Harder than rocket science (almost): how to properly install a US mailbox

Installing a mailbox in the United States is an art form of its own. To do this, you need to make sure that you are using the right materials, the right shape and size, and much more. If you still decide to start this process, then United States Postal Service (USPS) advice on how to do things right.

Photo: IStock

Follow the US Postal Service guidelines for setting up and hosting a new mailbox in your home. Make sure your postman always has access to your mailbox, whether it's outside or installed in your home.

Roadside mailboxes

Mailbox size and design standards

The Postmaster General's (PMG) stamped mailbox conforms to USPS size and construction standards. If you create your own mailbox or buy it to order, it must comply with PMG standards. Show your mailbox plans or custom box to your local postmaster for approval. For drawings and dimensions to build your own mailbox, write to the US Postal Service Engineering Department.

On the subject: Different from the rest of the world: why mailboxes in the US are uniquely shaped

Where to place a mailbox

Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when hosting a mailbox:

• Position the mailbox 41-45 inches (104-114 cm) from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or mail entry point;
• place the mailbox 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) from the curb. If you don't have a raised curb, ask your local postmaster for instructions;
• write the number of your house or apartment on the mailbox;
• if your mailbox is not located on the street of your house or apartment, indicate your full postal address on the box.

Installing a mailbox

The best mailbox supports are stable but bend or fall if a car runs over them. The Federal Highway Administration recommends that the pole be 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) wood or standard 2" (5 cm) diameter steel or aluminum pipe.

Avoid stubborn and potentially dangerous supports such as heavy metal pipes, concrete poles, and agricultural equipment (such as milk cans filled with concrete).

Bury the support no deeper than 24 inches (61 cm).

Door slots and wall mailboxes

Approved door slots

In some houses and apartments, instead of a mailbox in the door, there is a slot for receiving mail. Standards for an approved doorway:

• opening must be at least 1-1,5 x 7 inches (2,5-3,8 cm x 17,8 cm);
• the bottom of the slot must be at least 30 inches (76,2 cm) above the floor;
• horizontal slots should have a hinged lid at the top;
• vertical slots must be fixed on the side opposite from the door hinges;
• For more privacy, you can install a mailbox cover on the inside of the door so no one can look into your home.

Wall mailboxes

To replace a sidewalk mailbox with a wall-mounted mailbox, you must obtain permission from your local postmaster.

Choose from a variety of mailbox sizes and styles—installed mailboxes are not required to have the PMG seal of approval.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Set up a wall-mounted mailbox that can hold a typical day's mail, including letter-sized envelopes, postcards, and catalogs.

Place it near the main entrance so the postman can easily see your box.

Service

Mailboxes are affected by the weather, so it's a good idea to check them annually to avoid damaging your mail or making it difficult to determine your address. For this:

• tighten loose hinges on the door;
• take care of rusty or loose parts;
• replace a missing or faded house number;
• make sure that the path to your mailbox is clear.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Inexpensive device will make your flight comfortable, even if you are sitting in the middle

Top 15 Vegetables and Fruits with the Least Pesticides

How to keep your yard safe from bears: 6 tips

How to become an astronaut: all the requirements and subtleties of NASA

Career, job search, self-development, learning English: who to follow on TikTok

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.