UPSTATE, NY — Mailbox Improvement Week is May 16–22 and the U.S. Postal Service is asking homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes. The Postal Service makes this annual request due to the wear and tear that occurs on mailboxes every year.

“Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our carriers and customers,” says District Manager Eric Henry.

Some of the typical repairs homeowners may need to do include:

• Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door
• Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or has started to peel
• Remounting a loosened mailbox post
• Replacing or adding house numbers
• Clearing in and around the mailbox to minimize insects

For those looking to install a new curbside mailbox or replace an existing one should note:

• Curbside mailboxes should rest 41-45” inches from ground level.
• Mailboxes should be receded 6-8” from the curb.

Detailed instructions are available on the usps.com website under Mailbox Guidelines

For further information on the use of names or numbers on mailboxes, or answers to any other questions, please contact your local Post Office directly.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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