Mailbox Improvement Week kicks off May 19

The U.S. Postal Service is asking homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 19–25. The Postal Service makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year; it is especially important in areas impacted by snowstorms this past winter. Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of the community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for carriers and customers.

Some of the typical activities homeowners may need to do include: replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door; repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or has started to peel; remounting a loosened mailbox post; replacing or adding house numbers.

If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, he or she must use only Postal Service–approved traditional, contemporary or locking full/limited service mailboxes. Customers must be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited. Customers may use a custom- built mailbox, but they should consult with the local postmaster to ensure it conforms to guidelines applying to flag, size, strength and quality of construction.

For details about residential mailbox standards, contact your local postmaster or visit usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm.