Roger Morph 
We live in a digital era where many consider traditional mail a thing of the past. However, for many households, a letterbox is still an essential element. f you get a lot of correspondence delivered to your home the old way, or just want a secure way to receive your packages, picking the right letterbox is critical. With so many opinions available on the market, how do you know which one to choose?
Here is what you’ll need to consider when choosing a letterbox to fit your needs.
Mounting Type
Although all mailboxes serve the same goal, their unique features and perks can make them more suitable for you.
Fence Mounted
It’s quite common to see fence letterboxes on the streets of Australian suburbs. Essentially, anyone with a fence in their home takes advantage of the opportunity to place a mailbox within it.
Traditional mailboxes have a number of problems, one of which is their vulnerability to manipulation and theft. They could be a simple target for thieves looking for valuables or information because they are usually found on the side of the house or at the end of long driveways. Conversely, fence variations are erected inside the boundaries of your property, with the entrance directed toward your residence. It gets harder for someone to get your mail without breaking into your premises as a result.
No matter what kind of fence you have in your house, there is a letterbox to complement it. A picket fence letterbox is a common option. It comes in a range of designs and finishes, with modest yet striking elements that can improve the appearance of any fence. From modern and sleek picket fence letterbox options to more classic and traditional designs, the choice is yours.
Furthermore, many manufacturers have customising choices, allowing you to add your personal touch to your fence letterbox, making it one-of-a-kind. You can choose from a variety of finishes, add your house number, or even add a lock for increased security.
Fence letterboxes are compatible with all fencing styles since they may be mounted using mounting brackets or put straight onto your fence. Moreover, a range of sizes are available for you to choose from, such as a huge mailbox to hold large goods or a smaller mailbox for regular mail.
Before you start shopping, ensure sure your fence is strong enough to support the weight of your mailbox of choice. When connecting the mailbox yourself, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right equipment.
Freestanding
A freestanding mailbox is ideal for holding large parcels that are delivered to your home. They do not require any installation because they are heavy enough to stand alone. Freestanding mailboxes are often positioned on a porch or near the front door so that the delivery driver may drop things inside. They’ll open the mailbox latch and drop the parcel inside for you to grab when you arrive home.
Style
Classic
Classic mailbox designs are ageless and suitable for various styles of houses. They have basic line characteristics and neutral colours, giving off a modest yet elegant appearance.
Modern
Sleek and straightforward styles are perfect for both contemporary and modern homes. The modern mailbox aesthetic is distinguished by clean lines, bold colours, and distinct shapes.
Traditional
Traditional mailboxes are beautifully designed and suitable for formal or historic residences. They often come with decorative elements as well as a hint of nostalgia.
Material
The material used to make your mailbox can impact its visual appeal, how durable it is, and the amount of care required for continuous functionality or resilience to adverse weather, among other factors.
Steel
Steel mailboxes are an old and trustworthy kind recognised for their durability and resistance to the elements.
These come in a variety of finishes and colours and can be easily customised to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Aluminium
Aluminium mailboxes are lightweight and resistant to corrosion from salty breezes in coastal areas. They are also powder-coated for added resilience, allowing them to withstand long-term wear.
Wood
Wooden mailboxes have a country feeling that suits traditional-looking properties like cottages and country homes. However, they may require additional care, such as periodic staining and weatherproofing as a preventative step.
Size
Mailboxes come in a range of sizes, and the best one for you is determined by your specific needs and the volume of mail you get.
Mail Volume
Think about getting a bigger mailbox with extra space if you receive a lot of mail and shipments. By doing this, you can avoid having a mailbox full of letters that are different in thickness.
Parcel Delivery
If you receive a lot of parcel deliveries, consider getting a dedicated mailbox with a separate parcel section or adding a separate parcel unit next to it.
This makes shipments easier to access and deliver.
Newspaper and Magazines
If you still receive real newspapers and magazines, select a mailbox with a built-in newspaper holder. It’s a small thing that makes your life a lot easier.
Features
Here are some of the features you’ll want your mailbox to include.
Locking System
A mailbox that doesn’t come with a locking system makes it easy for intruders to open it and grab your confidential documents.
A locking mechanism provides an added layer of security, ensuring that your personal information and important documents remain safe and protected.
Locking systems can be a specialised key or combination lock mechanism. Mail carriers have the tools needed to open these systems.
Quality Components
The strength and security of the mailbox will depend on the quality of the materials and components used to make it.
There is a range of low-cost mailboxes on the market, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Look for mailboxes made only from high-quality components to protect your mail and give you peace of mind.
Address Plaque
Often elegantly designed, with bronze trim and warm text, an address plaque can adorn your letterbox while also making it easier for the mailman to spot your mailbox. They can be mounted on top or bottom of your mailbox, allowing you to choose where you want to display your house address.
