The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) observes Mailbox Improvement Week annually during the third full week of May. In 2025, it runs from May 19 to May 25. This initiative encourages customers to inspect and maintain their mailboxes, ensuring they are safe, functional, and compliant with USPS standards.

🛠️ Key Guidelines for Mailbox Maintenance

USPS recommends that mailboxes meet the following criteria:

• Approved Design: Mailboxes should be of a design approved by the Postmaster General.

• Weather Protection: They must protect mail from inclement weather.

• Safety: Mailboxes should be safe to use, with no sharp edges or hazardous conditions.

• Proper Placement: Install mailboxes at a height of 41–45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the box and set them back 6–8 inches from the curb.

• Visibility: Ensure house numbers are clearly visible, at least 1 inch high, and in a contrasting color.

• Structural Integrity: Check for rust, peeling paint, or loose hinges, and repair as needed.

• Capacity: Mailboxes should be large enough to accommodate the customer’s daily mail and package volume.

🔒 Enhancing Mail Security

With rising concerns over mail theft, USPS advises:

• Prompt Mail Retrieval: Collect mail promptly to reduce the risk of theft.

• Report Vandalism: If you witness mailbox tampering, report it immediately to local authorities and the Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.

🌟 Benefits of Participation

Engaging in Mailbox Improvement Week helps:

• Ensure Efficient Delivery: Well-maintained mailboxes facilitate smooth mail delivery operations.

• Enhance Community Aesthetics: Neat and attractive mailboxes contribute positively to neighborhood appearance.

• Improve Safety: Properly installed and maintained mailboxes reduce hazards for postal carriers and residents alike.

For more detailed information, refer to the USPS Postal Bulletin on Mailbox Improvement Week: