Incorporating Your Mailbox

Welcome to March, the time to be preparing for April because the warm weather will have definitely arrived by then and it will be Lawn & Garden month.  While people are always focusing on their flowers and flower beds there is a part of many people's landscapes that unfortunately goes overlooked or which people get stumped by.  This common item which exists on many people's properties is the good old mailbox.  Many people sadly don't do anything with their mailbox and let it stick out like a sore thumb which takes away from the rest of their landscaping efforts.  The reality is there are numerous ways to make your mailbox far more attractive than it is and make it work with the rest of your property so that it isn't an eye-sore.

If you have your mailbox on a post then there are several ways to make it more attractive.  First one you can do is turn the surrounding area into a flower bed.  Then plant a flower in front of it which when fully grown will be almost up to the bottom of the container.  On the back plant an attractive climber which can cover the post from the rear.  Now instead of having an unattractive mailbox sitting alone it is surrounded with flowers and looks far better.  You can also install a decorative mailbox that goes with the flowers or your overall landscaping theme. 

In addition to planting flowers around your mailbox you can try painting it different colors.  The best way to do this is find flowers with colors that will complement your mailbox's colors.  These flowers don't even need to cover the post, the aim with this approach is to create a color design that is appealing to the eye and not make the mailbox feel alone and out of place.  If you're looking for an older more rustic style you can search for a wooden mailbox.  A wooden mailbox can be allowed to age and then have vines growing up its post which will give the feeling of being slowly reclaimed by nature.  Just make sure you're mail stays protected.

Another way to incorporate your mailbox is by moving away from the traditional post.  Plenty of people have found success by having the pillars at the end of their driveway which match the house's architecture work as locations for their mailboxes.  They can be embedded in the pillars or hang off the front of it.   This removes the need of the mailbox being its own entity and it blends right in with your existing landscape.  There are many more variations for implementing your mailbox into your landscape, so share pictures with us of what you've done!

Cluster Mailboxes – More than Meets the Eye

History

When Benjamin Franklin founded the first post office there was no such thing as a mailbox.  Before the 19^th century and really the 20^th century, mail carriers delivered mail directly to the recipient.  So if they were delivering a letter to a person's house they would knock on the front door and wait until someone answered to hand the letters.  A study was done and it showed that the average mail carrier lost around 90 minutes a day because of this.  Therefore in 1923 the Post Office Department mandated that all households must have a letter slot or mailbox to receive mail.  While this worked there was no regulation on mailbox shapes.  As America suburbanized more curbside mailboxes popped up.

Dawn of the Cluster Box

Then in 1967 the Post Office Department introduced the first cluster boxes.  The cluster boxes were built to service entire neighborhoods and buildings.  It was determined that the cluster box would not only save time, but also money.  The mail carrier would no longer need to stop each time to drop off one person's mail.  Since then the cluster box unit has seen multiple evolutions and has become the curbside locking mailbox that you commonly see.  As improvements happen every so often new specifications for their production occur.  The newest specifications released in 2005 required manufacturers to have a license in order to make them.

Advantages of Cluster Mailboxes

·   Multiple mailboxes at one location means mail carriers don't need to make as many stops, this saves them time and money because of reduced fuel costs.

·   Because the Post Office saves on delivery costs they don't need to increase prices for sending mail and other items which is good for the consumer.

·  The cluster box is considered safer than regular mailboxes and more durable.

·   A cluster mailbox can also have an outgoing slot.  This allows residents to drop off mail at the same time as they pick up their mail.

·  Cluster mailboxes help protect mail carriers from dog bites.  There really is an issue of people's dogs attacking the mail carrier when they try to deliver the mail.

·  For property developers cluster mailboxes provide savings over individual mailboxes for each resident or tenant.

·  A single combined mailbox can make a neighborhood more attractive because you will no longer have multiple unattractive mailboxes lingering around the area.

·  Cluster mailboxes do a better job of protecting the mail from the elements than regular mailboxes do.

People and Property managers looking to purchase USPS approved cluster mailboxes have a number of options for size, colors and configurations.  The mailboxes can even be utilized for commercial mailboxes.  So if you think a cluster mailbox will provide you with the benefits you're looking for don't hesitate to search for USPS approved manufacturers and dealers.

Refurbishing Your Community

It’s a new year, and while the ground may still be frozen, now is a good time to start figuring out what you need to do when it has thawed.  For those who are a part of a Home Owners Association, there is most likely lots of planning and work coming up for the new year.  As the winter weather melts away to spring there will be maintenance and upkeep work all over the community.   Roads and driveways will need to have those pot holes filled, and any other damage from the cold elements will need attention. 

