Blog
Cluster Box Units vs STD-4C Mailboxes: What's the Difference?
Monday July 15, 2019
Cluster Box Units (CBUs) and STD-4C mailboxes are two popular alternatives to traditional curbside mailboxes. A form of centralized mail delivery, they allow couriers to drop off and pick up mail at a single unit rather than accessing each tenant's curbside mailbox. While CBUs and STD-4C mailboxes are similar in this regard, however, they aren't necessarily the same. If you're thinking about purchasing either of these centralized mail delivery systems for your neighborhood or residential community, you should familiarize yourself with the differences between CBUs and STD-4C mailboxes.
Traditional Mailboxes vs Contemporary Mailboxes: What's the Difference?
Friday June 07, 2019
When shopping for curbside mailboxes for your neighborhood or residential community, you may discover some labeled as "traditional" or "contemporary." Traditional styles are the most common, accounting for the majority of residential mailboxes in the United States. But in recent years, an increasing number of contemporary mailboxes have emerged, offering a viable alternative for community developers and homeowners alike. So, what's the difference between traditional and contemporary mailboxes?
USPS Color Requirements for Curbside Mailboxes: What You Should Know
Monday May 20, 2019
When purchasing curbside mailboxes for a neighborhood or residential community, you'll need to choose an appropriate color. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is pretty flexible regarding the color of curbside mailboxes, but there are still a few things you'll need to know. By complying with the USPS's color requirements, you can avoid the headache of having to replace or repaint your mailboxes in the future.
Guidelines to Follow When Installing Apartment Mailboxes
Monday May 13, 2019
There are now over 2 million apartment buildings in the United States, according to a Rental Housing Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. If you're faced with the task of developing or renovating an apartment building, you might be wondering what type of mailboxes you should use. With multiple residences per each apartment building, traditional curbside mailboxes aren't practical. Instead, you'll need to choose a more convenient and easily accessible type of mailbox that complies with the United States Postal Service's (USPS's) guidelines.
How to Discourage Mail Theft in a New Neighborhood or Community
Monday April 08, 2019
If you're developing a new neighborhood or residential community, you might be wondering what precautions you can take to protect residents from mail theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 400,000 Americans have their mail stolen in any given year. For residents, mail theft isn't just frustrating; it poses a risk to their credit and reputation. After taking a resident's mail, a thief may steal his or her identity, using the resident's Social Security number and other personal information to open new credit cards. As a developer, though, there are a few ways you can discourage mail theft in a new neighborhood or residential community.
5 Tips on Cleaning and Maintaining Cluster Mailbox Units
Saturday March 02, 2019
As the United States Postal Service (USPS) continues to encourage the use of cluster mailbox units (CBUs), you can expect to see more of these centralized mail delivery systems in apartments, neighborhoods and other residential communities. CBUs streamline mail pickup and delivery by couriers by allowing them to collect and drop off mail for many residents at a single location. Rather than visiting each resident's unit to drop off mail, for example, a courier can visit the community's CBU, which contains a secure mailbox for each resident.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Curbside Mailboxes in Your Residential Community
Friday February 22, 2019
After purchasing curbside mailboxes for your residential community, you'll need to install them. While this sounds easy enough, though, there are certain steps you must take to ensure the mailboxes are safely and securely installed. Unfortunately, some developers and property managers are guilty of making one or more of the following mistakes when installing their curbside mailboxes.
Cohesion: The Secret to Designing an Attractive Neighborhood or Community
Friday January 25, 2019
As the country's real estate market continues to rebound from the 2008 bubble, more neighborhoods and residential communities are popping up. From the East Coast to the West, the number of newly constructed homes is steadily increasing -- and this trend isn't expected to change anytime soon. If you've been given the task of developing a new neighborhood or community, though, you should strive for a cohesive design.
The Rise of Cluster Mailbox Units in US Neighborhoods
Thursday January 17, 2019
Cluster mailbox units (CBUs) have been around for more than half-century, with the United States Postal Service (USPS) releasing the first official curbside CBU in 1967. Since then, they've become the preferred mail delivery system for apartments. A typical apartment complex has about 100 to 300 units. Rather than designating a curbside mailbox for each of these units -- or requiring couriers to hand-deliver each tenant's mail to his or her apartment -- just a few CBUs can be used. While CBUs will likely remain the leading mail delivery system for apartments, they are also becoming more popular in neighborhoods.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Cluster Mailbox Unit
Friday December 07, 2018
The advent of cluster mailbox units has revolutionized the way in which we send and receive mail. Known as a CBU, the United States Postal Service (USPS) prefers them over curbside mailboxes because they are easier to manage. But if you're planning to invest in a CBU for a residential community or property that you manage, you should consider the five following things.