The Upper East Side, one of Manhattan’s most distinguished neighborhoods, is celebrated for its refinement, upscale residences, and affluent community. Nestled between Central Park and the East River, it boasts elegant townhouses, high-end apartment buildings, and the iconic Park Avenue.
A recent report reveals that New York City suffered nearly $1 billion in losses from package theft last year, making it the most affected metro area in the United States. Unfortunately, the Upper East Side has not been spared, with porch pirates frequently targeting deliveries in the neighborhood.
A resident who recently moved into a new apartment in the Upper East Side has experienced multiple package thefts and is seeking recommendations for a more secure way to receive deliveries. While they are considering options like a PO Box, they are unsure if it would accommodate larger packages. Having lived in the city for four years without prior issues, they find the situation frustrating.
An article on Pix11.com mentions that the NYPD has announced the arrest of a suspected repeat burglar believed to be connected to multiple package thefts in the Upper East Side.
Repeated incidents of package theft have led residents and recipients to seek reliable alternatives for secure package delivery.
The Upper East Side of Manhattan offers a variety of package storage solutions to cater to residents' diverse needs. Below is an overview of these services, their locations, and pricing to help you choose the best option for your needs.
A PO Box (Post Office Box) is a secure and private mailing option offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other private providers. These are commonly used by individuals and businesses to receive mail and packages in a locked box at a designated post office.
PO Box Sizes and Dimensions
USPS PO Boxes are available in multiple sizes to accommodate different mailing needs. Here’s a breakdown of the standard sizes:
Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Capacity | Suitable For |
XS (Size 1) | 3" x 5.5" x 14.75" | 10-15 letters or small envelopes | Personal mail, small documents |
S (Size 2) | 5" x 5.5" x 14.75" | Stacks of letters, magazines | Small packages, checks, bank statements |
M (Size 3) | 11" x 5.5" x 14.75" | Medium-sized packages | Large envelopes, small boxes |
L (Size 4) | 11" x 11" x 14.75" | Large packages | Legal documents, bulkier shipments |
XL (Size 5) | 22.5" x 12" x 14.75" | Extra-large items | Large parcels, business shipments |
PO Box Rental Costs
The rental cost of a PO Box depends on its size, location, and rental period (3, 6, or 12 months). Here’s an estimated price range based on USPS locations:
Size | Small Towns (Per 6 Months) | Urban Areas (Per 6 Months) | Major Cities (Per 6 Months) |
XS | $17 - $35 | $35 - $50 | $50 - $75 |
S | $25 - $50 | $50 - $100 | $100 - $150 |
M | $40 - $85 | $85 - $175 | $175 - $250 |
L | $75 - $150 | $150 - $250 | $250 - $350 |
XL | $125 - $250 | $250 - $400 | $400+ |
Prices vary based on demand and location.
Amazon Lockers are self-service kiosks where you can have your Amazon packages delivered for secure pickup.To locate Amazon Locker locations on the Upper East Side and learn about any associated fees, customers can consult the Amazon website during the checkout process or through their account settings.
Locations: To find an Amazon Locker on the Upper East Side:
Pricing: No additional cost for using Amazon Lockers; standard shipping rates apply.
Size Limitations: Packages must be within the locker’s size and weight limits, typically up to 16 x 12 x 14 inches and under 10 lbs.
UPS Access Point Lockers are secure locations where customers can pick up or drop off packages at their convenience. To find the nearest UPS Access Point Locker on the Upper East Side and obtain information on operating hours and any associated fees, customers can use the UPS locator tool available on the UPS website.
Locations: To find a UPS Access Point Locker on the Upper East Side:
Pricing: No additional fee for sending packages to a UPS Access Point Locker; standard shipping charges apply.
Size Limitations: Packages must not exceed 16 x 12 x 14 inches in size and 10 lbs in weight.
Stowfly provides secure package receiving and package storage services, allowing customers to send their packages to designated locations near them for convenient pickup.
Package receiving services by Stowfly typically partner with local businesses like a coffee shop or a convenience store across neighborhoods to offer these services. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on available locations and pricing, it's recommended to visit stowfly.com, which is our official website.
Discover the convenience of Stowfly’s wide network of package receiving services—enjoy your first month free!
Pricing:
Subscription options:
Insurance: Each booking includes insurance coverage up to $1,000.
**You can receive packages up to 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft in size, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs.
Bounce offers short-term luggage and package storage by partnering with local businesses such as retail stores and hotels. Users can book storage space online and drop off their items at the chosen location. For current information on nearby Bounce locations and their rates, please refer to the Bounce website or app.
Starts at $2.
Pricing:
Insurance: Each booking includes protection up to $10,000.
**Oversize packages are larger than 2ft x 2ft x 2ft or weigh more than 25lbs.
Service | Starting Price per Package | Insurance Coverage | Size Limitations |
PO Box | Varies by size & location | USPS secure storage | USPS secure storage |
Amazon Lockers | No additional cost | Not specified | 16 x 12 x 14 inches, 10 lbs |
UPS Access Point | No additional cost | Not specified | 16 x 12 x 14 inches, 10 lbs |
Stowfly | Free trial for a month!$7.50/month (5 packages) | Up to $1,000 | 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft, below 50 lbs |
Bounce | $2 per package | Up to $10,000 | 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft, below 25lbs |
Note: Availability and prices may vary. Always check the provider’s website for the most up-to-date details.
Note: Operating hours and availability may vary by location. It's recommended to check the respective service's website or app for the most current information before planning your package deliveries.
As package theft continues to be a growing concern in the Upper East Side, residents must take proactive steps to protect their deliveries. Fortunately, a variety of secure options are available, including PO Boxes, Amazon Lockers, UPS Access Points, Stowfly, and Bounce. Each service offers unique benefits, whether it’s affordability, flexibility, or enhanced security.
To choose the best solution, consider your package volume, size requirements, and budget. Whether opting for a subscription-based service like Stowfly, a free and convenient Amazon Locker, or a traditional PO Box, securing your deliveries ensures peace of mind in an ever-evolving urban landscape.
By leveraging these secure storage solutions, residents can safeguard their packages and minimize the risk of stolen packages and missed deliveries, making online shopping and deliveries a hassle-free experience.