In addition to repairs and cleaning properties up for spring, now may be a good time to replace elements of the community that have grown old and seen better days.  One object which can often be overlooked, but is important, is mailboxes.  They bear the brunt of the weather year round and eventually time takes its toll on them.   Ordering new mailboxes may seem boring, or unimaginative, but there is actually a surprising amount of variety out there.  These days you can choose the style of each part of the mail box and the material it is made from; for example you can have a cast aluminum mailbox post, with an Atlantic mailbox that has a copper finish. 

Another thing that needs to be given more attention by a lot of home owner communities is the gutters and shingles of the houses.  The freezing and melting process, especially if there has been a lot of snow, often causes damage.  Broken gutters can cause water to pool in unwanted locations which leads to water damage.  Shingles that have broken down can also lead to moisture accumulating in the roof or lead to leaks.  Letting any of these issues fester will only lead to exponential repair costs down the road. 

Lastly, check your buildings’ foundations.  Especially if the properties are older or if water has a penchant for pooling next to any building.  If people have basements, but rarely use them, then it is easy for water leaking in and pooling to go unnoticed.  This can lead to all sorts of problems if not fixed expediently.  It can cause more damage to the foundation, it can create a breeding ground for unwanted pests and if the basement is used for storage it can cause water damage to residents’ belongings.

Congratulations You’re a Homeowner!

Many are saying 2015 is going to be quite the big year, especially in the housing market.  There are a lot of expected new first time home buyers coming to the market.  Perhaps you’re one of them, or perhaps you’re finally moving into that house you’ve been gazing at longingly for a while.  Well, the market appears to be in an excellent position this year for buyers!  There’s so much to think about, now that you’re moving into your house.

One of the greatest parts of home ownership is the freedom to decorate and landscape your property in the manner you so desire.  There’s a lot you can do, so let’s start with some of the basic necessities.  You’re probably going to need a mailbox, and you may be wondering what kind.  Well picking out a decorative mailbox can actually be more engaging and thought-provoking than you realize.  There are a lot of designs out there, and lot of ways to truly customize it to fit with your property and give it a style that is unique.  Buying a proper mailbox is important for several reasons; it’s made of better material and therefore endures weather better, it’ll be stronger and more secure which means your mail will be safe and you can make it fit your property’s appearance.

The next thing you need to consider is how you’re doing the front yard and backyard.  Do you want a seasonal landscape, an evergreen landscape or just grass with a simple pathway to your front door?  A seasonal setup lets you plant flowers for each season and lets you really show off your green thumb skills, but it can be time consuming.  If that’s not the niche for you then going with some evergreen shrubbery may be the answer.  The most you’ll need to do is some trimming to keep them maintained, healthy and good looking.  Or perhaps you’d rather just have grass for the kids to run around on.   Be sure to consider your time, and what will look good.

The backyard also brings with it a set of questions.  If the house already has a patio and some design going on then perhaps there isn’t too much to think about.  However, if your house doesn’t you may want to consider creating a place in the back where you can sit and enjoy the nice weather.  If you do build a patio, do you want it to be open or covered?  Do you want it to be useable during cold weather?  Hopefully you’ve already been thinking, and if not hopefully reading this has helped stimulate your thinking!  Either way, be sure to enjoy your new home and make sure you explore all the fun aspects of being a homeowner!

3 Reasons to Get a Custom Mailbox

More and more people are choosing custom mailboxes in Tampa, FL. Custom mailboxes have many advantages over off-the-shelf varieties, both in terms of design and quality. But many home and business owners still haven't heard of custom mailboxes and don't see the difference. What draws people to custom mailboxes? Here are three huge benefits:

• Appearance – By far the biggest reason people seek out custom mailboxes in Tampa (or anywhere else, for that matter) is for style. Your mailbox is generally very visible outside of your house, condo or apartment building. It is as much a part of your property's first impression as the landscaping, the front façade or the décor inside. Accordingly, many people prefer not to be stuck with the cookie cutter stock mailboxes that are found at big box stores. Instead, they want something that will match a particular home style, color scheme or look. And custom mailboxes provide those options, often at surprisingly low prices. An attractive mailbox can make a big difference in how the outside of a property looks.

• Security – A second reason that many people seek out custom mailboxes is security. The truth is that most stock mailboxes just aren't that secure. If they have security options at all, they are often of low quality, or can be easily broken into. Our custom mailboxes are created with enough space to fit a locking insert inside and built of quality materials that are properly joined and, thus, hard to break. Many businesses, apartment managers, and homeowner associations prefer mailboxes that are designed with these security features in mind. Some individual homeowners feel the same way. You will often send or receive sensitive personal documents in the mail, so it is very important that your mailbox is secured against identity thieves. A concern for security overlaps with a wish for style: many so-called "security" mailboxes that come off the shelf may be secure, but they're certainly not stylish. Custom mailboxes can give you the best of both worlds.

