ROCHESTER, N.Y. —The U.S. Postal Service sets aside the third week of May urging customers to assess and, if needed, repair and spruce up your mailbox.

What You Need To Know

  • Replace loose hinges on mailbox door

  • Repaint a mailbox that may have rusted or has started to peel

  • Remount a loose mailbox post

  • Make sure there is a clear path to access the mailbox

  • Replace or add house numbers

The United States Postal Service is encouraging you to take a little time to make sure your mailbox is functioning properly and looking good. 

Some postal carriers deliver mail to more than 400 homes every day. 

Here's a checklist to help mail delivery run smoothly. Make sure your mailbox is Postmaster General-approved, weatherproof, safe, conveniently located, tidy and large enough to support small package volumes.

"Part of it is making sure you have a number on your mailbox and check your door hinges and everything. If your mailbox post is swinging forward or backward, try to level that off and secure it so you can pitch the mail in and easily close it.  That will maintain efficiency of mail delivery for the customer and for the community as well," said Mark Lawrence, USPS communications specialist.

Your mailbox should be 41 to 45 inches from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox and six to eight inches from the curb. There are restrictions when it comes to the post itself, so if you want to encase it in brick or some other decorative structure, be sure to check your town mailbox ordinance or with the local postmaster.