We don’t think too much about how our mailbox may affect the look of our property. Here’s a clever article on how to change that.
When was the last time you thought about your letterbox? If you are like the majority of homeowners, then it has probably been a while. However, this is an unfortunate lapse when it comes to home maintenance because upgrading your letterbox can bring a significant amount of benefits.
If you are curious about how to make your home more secure or are looking to increase kerb appeal, read on for the essential guide to updating your letterbox.
1. Take stock of your current letterbox.
Before you start making wish lists of letterboxes, it is best to take stock of your current letterbox situation first. Go outside and have a look at it! What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it? What features do you wish it had? What design works best for your home’s needs?
By spending some time thinking about your current letterbox, you can be assured that you realise what features you want to keep for your next installation and which you can do without.
This step may seem simple, but it is essential as you want to ensure when you begin your research that you are clear about the requirements you want.
2. Recognise the benefits of updating your letterbox.
You may have never considered it before, but there are a number of benefits that come when you update your letterbox. For starters, installing a new mailbox helps to increase your home’s kerb appeal, which is particularly important if you are looking to sell your home, but also just as valuable if you are planning on staying for a while — you deserve to be driving home each night to a well-maintained home!
Opting to update your letterbox also gives you the opportunity to select a design that fits the current style and vibe of your home. Many people rarely update their mailbox which often results in an old-fashioned style that doesn’t flow with the rest of the architectural features or landscape design. For example, if you live in a more contemporary home, you may want to look for a letterbox that is comprised of stainless steel or black stainless steel.
Thirdly, just like with many home additions, over the past few years the design of letterboxes has drastically changed, and now they are more secure than ever. You (understandably) want to keep your mail and packages safe and secure, which requires you to have a letterbox that is secure. If this is the case, your best option would be to invest in a new key lockable letterbox as these are usually more secure than the ones with a provision for a lock.
3. Do some research on the potential options for letterboxes.
One of the main features that you want to consider is the material of your letterbox. Don’t forget that the mailbox is going to spend all of its time outside, battling the natural elements; therefore, you need to choose one that is going to be able to withstand the weather.
This is particularly important to note if you are leaning towards a freestanding letterbox. You should look for materials such as metal or stone, stainless steel, or sandstone as these are tough and reliable materials.
In addition to the materials, you want to think about the size of letterbox that you require. For example, if you are in a home that often orders parcels from online stores, then you are going to want to choose a mailbox that is large enough to handle these deliveries. Additionally, if you often get magazines or newspapers in the mail, then you may want to opt for a deep letterbox or a full-sized parcel letterbox.
4. Speak with a reliable letterbox seller.
Now, you are at the point where it is time to reach out to reliable letterbox sellers who have products that fit your needs. When speaking with potential sellers, make sure that you keep in mind your personal requirements.
Take into account their suggestions, but ensure that you are thoroughly explaining what you are looking for at the initiation of the conversation — regardless of whether it is a freestanding mailbox, or a fence mounted letterbox, or something else entirely.
Never choose a letterbox that doesn’t fit your criteria simply because a pushy salesperson is suggesting it — you have done your research, you are prepared, so stick to your guns, and you will be driving home to the perfect letterbox in the not-so-distant-future.
Have you updated your letterbox recently? Why or why not? Let us know your experiences or thoughts about this home upgrade in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Jay Flavell is the General Manager at Sandleford Holdings. He has been working in the DIY & Home Improvement industry since 2007 and has vast experience sourcing and developing products from overseas suppliers in the Far East. Jay has also been successful dealing with a number of major DIY & Home Improvement retailers throughout his career.