How To DIY A Lockable Storage Box For Deliveries Or Secure Outdoor Organization

There are few things more frustrating than ordering something online, tracking it along its journey, and getting a delivery notification, only for it to then go missing from your doorstep. Nearly 40% of Americans had at least one package stolen in 2023, which equals around 115 million packages and an estimated value of around $9 billion, according to Forbes. Porch pirates are gonna pirate, especially during the holidays, but that doesn't mean you have to make it easy for them.

In addition to installing a doorbell camera or similar front door surveillance system, you can protect your deliveries by building an enclosure to house them securely until you are back. The lockable box can also double as general outdoor storage for things like tools, cleaning supplies, or food for your bird feeder. These two storage box designs from the YouTube channels GoodlyEarth and DunnLumber1907 serve the same general purpose, but each has unique features that may better suit your needs.

The bulk of this DIY follows the conventions of a normal DIY rectangular storage bench or planter box, but the magic is hidden beneath the seat. GoodlyEarth designed the bench to have two compartments with a sliding divider in the middle. The hinged lid is divided in the center, and each side is held up by two dampers like those used for soft-close drawers (like these dampers by Rok on Amazon for $3.24 each). The idea is that the lid would sit slightly open on the dampers until the delivery driver inserts a package and re-closes the lid. The feature that makes it a locking storage bench is a battery-powered cabinet lock (similar to this $20 WOOCH electronic lock) that engages when the lid is fully closed and can only be opened with a key card or RFID tag.

Because the bench locks after being closed, this design works best for homeowners who are able to access it every day and who don't expect deliveries from more than two carriers. You'll also need to post some sort of signage to direct delivery persons to the bench, at least until your regular driver catches on.

For less frequent retrievals, there is this DIY drop box design that you may recognize from the containers used for video and book returns, clothing donations, or rental car key drops. In the video above, DunnLumber1907 demonstrates how to build a box that has a locked storage compartment at the bottom and a hinged flap door at the top. Connecting the two is a ramp that allows the package to pass through, but is angled so that an arm can't reach in and pull it back out.

This design is best for small- to medium-sized packages, though in theory you can scale up the build if necessary. You lose the extra seating provided by option number one, but you do gain more flexibility in terms of how often you have to access the box. That means your small gifts, medicines, and other packages will still be there after a couple of days or a weekend away. And because these are DIY projects, of course you can spruce up the exterior of either option with a coat of paint, some wood stain, or even create a quick new look with a coat of spray-on wood paint.