In the UK, delivering to neighbours is standard if the parcel doesn't fit through the mailbox. I'm surprised to hear that's not the case elsewhere?
Also, my neighbours are no more likely to be at home than I am.
Edit: forgot to specify that this is in Norway.
My wife and I used to live in a street where we were usually the only people at home during the day. All the delivery companies quickly realised we would take in anyone's parcels, so our living room was often like a mini sorting office!