Install a Mailbox at your Home or Business
When you move into a new home, one of the last things you might think about is your mailbox. However, having a good quality mailbox is pretty important. You receive all incoming correspondence there including all of your bills, letters, and magazines. It’s a good idea to ensure that you have a quality mail receptacle installed at your home or business.
Types of Mailboxes
When you decide to have a mailbox installed, you should consider whether you want one that is without a lock or one that is locked. If you choose a traditional non-locking mail receptacle it means that you have easy access to your mail. However, so does everyone else. With people finding more and more ways to steal identities and other things that do not belong to them, one can never be too careful. It might be a good idea to consider getting a locking mailbox.
Benefits of Installing a Locking Mailbox
A locking mailbox is just what it sounds like. There is a locking mechanism on the box that prevents anyone from accessing the mail inside unless they have a key. These types of mailboxes come in a variety of sizes and styles. There is the cluster design that has several different mail receptacles housed together in one container, with separate slots and locks for mail going to different address. This cluster type of locking mailbox is the type that is commonly used in apartment buildings. Everyone has their own key and can only access their mail.
Another type of locking mail receptacle is the individual mailbox. This style has a locking door that the owner would have access to. They can unlock the door with their own personal key. However, if they don’t have their key, they can’t access the mail. This is a good way to keep people out of your mail. It ensures that the only ones who access the mail are the mail delivery people and the recipients of the mail.
What to do for a Mailbox Lockout
Unfortunately, if you own a locking mailbox, the key to the box becomes another one that you will have to keep track of. Many people check their mail every day. This means that they will have to keep up with their key and have it with them every time they decide to check their mail. It’s not uncommon for people to unintentionally leave their key inside of their mailbox and close the door, locking themselves out of their mailbox. If this should happen to you, you can always call a locksmith to unlock your mailbox’s door for you. They will most likely be able to pick the lock to get you back inside so you can have access to your mail.
When to get a new Lock for your Receptacle
If you are moving into a home or apartment with a locking mail receptacle that someone else may have a key to, you might want to consider getting the lock changed. The person who originally had the mailbox may have made a copy of the key, and you don’t want unauthorized people having access to your mail. You can simply call a locksmith and he can come install a new lock on your mail receptacle, keeping your mail secure.
Getting a locking mailbox is something that you can purchase one time and enjoy the benefits for years to come. While having a locking mailbox is not a necessity, it definitely serves to provide extra peace of mind and adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your identity more secure.
