Neighbourly spirit on the rise as Brits happy to accept next door’s parcels

• Three-quarters of the public are accepting parcels regularly for their neighbours
• A third of Brits say taking in neighbours’ deliveries creates more of a community
• Collecting parcels is also encouraging many to meet new neighbours

While lending a cup of sugar was once the mark of neighbourly relations, new research from DHL eCommerce UK reveals that accepting deliveries is now key to being a good neighbour. Almost three-quarters of Brits (72%) say they accept their neighbours’ parcels when they’re unavailable, with more than one in ten taking in deliveries on a weekly basis.

Online shoppers are increasingly opting to change their deliveries to fit around busy lives and last-minute plans. But instead of causing friction, most Brits are more than happy to help their neighbours out by accepting deliveries. Over a third say it creates community spirit and 38% say collecting parcels from their neighbours gives them an opportunity to catch up.

The research, which was conducted amongst 2,000 UK consumers, also reveals that parcel collections are helping neighbours to get to know one another. Almost one in six say they have met new neighbours when collecting their parcels, rising to 23% among 25-34 year olds.

However, not everyone follows good neighbourly etiquette. While most people diligently collect parcels delivered to a neighbour on the same day, a shocking 39% take longer. On average, it takes Brits two days to collect a package, while some reveal that they have had to hold on to a neighbour’s parcel for up to a month.

Neighbourhood redirection is also causing blushes for some. A quarter of Brits admitted to feeling embarrassed about their deliveries, including the size and type of parcels and which stores they shop at.

Stuart Hill, CEO DHL eCommerce UK, says: “Our recent tracking data has shown a major upward trend of people getting parcels redirected to neighbours and it’s great to see the community spirit that’s emerging from the new ways we’re living and shopping. We’ve all been in a situation where plans change at the last minute and having flexible options for deliveries, as well as friendly neighbours who are happy to help you out makes all the difference.

“Identifying trends like this, and changing consumer preferences, is invaluable to understanding how we can drive a better service. What is clear to us is that flexibility and the ability to change deliveries up until the last minute is key, which is why so many shoppers are using our app and selecting where they want their parcels sent.”

Choice on delivery options is vital

According to data from DHL’s Global Online Shopper Trends Report*, once a parcel is out for delivery, 63% of Brits prefer to have their item delivered to a neighbour. Still, while most are happy to get into the neighbourly spirit, shoppers value having control of their deliveries, including the ability to specify which neighbours to lean on. Almost one in ten say they have neighbours they do not want their parcels left with, while 5% of Brits admit to refusing to take in their neighbours parcels.

*Source: The DHL Online Shopper Trends Report 2024 which surveyed 12,000 respondents across 24 countries: Online Shopper Trends Report “Delivery and Returns”