Taking in parcels of neighbours

[ClaraSwann]

What is the etiquette here? I am happy to take in parcels for my neighbours if they are out. This morning, I accepted one and was told a card would be left at their house saying I had it (the norm). Within 5 minutes, one of the couple had arrived home as her car was now on the driveway. I was expecting a ring on the bell but none came. Over an hour passed and she is still at home and the package is in my way inside my porch. I am going out myself now for about six hours. Should I take the package round myself before I go or keep it to make a point?

We take in a lot (working from home) and they don't always leave a card even when they say they will. I'd take it round - a bit silly to try to make a point unless they have form for expecting you to store their stuff for days.

I'd just take it round and be done with it. If I take in stuff I leave it in the car port for them to collect and message them that it's there. Never been a problem...

It depends if you're friendly with them and they don't take the piss.
Don't get into the habit of taking it to them because they will expect it in future and get snotty with you if you don't. If they know you have the package it's their obligation to collect it from you. It could be they set it up (without telling you) for the postman/courier to leave it with you.

I keep the parcel for a week or two and then if they don't collect it send it back to the sender.

Having said that, IMO an hour is a very short time, go out about your business and leave it to the neighbours to collect it during waking hours when you get home.

I've still got a parcel here for the neighbours opposite, because they never answer their door - they tell me the porch is full of junk and they can't get to the front door, which also means they never see the card telling there is a parcel here for them.

This one has been here a week so far. I think it's up to them to come and get it, not down to me to hang around waiting until I can be sure there is someone in their living room before waving through the window at them, then waiting for them to walk all the way through the house, round the back and out of their garden gate to meet me on a footpath.

Frankly, their parcel is their responsibility, not yours! Go about your day, they'll just have to knock later when you're back won't they.

I send one of the dc round with it. They usually get a few pence for delivering it