In this day and age, when convenience and time-saving practices are highly favoured, it’s only natural that online shopping has become such an essential part of our daily lives over the past few years. Within seconds, it’s possible to find the needed products, compare various brands and prices at the click of a button, make payments seamlessly and have the goods delivered at the doorstep.
The drawback to this advantage, however? It’s not always being able to pick up the deliveries when the couriers arrive, which leads to missed parcels, parcels at the mercy of the harsh weather elements, as can be experienced in Australia, or worse, exposed to dangers like theft. This includes identity theft, and as fans of The Office know, identity theft is not a joke!
Modern problems like this call for modern solutions such as a sizeable and sturdy parcel letterbox, which is a modern take on the traditional kerbside letterbox. With a dependable construction that’s the combination of weather-resistant finishes and tough materials like powder-coated galvanised steel, it’s a long-term investment worth making. Think of it this way: it’s like having a post office parcel box, but within the confines of your home, so you get utmost convenience.
Are Parcel Letterboxes Secure?
This is a question many of us are having prior to the investment, and rightfully so; after all, it’s a considerable purchase and we want to make sure our letterbox upgrade can solve the damaged/missing/stolen parcel issue. The great news is, unlike older designs, this kind of mailbox comes with an anti-theft design.
This comes in the form of safety features like large compartments to fit the packages, keeping them safe from wear and tear, plus combination code locks and keys only you can access. Once the package is in the compartment, it goes through trap-door flaps and internal drawers so it can be retrieved with the suitable key; you won’t have to worry about anyone messing around with your belongings while you’re away.
As there are different options available in terms of parcel letterbox size, you can choose from a range and easily find something that caters to your needs. Whether you require a larger design to suit larger cartons or multiple satchels, or a smaller one for fragile items, there’s the right choice.
Coming in a combination with mail slots, the parcel mailbox is a versatile solution that can keep your deliveries safe, all the while making it easy for the posties, truckies and delivery riders with the advanced mechanisms. This includes the gravity-drop design and seamless access without the necessity to do any complex steps.
How to Choose a Parcel Letterbox?
Despite the various options of letterboxes with parcel available on the market, the purchase is quite hassle-free, same as when shopping for a traditional letterbox. The key considerations are the same, so you should keep the following in mind when browsing:
The Type Based on Installation
Not sure if a freestanding parcel letterbox is the one for you? There are other alternatives to choose from, whether you’d like to incorporate it in the fence, brickwork, or a wall. The freestanding choice is great for homes where there isn’t any fence, or where there’s smooth access needed to make it easier for the delivery worker. The integrated and mounted options are suitable for homes where every inch of space matters. Speaking of mounted, this is also a solution many swear by for the added safety since delivery of parcels and mail can be made from the street and not from the side of your property.
The Size
To find the ideal size, consider the size and bulkiness of your parcels in general to get to the average and choose one of the available capacities. While you’re at this step, don’t forget about the size of the interior compartments either. If shopping online, pay attention to this crucial detail. Sometimes, it may not be provided by the retailer, so be sure to reach out and ask prior to shopping. Also, it’s important to measure the space you have in mind for the letterbox, both in case you get the freestanding and the integrated or mounted, to avoid any shopping miscalculations.
The Security
To ensure your parcels are safe from any prying eyes and sticky hands, it’s essential to buy one of the modern mailbox designs. As mentioned earlier, these enhanced solutions come with safety, programmable codes and smart locks, plus compartments with secure drawers only you can open. This is essential to give you the peace of mind no one else can reach in to damage or steal your goods once they’re in the compartments.
The Durability
With harsh weather like the Australian, shopping for something that’s going to be exposed to the elements means the focus should be on durability and weather- and water-resistant properties. With the long lifespan and low maintenance of marine-grade aluminium and galvanised steel, it’s not surprising they’ve become two of the most popular material choices.
The Aesthetics
Do you have a more minimalist aesthetic and prefer to take care of the kerb appeal with a letterbox addition that’s more subtle in design, colour, and features? Or maybe you’d like to make the most of incorporating a more neutral design that makes a great addition to both modern and classic aesthetics? Whichever it is, rest assured the possibilities are endless as the letterboxes today come in a variety of colours and styles.
This gives you the chance to work on the exterior of your home, playing with different elements. This could be the hardware of the door or the windows, the roofing, the outdoor lighting, or the landscaping as a whole – it’s all part of the recipe you can use to create a cohesive outcome. Those who aren’t afraid of taking things up a notch also have the chance to customise the letterbox with the house number and the family name, using these numbers and letters as extra touches that help make everything look put together.
