The Ubiquitous Mailbox

I find it difficult to think of a household without a mailbox. Be in the city or far flung areas, there it is fronting residence or located at the corner of the property. For as long as we have mail correspondence and magazine subscriptions, we will need this utility box and its importance is not diminished even in this computer age. There will always be mailboxes in residences and in commercial establishments as well. And we will always be visiting the mailboxes to check and collect mail and magazine deliveries. If so isn’t it about time to afford our mailboxes a little importance? In this age of identify thief and high incidence of thievery, it may be wise to consider to replacing our old mailboxes with more secure but affordable mailboxes consistent with the valuables that are expected to be deposited and temporarily stored in them.

Those building their new homes or commercial buildings particularly should consider mailboxes in their master plan. What type and where to locate the mailboxes and accessories? There are two main types: wall mounted mailboxes which are installed in the doorstep; and curbside mailboxes which are installed outside the house. There is however a bewildering array of mailboxes sold in the market. Made of stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, wood and plastics, they come in various styles and shapes- victorian mailboxes, contemporary, traditional, classic, modern and the like. There are also a variety of locking and security systems to choose from. For choosy owners, unique mailboxes can be custom built to their liking and specifications. If the mailboxes will be located far from the house or building and the properties are extensive, it may be logical to install flags for mailboxes so both the mail delivery persons and the owners can
readily find them. Installation of purchased mailboxes often can be undertaken by the same company selling the said item.

It is prudent that aspiring homeowners personally select the mailboxes they really need to their liking not only to satisfy their intended purpose but also because owners overtime may attach sentimental value to their mailboxes. Going to the same mailboxes is part of the routine of owners. Thus to later alter or replace the mailboxes may be heart tugging. Also such action may be technically and aesthetically difficult to implement.