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Do you ever get excited to find a package by your front door, only to realize a few seconds later that it’s actually not your package? Same. In fact, it’s happened to me more times than I’d care to admit.
While getting a package that isn’t yours is certainly a letdown, it’s also a bit anxiety-inducing. Not only do you have to figure out who the package is for, but you also have to figure out how to get it to them.
Though it can feel like you’re being burdened by someone else’s problem, I promise it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s what you need to do if you end up with a package that isn’t yours:
First thing’s first… do not open the package. I know it’s tempting to want to see what’s inside, but if the box is not addressed to you, it’s not yours to open.
This is why it is so important to always check the address on every piece of mail you receive, just in case it’s not meant for you.
Some people end up receiving packages that are actually meant for the neighbors next door or across the street. Though it doesn’t happen often, delivery people sometimes misread the address or the sender accidentally writes down the wrong address.
If you recognize the name or the address on the box to be one of your neighbors, go ahead and drop it off. This will save you the hassle of having to contact the delivery company and it will ensure the correct person gets the package.
You can even leave a note on the package letting your neighbor know it was accidentally sent to you in case something was written incorrectly on their end.
However, if you don’t know your neighbors well or don’t feel comfortable dropping it off yourself, you’re also under no obligation to do so.
If you don’t recognize the name on the box, don’t try to contact the person. Instead, call customer service for the delivery company and explain you received a package that isn’t yours.
Give them the information on the package, including the name and the address, and they will come and pick it up for you.
I know it may be tempting to keep the package for yourself — since it was accidentally sent to you by mistake — but you shouldn’t do it.
This could cause problems for you in the long run and it’s better to do the right thing and return what isn’t yours.