• Durability – Finally, custom mailboxes of quality construction can deliver far more in terms of durability. Durability may not always be something you think of when shopping for a mailbox, but it makes a big difference. If you want to spend the least time and money on maintenance or repairs over the years, a custom mailbox is your best bet. This is especially true in Tampa, where the wet climate can wreak havoc on a low-quality mailbox.

Are you looking for a custom mailbox? What style or type are you interested in? Browse our selection of mailboxes at Forsite and find the right one for your needs.

Giving your Home Some First Hand TLC

For many people a house is much more than just a place to sleep at night, it’s a sanctuary from the troubles of the world. Unfortunately, even the best made homes can undergo damage and abuse while standing against the harsh elements. While the option is always available to hire someone who can fix these problems, relying on a repairman can be expensive and time consuming. Instead, consider whether or not it is in your power to improve the situation yourself. Feel the empowering pride of sprucing up your own home by handling these common issues with your own two hands:

Repairing the Sidewalk

Powerful weather conditions, traffic accidents, and other misfortunate events will find their way to your doorstep from time to time. Though they may go unnoticed at first, repeated abuse can lead to cracks and damages on your sidewalk. If you notice uneven or shattered pavement, don’t fret. Cement replacement slabs can be purchased for severe cases, but crack filler and sealer can be found to tidy up smaller disturbances.

Replace your Mailbox

Sadly, mailboxes for residences tend to be a popular target for vandalism. If you’ve noticed that your mailbox has been damaged or completely destroyed, a replacement can be purchased for a reasonable fee. In fact, this may be the perfect opportunity to invest in a mailbox that would better match the appeal of your home. Don’t feel obligated to get an identical copy of your previous box, have some fun and add a little flare to your front yard.

Installing New Windows

Your windows serve many more purposes than offering you the ability to see outside. They also let in sunlight and work to make your house feel more like a home. While they tend to be one of the most fragile parts of a building, that doesn’t mean a broken window is an irreversible fate. Many hardware stores sell replacement windowpanes for standard size windows, and also offer services to help you install them if you aren’t sure how. You may even find a new design or style that looks better with your home décor!

Painting the House

While this may be one of the biggest projects you could hope to accomplish on your own, it’s still a viable option none the less. If you’ve been unimpressed with the color or shade of your home, don’t begrudgingly accept it. It is within your power to make your house look and feel the way you want it to. With a bit of paint, a ladder, and patience, you could be living in your dream home within a week!

5 Awesome (yet Simple) Halloween Mailbox Decoration Ideas

Halloween is coming fast! If you haven't already put something up, you may be looking for simple ways to show your enthusiasm and indicate to trick or treaters that you offer candy. One of the simplest ways of doing this is to decorate your mailbox. Here are some easy decorations that will get you into the spooky mood and let everyone know you are taking part:

1.  Battery operated string lights – This is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to show your Halloween colors and, on Halloween night, these lights will act as a beacon for the kids. Battery operated lights are especially ideal for residential curbside mailboxes because you don't need to run an extension cord all the way out to the street. Get plain orange lights, purple lights, or orange and black mixes, or look for themed shapes like bats or ghosts.

2.  Big Halloween bows – Making a simple decorative bow to festoon your mailbox with is easy! Just head to your local craft store and grab some seasonally-themed ribbon (anything with skeletons or jack-o-lanterns will do) and a bit of floral wire, watch this video or one similar, and you're set! You can accentuate the bow with some fake flowers sprinkled with fake blood. Better yet, pull off the flower tops and glue in fake eyeballs!

3.  Menacing Figures – One great way to use your box is to prop a life-sized witch, ghost, or scarecrow up on the mail pole. You can find these at any local Halloween store or, for a more cost-effective option, make your own! For a scarecrow, grab some old jeans and a flannel, some string to tie the openings, and a bunch of plastic bags to use as stuffing. Add a scary, stuffable Halloween mask for the head. Tie your figure to the pole to ensure that they stand up. For some extra skin-crawl factor, get some fake chain and make it look like you're trying to keep them from escaping to wreak havoc on the neighborhood.

4.  Spider webs – Nothing says creepy like spiders! Cover your mailbox with fake spider webs and have some little spiders dangling beneath it and all around. If you want to add some variety, trap a couple of eyeballs or severed fingers in the web with the spider babies. Get one larger mama spider and place it directly on top of the box in a predatory position.

Something like this would work!

5.  Body Parts – One way to make this one eerier is to go a bit more subtle with it. Find a garland of fake leaves at your local crafts store and wrap it around the top of your box and down the pole. Next find a bloody severed arm or moss-covered skeleton hand at your Halloween store and have it creeping out from beneath the leaves. Aim it towards your visitors!

Don't forget to leave your address number visible for the postman when decorating your mail box. Aside from that, go wild! You can always check out Pinterest and various craft sites for more inspiration.