Do You Need To Replace a Discontinued Mailbox?

When you manage a multi-tenant property—whether it’s an apartment complex or a business center—you must provide a place where tenants get their mail. Fortunately, there are numerous mailbox units available to accommodate over a dozen tenants. As time passes and your old reliable mailbox unit wears out and gets torn up, you’re searching for a substitute.

Do you need to replace a discontinued mailbox? The answer is an unequivocal yes. In fact, every third full week of May is designated by the USPS as Mailbox Improvement Week. Whether you wait until that time frame or need a replacement now, here are more insights on the topic.

Do You Need a Mailbox Replacement?

Before jumping into the replacement process, evaluate whether a new mailbox is a necessity. How are the mailboxes holding up? Daily wear and tear—weather, rust and corrosion, vandalism, dents, scratches, and broken locks and doors—can do a number on a mailbox. They leave people’s belongings vulnerable to the elements and theft.

Perhaps tenants have already expressed their concerns about damage, mail loss, or theft. If you haven’t heard from the tenants yet, check in with them and listen to if they have any suggestions or complaints. They might offer advice on components that you’ve never thought of before! Tenants might point out red flags like lost keys, busted locks, a lack of space for mail, and out-of-date mailboxes.

Choosing the Right Mailbox

Once you’ve determined that a replacement is essential, the next step is to choose the right mailbox. Consider several factors starting with the type of mailbox you need. There are multiple models available. Each one has its own set of features and benefits:

• Wall-mounted mailboxes: Have limited space? Wall-mounted mailboxes are easy to install and maintain for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Post-mounted mailboxes: A classic and popular model, the post-mounted design offers ample space and accommodates a higher volume of mail.
• Cluster mailbox units (CBUs): CBUs are perfect for multi-family properties because they provide multiple locked compartments in a single unit.
• Parcel lockers: As online shopping dominates the retail industry, parcel lockers are increasingly popular to accommodate larger packages.

Durable Materials

Pick a mailbox with the right qualities. Mailboxes are available in various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Generally, metal mailboxes—particularly those made from stainless steel or aluminum—are the best choice. They’re immensely durable, weather-resistant, and can handle damage from vandalism, vehicles, and other outside forces.

Size and Capacity

Next, consider how much mail you and your tenants receive. Whether it’s a letter here and there or a dozen packages a day, pick a mailbox or parcel locker that can accommodate the mail until pickup. Ensure the new mailboxes have adequate capacity to handle everyday mail and the occasional larger deliveries. Measure the area where you will situate the mailbox. Consider upsizing the box, just in case.

Security Features

We’ve talked about the need for security in a mailbox, but now let’s get down to brass tacks. Make sure your new mailbox features reinforced locks, anti-pry mechanisms, and sturdy construction to protect residents’ mail from theft and vandalism. Electronic locks opened by a signal or an app are practical alternatives that security-conscious tenants might prefer.

Complying With Postal Standards

The United States Postal Service has plenty to say about mailboxes. They have an outline of their mailbox requirements on the USPS website. Review the rules and regs governing USPS approval, as well as the following stipulations to ensure regular mail delivery and no complaints from your mail carrier or local post office!

Installation Guidelines

It’s essential to read the USPS handbook for builders and developers prior to mailbox installation. This includes proper height, distance from the curb, and accessibility for the mail carrier. Improper installation by only a matter of inches can stall mail delivery and increase the risk of accidents or injury.

ADA Compliance

Think of your tenants who have special needs. Residents of all abilities should have access to their mail. Ensure that the new mailboxes are ADA-compliant. They must provide compartments that open easily and offer simple mail retrieval if a resident is in a wheelchair or a similar situation. Adding braille tiles to mark the unit number is another helpful consideration.

How To Replace a Discontinued Mailbox

Research and Select a Mailbox

Start by researching different mailbox options that meet your property’s needs. Reach out to suppliers or manufacturers for recommendations and quotes. At Postal Supply, we offer multiple USPS-approved classic cluster mailboxes for residential or commercial spaces. Review the mailbox sizes and finishes to find the ideal model for your property.

Plan the Installation

Create a detailed plan for the installation process. This should include measurements, essential tools, and a timeline for completion. If necessary, hire a professional installer to ensure they complete the job correctly. Make sure the installer follows the USPS guidelines, so the mailbox doesn’t interfere with foot or vehicular traffic.

Notify Residents

Let your tenants know about the upcoming mailbox replacement. Give them an idea about how long they’ll have to wait for the completion of the installation. Make arrangements for mail gathering, forwarding, and pickup during this time.

Remove the Old Mailboxes

Carefully remove the old mailboxes, ensuring all mail is safely removed, stored, and transferred to the new mailboxes once they are installed.

Install the New Mailboxes

Whether you hire a professional for mailbox installation or conduct a DIY project, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that the mailboxes are securely mounted and fully compliant with USPS guidelines. If you have questions, call your local post office and ask to speak with someone who is familiar with the requirements.

Tests and Adjustments

After installation, test each mailbox to ensure that they’re sturdy and function correctly. Make any necessary adjustments to locks, doors, and alignment.

Updates and Alerts

After installing the mailbox, be sure to update the postal information for your property. Notify the local post office about the new additions. Next, let your tenants know the mailbox project is complete, and that normal mail delivery will resume.

There are several reasons why you need to replace a discontinued mailbox. If you need a new and improved mailbox, visit our website for more information. We’ll help you get the right USPS-approved mailbox for your property.