
The postal service is making some significant changes to mailboxes, and it's essential to stay informed to avoid any disruptions to your mail delivery.
The US Postal Service has announced plans to replace traditional mailboxes with more secure and efficient ones.
In some areas, you might notice that your mailbox is being upgraded to a newer model that can accommodate larger packages.
These new mailboxes are designed to handle the increasing volume of online shopping and shipping.
USPS Changes
The USPS is introducing new "next generation" mailboxes that are wider and taller to accommodate packages ordered online. These mailboxes are designed to reduce trips to the post office and help curb package theft.
The new mailboxes are approximately 13.63 inches wide, 7.75 inches tall on the sides, 12 inches tall at the center, and 16.5 inches deep. This is about a fifth bigger than the current mailboxes.
A bigger mailbox can cut package damage caused by mailmen stuffing packages into boxes that are too small. It can also reduce package theft, which is more likely to happen when packages are left on the floor or a porch instead.
The changes are set to take effect on July 1, with more information to be released closer to that date.
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Blue Mailbox Issues
The new blue mailboxes are causing quite a stir. Many customers are confused and frustrated by the lack of a drop-off slot for drivers, like the old ones that had a long arm reaching almost to a car window.
The new boxes don't have a handle to open them, just a tiny slot that's hard to reach. People are pulling on it, but it's not doing anything.
It's not convenient, especially for older neighbors who may not be able to easily get out of their cars or lean way out to mail a letter. Jeanette Blust, a resident, said it's disturbing that people who are disabled can't just pull up and drop off the mail.
The new mailboxes are actually a response to the growing problem of mail theft, with thieves stealing checks out of blue mailboxes. But it seems like the solution is causing more problems than it's solving.
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Mailbox Adjustments
If you're thinking of moving your mailbox, you can do so without violating USPS guidelines if you follow four easy steps: contact your local postmaster first, consider the weather and mailbox exposure, consider night lines to the house mailbox, and don't over-engineer your mailbox post.
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You can relocate your residential mailbox to a more convenient or secure location, such as closer to your front door or in a spot that's less vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is encouraging Americans to upgrade to a new larger capacity mailbox, which is wider and taller to accommodate packages ordered online. The new dimensions of these "next generation" mailboxes are approximately 13.63 inches wide, 7.75 inches tall on the sides, 12 inches tall at the center, and 16.5 inches deep.
Here are the new dimensions of the next generation mailboxes:
The new mailboxes are designed to reduce trips to the post office and help curb package theft, making them a great option for those who order a lot of packages online.
Local Mailboxes Amid USPS Changes Due to Thefts
Local mailboxes are being adjusted due to thefts, with the USPS reporting a 25% increase in mail theft cases in 2020.

In some areas, mailboxes are being replaced with secure ones that have locks and are made of durable materials.
Thefts often target packages and mail that contain valuable items like cash, jewelry, and electronics.
In response, the USPS is installing security cameras and motion-sensitive lights around mailboxes.
Some neighborhoods are also organizing community watch programs to keep an eye on mailboxes and report any suspicious activity.
The USPS is also encouraging customers to use their online tracking system to monitor their packages and report any issues.
By taking these steps, residents can help prevent mail theft and keep their mail and packages safe.
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Moving Mailbox
If you're finding your mailbox hard to access, you can relocate it without violating USPS guidelines. Just contact your local postmaster first.
Relocating your mailbox can be a great solution if it's in a spot that's vulnerable to theft or vandalism. Consider the weather and how it might affect your mailbox, and think about night lines to the house mailbox.
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Don't over-engineer your mailbox post, as this can be a common mistake. You want to make sure it's sturdy, but not too complicated.
Here are the four easy steps to relocate your mailbox:
- Contact your local postmaster first.
- Consider the weather & mailbox exposure
- Consider night lines to the house mailbox
- Don’t over-engineer your mailbox post
Timeline and Updates
The new mailboxes are wider and taller, making them better equipped to accommodate packages ordered online. This design helps reduce the need for notices left and trips to the post office to retrieve a package.
The next generation of mailboxes is approximately 13.63 inches wide, 7.75 inches tall on the sides, 12 inches tall at the center, and 16.5 inches deep. This makes them about a fifth bigger than the current mailboxes.
The USPS is encouraging Americans to upgrade to these new larger capacity mailboxes. By doing so, you can help cut package damage caused by mailmen stuffing them into boxes that are too small.
Here's a quick rundown of the new mailbox dimensions:
The next changes to the postal service are set to take effect on July 1. More information will be released closer to that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for a new mailbox?
To install a new mailbox correctly, position it 41-45 inches from the road surface and 6-8 inches back from the curb. Make sure to include your house or apartment number on the mailbox for easy identification.
Sources
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/consumer/article-13448945/USPS-mailboxes-change-new-size-packages.html
- https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/new-details-usps-changing-mailboxes-after-widespread-thefts/TY2FF6554NH6XBENWMVWVBHDLE/
- https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/new-blue-mailboxes-confuse-frustrate-postal-customers
- https://www.mailboxworks.com/blog/relocating-residential-mailbox/
- https://www.goerie.com/story/news/2025/04/02/usps-changing-mail-delivery-why-when-it-starts/82781202007/
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