Black Friday is November 27, and for many of us the holiday shopping happens online. That means a lot of boxes sitting on a lot of front steps. In a FedEx survey by Angus Reid, 1 in 10 Canadians said they'd had a package stolen in the past year, and two-thirds of shoppers said they worry about it (CP24).

Here in the Edmonton area, there's a second enemy: our winters. A box left on the step at −25°C can mean frozen candles, cracked electronics or a soggy box after a chinook melt. Here's how to beat both.

Free fixes you can do today

• Schedule deliveries for when you're home. Most carriers let you pick a day or change it in their app.

• Use delivery notes. Ask the driver to leave packages behind a planter, at the side door or somewhere out of sight from the street.

• Ship to a pickup point. Amazon lockers, Canada Post counters and many retail stores hold parcels for free.

• Send it to work. If your workplace allows it, this may be the easiest fix of all.

• Ask a neighbour. A retired neighbour who's home during the day is the best security system there is. Return the favour with a holiday treat.

Small investments that pay off

• Video doorbell: a visible camera alone deters most opportunistic thieves.

• Lockable parcel box: bolt it down near the door. Look for an insulated model that also protects packages from the cold.

• Better lighting: motion-sensor lights help after 4:30 p.m., when it's already dark this time of year.

• Smart lock or garage opener: some carriers can deliver straight into your garage.

A homeowner bonus

Some of these upgrades do double duty. Good exterior lighting, a video doorbell and a smart lock are features buyers notice when you sell. They make a home feel safer and better cared for. If you're planning a move in the next year or two, they're smart, inexpensive improvements.

If a package goes missing

1. Look around first. Check the side door, the garage, behind the planters and with your neighbours.

2. Contact the seller. Many large retailers will replace or refund stolen items. Amazon's A-to-z Guarantee is one example.

3. Contact the carrier. Ask about tracking photos and whether shipping insurance applies.

4. Report it. If it's valuable or you have video, file a report with the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line (780-423-4567) or the RCMP in Spruce Grove and Stony Plain. Reports help police know where to patrol.

Happy shopping, and here's to every box making it safely inside this season.

Thinking about a move in the new year? Call or text me at 780-964-7335 or email Jason@MyRealHome.com.