The Missed Delivery Problem
In the Netherlands, DHL and PostNL attempt delivery once, then redirect to a pickup point or neighbor. In Germany, DHL drops packages at a Packstation or neighbor, while Hermes and DPD leave them at the door (if you've opted in) or redeliver another day. Either way, you're inconvenienced.
The real cost isn't the package — it's your time. A trip to the depot or pickup point takes 30–60 minutes. If you work from home, you might adjust your schedule around deliveries, which is a hidden productivity tax. If you live in an apartment without a concierge, the problem is even worse — delivery drivers can't even reach your door without building access.
Options That Sort of Work
Asking a neighbor to accept packages is the Dutch default. It works most of the time, but it requires a willing neighbor and means your packages sit in someone else's hallway until you pick them up. For larger or valuable items, this feels uncomfortable.
Parcel lockers (PostNL points, DHL Packstations, Amazon lockers) solve part of the problem but add a trip. You still have to go somewhere to pick up your package. Smart delivery boxes (like a parcel safe in front of your house) work for houses but not apartments, and they cost €200–€500.
Some people leave a note: "Please leave at the back door." This works for low-value items but isn't great for expensive electronics or when you live in a shared building.
Smart Lock for Deliveries
A smart lock with one-time codes changes the equation. You can generate a single-use access code, share it with the delivery driver (via the delivery instructions field or a text message), and they enter it on the keypad to open the door. They place the package inside, the door auto-locks behind them, and the activity log confirms exactly when they entered and left.
This works best for building entrances or hallway doors — you're giving access to a shared space, not your apartment itself. For houses, the driver opens the front door, drops the package in the hallway, and leaves. The code can only be used once and expires automatically.
Is this common? It's growing fast. In the Nordic countries and increasingly in the Netherlands and Germany, delivery-to-door-with-smart-lock is becoming a standard option with logistics companies. Nuki has partnerships with some delivery services for exactly this use case.
Setting Up Nuki for Deliveries
The setup is straightforward. In the Nuki app, create a one-time access code. Set it to expire within a window (say, 12:00–18:00 on the delivery day). Share the code via the delivery instructions or text it to the driver if they provide a number.
The driver arrives, enters the code on the Keypad 2 NFC, the door opens. They place the package, leave, and the door auto-locks. The code is now used and won't work again. You get a push notification confirming the door was opened and when it locked again.
For frequent deliveries, you can create a recurring code that works during specific hours — for example, Monday through Friday, 9:00–17:00. This is useful if you get daily business deliveries.
Important: always enable Auto Lock when using this for deliveries. You don't want the door staying open if the driver forgets to close it properly.
Is It Actually Safe?
The natural reaction is: I'm letting a stranger into my house. But consider what you're actually doing — you're giving timed, logged, single-use access to your hallway. Not your entire home, and not indefinitely.
Compare this to leaving a package on the porch (theft risk), hiding a key (security risk), or giving a neighbor indefinite access (no logging). A one-time code that works for 6 hours and auto-expires is objectively more secure than any of these alternatives.
For insurance purposes, check with your provider. Most Dutch and German home insurance policies don't distinguish between key access and smart lock access, but it's worth confirming. The activity log actually strengthens your position — you have proof of exactly when the door was opened.
If you want an extra layer of security, pair the smart lock with a camera or video doorbell. You'll have both a log and visual confirmation of the delivery.