The U.S. Postal Service is urging homeowners nationwide to participate in Mailbox Improvement Week, slated for May 19-25, prompting them to inspect and enhance their mailboxes for improved community aesthetics and safer mail delivery.

The annual initiative aims to address the wear and tear experienced by mailboxes each year, enhancing the appearance of suburban and rural neighborhoods while ensuring the safety of postal carriers and recipients.

Among the recommended activities for homeowners are inspecting and repairing loose hinges on mailbox doors, repainting surfaces showing signs of rust or peeling paint, and reinforcing loosened mailbox posts. Replacing or adding house numbers is also encouraged to facilitate accurate mail delivery.

Taking proactive steps such as replacing rusted hinges or remounting loose posts can significantly contribute to the safe and timely delivery of mail. Homeowners are also encouraged to consider upgrading to newer, larger capacity mailboxes designed to accommodate the delivery of items ordered online, potentially reducing the need for trips to the post office for package retrieval.

To assist homeowners in selecting appropriate mailboxes, the Postal Service guides mailbox installation, recommending a vertical height between 3 ½ to 4 feet from the road surface. However, customers are advised to consult with their local Postmaster before installing or replacing mailboxes and supports due to varying road and curb conditions. Mailboxes should be situated to allow carriers to serve them safely and conveniently without leaving their vehicles, necessitating the removal of any obstructions such as vehicles or trash cans.

For homeowners planning to install new mailboxes or replace worn ones, using only Postal Service-approved traditional, contemporary, or locking full/limited service mailboxes is crucial. Custom-built mailboxes may be permissible but require consultation with the local Postmaster to ensure compliance with flag, size, strength, and construction quality guidelines.