Should Parcel Boxes Feature in Accessible Homes?

When designing accessible homes, architects and developers plan level access, wide doorways, walk-in showers, grab bars and modified appliances. Along with a spacious layout and smart technology, these adapted homes enable residents to retain independence. However, we’d like to add parcel boxes to the list of features in accessible homes. Let us explain why.

Why We Need Accessible Homes

With growing life expectancy, we have an ageing population. In addition, around a quarter of the UK population* has a disability. For these people, the standard design of a home can be restrictive. This can leave them overly reliant on others for assistance. However, with an understanding of needs and adaptations to the layout and features, independent living is possible.

Issues with Parcel Deliveries

The latest Ofcom report, ‘Measuring User Experience of Parcel Deliveries to Residential Addresses’, highlights issues that are overlooked in the design of accessible homes. While a third of respondents were happy with delivery services and experienced no issues, a second third reported accessibility issues.

Data shared in this report was collected between January and July 2025, so it reflects current concerns. The parcel delivery accessibility issues include:

·         Not being given adequate time to get to the door to receive parcels

·         Parcels left in a place that is difficult to reach

·         Inconvenient delivery times

·         Parcels taken to a collection point that the resident can’t get to

It is important to note that people with conditions that limit their mobility are more likely to be dependent on deliveries to the door for everyday essentials. Therefore, the impact of not receiving their parcel can be significant.

However, delivery drivers are on a tight timescale and aren’t always informed that residents on their round have accessibility needs. So, what’s the solution?

Parcel Boxes for Home Deliveries

By including through the wall parcel boxes in the design of new accessible homes, or wall mounted parcel boxes when retrofitting existing properties, many of the issues can be solved. They can be installed in a position that is easy for the resident to reach, providing a secure drop point for small to medium deliveries.

With a parcel box installed, packages can be delivered without the resident having to come to the door. This saves them from unnecessary exertion and saves the driver from waiting. What’s more, it doesn’t matter if the driver arrives at an inconvenient time, as they don’t need to knock or ring to make the delivery.

In addition, parcel boxes reduce the risk of packages being left in a difficult-to-reach place or taken to a collection point. As such, it offers a convenient way to minimise frustrations and the problems that can be caused when someone hasn’t received a much-needed item.

Parcel Boxes Supplied to Accessible Home Developers

With a trusted network of European suppliers and a well-stocked Buckinghamshire warehouse, Parcelbox4You is experienced in meeting the requirements of housing developers. We provide advice, lead times and quotes for multiple orders, with arranged delivery to your site for installation day.

Our knowledgeable team would love to help you make homes more accessible and less frustrating for residents. Parcel delivery isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when considering how to overcome mobility issues, yet it is an essential for independent living.

For further information on any parcel boxes in our range, call our team on 01296 839401

 

*https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9602/