft, and it’s no surprise that package management for multifamily has become a top priority.
If you’re asking yourself “What is the best package management solution for my community?”, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve outlined the most common questions property managers face, along with insights from our Multifamily Guide to Package Management.

TOPICS