How to get a Mailbox Moved for an Elderly Adult

Older adults may choose to move their mailbox for a variety of reasons. For example, if getting to the mailbox requires walking a long distance or navigating uneven terrain, moving it may make it more accessible.

Moving it can also make it easier to navigate through adverse weather conditions. But what exactly is involved with moving a mailbox? In this post, we’ll review how to get a mailbox moved for elderly.

Are You Allowed to Move Your Mailbox?

Making a mailbox more accessible will create extra convenience for older adults. It is not against the law to move a mailbox but there are certain regulations in place. We’ll review some of these later in this post.

Can You Put a Mailbox Anywhere?

Can you move a mailbox? Yes. Can you move your mailbox anywhere? Not necessarily. In order to move your mailbox, you have to go through the proper channels. Save yourself the headaches by moving a mailbox without consulting experts first. In the next section, we’ll go over what to do before moving your mailbox.

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How to Move a Mailbox

Are you ready to move your mailbox right now? Not so fast. There are still a few guidelines to follow before you get started. Moving a mailbox requires a few steps, which we will list below.

1. Contact your local postmaster. This is the immediate first step you should make. There are no national laws mandating relocation of mailboxes by USPS. Instead, local postmasters decide what is best for their geographic location and mail service. Make a quick call or visit your local post office. They’ll be able to give you advice on the best location and they may even give you approval for the relocation.
2. Consider weather exposure. When relocating your mailbox, consider the effects of weather conditions, like snow plows burying it in winter. You should also avoid placing the mailbox in direct sunlight and make sure it’s shaded to protect contents. Extreme heat can damage mail, including medications. Heat waves in the past have notoriously made medicines ineffective.
3. Consider sight lines. During stormy or windy weather, you’ll want to take a look out your window to see if the red mailbox flag has been moved to the down position. Before moving the mailbox, you’ll want to check the sight lines from your home. Make sure it’s in a visible location so you can check the delivery status from the comfort of your window without having to leave the house. Furthermore, a visible mailbox can also deter thieves and vandals.
4. Avoid over-engineering your mailbox post. If mailbox vandalism — such as getting knocked over by snow plows or vandals — is a common occurrence, many victims will respond by over-engineering the replacement. However, this can be a liability trap. For example, if a neighbor lost control of their vehicle and hit your mailbox, the mailbox’s inability to bend could potentially hurt your neighbor and you’ll be held liable. The USPS says a mailbox post should snap at the base and make way for impact.

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