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Mailbox Buying Guide
The mailbox that sits in front of your home, your place of business, or at the bottom of stairs in your apartment is probably the last thing on your mind each day. However, you rely on it to safely and securely store your mail until you retrieve it. When purchasing a mailbox you should take into account the type, mounting, style, and features, and you'll be sure to find the one that fits the environment that you live in.
Step 1: Decide What Type of Mailbox is Right For You
When purchasing a mailbox it is important to that you identify how much and what kind of mail you will frequently be receiving. The volume and size of the mail you receive will determine what size, type of mount, features, and whether you should go with commercial or residential.
There are three basic types of mailbox applications for homeowners in the USA:
One is that a homeowner has a mailbox attached to their house where a mail carrier can walk up to the house and deliver their mail.
The next type is the homeowner who has curb-side delivery of mail by USPS. In this situation the mail carrier will pull up to the mailbox at the curb out in front of the homeowner’s house and deliver the mail into a mailbox that is approved by the USPS. In addition to the approved mailbox there are also requirements for the height and how far the mailbox can be set back from the curb, which can be seen in Mailbox Rules & Regulations. A mail carrier can refuse to deliver mail if there is a non-approved mailbox.
The final application is the cluster-type mailbox normally which are mainly found in apartments and office buildings. Cluster mailboxes are also regulated and approved by the USPS.
Step 2: Decide What Type of Mounting Style is Right For You
Once you find the perfect place for your mailbox then you are ready to pick the perfect place to mount your new addition.
Post Mounts - Post mounts are great when you are installing your mailbox curbside. Poles come in a variety of colors to match your own personal style.
Post Mounts - Post mounts are great when you are installing your mailbox curbside. Poles come in a variety of colors to match your own personal style.
Wall Mounts - Wall mount Mailboxes can be either residential or commercial. The residential mounts are a great accent piece to your home. For apartment complexes the commercial mounts are perfect for incoming and out-going mail.
Pedestal/Column & Recessed Mount - Column and recessed mount mailboxes are perfect for an apartment complex. The recessed mount fits into a wall to create space and allows for multiple boxes in a central location. Pedestal and/or Column mounts are good to use for letter drops and delivery vaults.
Freestanding - Freestanding mailboxes require no poles or walls to be set in. Freestanding mailboxes are best used inside or outside with a decorative casing.
Step 3: Select Additional Features
Once you have selected your mailbox and how you want it mounted, it's important to decide what features accompany your mailbox. This includes locking, USPS approved, rear access, extra deep, etc.
Locking - A lockable mailbox feature is important if you live in an apartment complex or busy area because you don't want someone invading your privacy.
USPS Approved- USPS approved mailboxes are top quality as they are approved by the United States Postal Service. When you have a USPS approved mailbox you know that your mail is safe from damage and complies with all postal codes.
Rear Access- Rear access mailboxes let you access your mail from the back as well as the front. This is a good feature to have if your mailbox is located on a busy street.
Extra Deep- A place of business or a person who travels a lot would benefit from an extra deep mailbox because it allows them to receive a lot of mail at once or over a long period of time.
Address Lettering- Address lettering allows you to personalize your mailbox with your name and address. In most cases on our site, you can personalize your mailbox on the specific product page at the same time you select and place your order.
Newspaper Holder- A newspaper holder lets you collect your newspaper and mail in or at the same box. It's the perfect addition to smaller mailboxes or for people who often recieve a lot of mail - or often receive a wet newspsper!
More Mailboxes, a division of CSN Stores LLC, 800 Boylston St, Suite 1600, Boston, MA 02199
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