Picking a Letterbox That Delivers: Important Features to Consider

It's easy to overlook the once-very useful letterbox in this day and age when the internet prevails and messages are conveyed digitally. However, the letterbox is still useful. Banks, for example, continue to rely on mail services to send critical information. Whether it's to give you a replacement card or to notify you of account changes, this is always done by letter for security reasons.

The mail addressed to you contains your name and address printed on it. Some may include important information you want to avoid getting into the wrong hands. A mailbox is a simple precaution that you can use to preserve your privacy. Moreover, a letterbox, especially a parcel letter box, offers you an easy and safe way to receive your parcels from online shopping. 

With the vast range of letterboxes available, knowing which one to choose can be confusing. Here is what you'll need to consider when making your selection. 

Check the Standards and Regulations in Your Area

The first and most important step towards the right letterbox is getting familiar with the specifications it should have to comply with your local council's and Australia Post's letterbox laws. Posties in Australia can be rather strict in enforcing their restrictions, so don't get on their bad side.  

These rules are usually designed to make the postie's life as simple as possible. This includes keeping your mailbox visible, accessible, and in good working condition. 

Choose a Type That Suits Your Needs

The type of mailbox you select should be determined mainly by the functions you want it to do and whether you require something more secure or discreet. Nowadays, all sorts of mailboxes may be easily customized, with a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from.

Parcel LetterBox 

If you do most of your shopping online and frequent trips to the post office for parcel pickup are becoming a nuisance, a parcel letterbox may be your solution.  

Nowadays, you can find a range of parcel letter boxes available, but they all work similarly. They're free-standing letterboxes designed to allow the postman or courier company to deposit your delivery in a secure and safe box you can retrieve when you return home. It's like having your own Australia Post Parcel locker at home. 

These letterboxes include a security pin code access lock that ensures that once the mail carriers have dropped your parcel into the box, no one can get it out without the pin code. This means you can have a safe and secure location for parcel deliveries at your home, saving you the time and bother of going to the post office each time. 

Mail Slot

Mounted directly into your front door or a wall in your home, a mail slot is the most private option to prevent your mail from being viewed or stolen. Many people dislike it, however, because any mail sent through it ends up all over the hallway floor. Still, this issue can be rectified by placing a simple box on the inside to catch the mail. 

Another downside of these boxes is that larger packages cannot fit through them, so they must be left on your porch or returned to the post office if no one can receive them. 

Wall-Mounted 

This mailbox style is affixed to your house's wall, usually right next to your front entrance. It offers a high level of protection because many wall-mounted variants include locks, and mail thieves are less likely to risk being caught strolling right up to someone's door. They are available in various sizes but may need to be bigger for larger parcels. 

Post-Mounted 

This is the most common type of mailbox. As the name suggests, it's mounted on a post and is usually located separately from the house, for instance, by the driveway. Because a porch does not cover it, this option is more exposed to the elements, so choosing a weather-resistant material is important.

This is a convenient solution for some because you can have your mail delivered without anyone having to walk onto your property. Another thing that makes this option stand out from the rest is that you can also use it to send your mail instead of going to the post office. Most models come with a small flag that you can use to let the mail carrier know you have something to send. 

Consider Durable Materials

Your mailbox must be solid and resilient enough to resist all weather conditions. When choosing your mailbox, remember that you want to avoid having to replace it frequently!

Wood

People choose wood letterboxes for the same reasons they choose wooden outdoor furniture - durability, elegance, and low maintenance. Wood letterboxes are available in various forms and sizes and may be customized to match any décor.  

Steel 

Steel letterboxes are durable, secure, and waterproof. They are built of a corrosion-resistant polymer resistant to the environment, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use.

This mailbox is resistant to rust and corrosion and can survive extreme weather conditions and scratches. It can also be attractive, trendy, and personalized with your design.

Choose a Colour that Compliments Your Home's Exterior Design

A beautiful mailbox can be the perfect touch to improve your home's curb appeal. For a cohesive look, look for a model that matches your house's color. 

A good rule of thumb is to match the hue of your letterbox to the color of your house's trim, such as window frames, gutters, or garage doors. This results in a more harmonic and balanced appearance, eliminating any color overload that could occur if the letterbox was the same color as the brick or render. For example, a black letterbox will be a great addition if your house features dark trims. A red letterbox will fit well for homes with light-colored wood or brick exterior design. 

Features to Look For 

Sometimes, we get caught up in nice designs and overlook the most critical aspects of a mailbox. 

Locking Mechanism

Ensure your mailbox has a safe locking mechanism that only you and those allowed can open. Larger mailboxes are a common target of mail thieves as they contain parcels. Therefore, this is especially critical for parcel mailboxes.

Identification

Your mailbox should display your house number or surname. This will contribute to your mail being delivered to the correct address - mail carriers are prone to making mistakes! 

Rear Access

A small door in the rear of the box allows you to retrieve your mail without dismantling the entire mailbox each time. This is particularly beneficial for boxes mounted behind mail slots.