Video may have killed the radio star, and the internet may have killed the video star, but the email hasn’t killed the good old mailbox. Despite the digitalised version of mail and bills, the mailbox is here to stay and we have online shopping to thank for it.
With a whopping 82% of the Australian population actively partaking in e-commerce purchasing according to the online retail statistics, it’s understandable this feature has become an essential part of the household. And, with so many designs nowadays, it’s the freestanding that’s getting the deserved attention.
What is it About Freestanding Letterboxes that Makes Them Popular?
Simply said, they’re made with the modern shopper’s needs in mind, balancing out both practicality and stylishness. It’s the thought that goes into merging all this together, particularly the choice of material, the specifics of design, the added features and the aesthetics to provide the solution shoppers need. To elaborate more on the matter, this is what you can expect out of a modern freestanding letterbox made for long-lasting use.
Security to Shop in Confidence
How many times have you held back on the purchase of a certain item because of the possibility of not being at home to receive it? Delivery companies don’t offer you the choice of a specific delivery time, except for certain drop-off windows, like afternoon or evening. Even so, there’s still the chance you could end up having to redirect the parcel to the local post office or parcel locker.
Aside from the inconvenience of having to go there, there’s the threat of having your items stolen, or worse, your identity becoming the target. Another threat comes in the form of damage from exposure to the weather, as well as the package being mishandled until you get to retrieve it.
The modern parcel letterbox, with the spacious parcel feature, singlehandedly solves all of these problems. Available in different capacities, there are also separate parcel sections to keep small items or mail away from the heavier boxes, so everything stays safe and protected. And while we’re at safety, the additional aspect that can give you the needed confidence with online shopping and safe deliveries is the fact these parcels are stored in internal drawers or trap-door flaps so they stay in, protected from rain, sun, theft, until you access them with specialised locks and keys.
Modern Living Design
There’s more to the modern freestanding letterbox than the boost in security. Primarily, it’s designed to improve the busy lifestyles with function. Every detail matters, and a lot of thought goes into the creation. For one, there’s particular attention on the materials which are chosen for the durability; so, even with exposure to the harsh Australian climate, your letterbox can serve you time and time again without suffering damage to the structure or finish.
Some of the most common options are steel, specifically powder coated galvanised steel, and aluminium. They are top choices because they have resistant properties, including to rust and corrosion, and this durability means the letterbox can stand still for years without requiring much maintenance.
About once a year of more thorough cleaning is enough in urban areas. If, however, you live near the coast with salt air and sand around, then it’s recommended to do so every three to six months. Add UV protection with the right lubricants for the hardware and a polish or wax for the finish once you’re done with the scrubbing and rinsing.
Remember, the little work of maintenance you put it matters a great deal in the long run as the good condition it’s in indicates its taken care of, and contributes to the overall value of the home. And then, there’s the other aspect busy individuals love about the freestanding modern letterboxes of today which is their full assembly, so you won’t have difficulty with the installation.
Unlike pillar, built-in, fence letterboxes, there’s no heavy construction needed, nor heavy-duty tools to put them up. Easy to place anywhere you like, at the entrance, the footpath, or the driveway, they’re just as easy to remove and relocate elsewhere should you change your mind about the landscaping layout. Last but not least, they make the job of posties seamless as they’re within reach and don’t come with any complex mechanisms for them to figure out.
Kerb Appeal Enhancement
Letterboxes have always had a statement-making role in the overall landscaping and kerb appeal of the home, but the modern ones take this to a whole new level. For one, let’s start with their minimalist, chic design that makes them a focal point without going overboard with the colours, details or texture.
This aesthetic subtlety makes them suitable for modern homes as much as traditional ones, bringing freshness and harmony to the area, and tying it all together stylishly when combined in colour with the rest of the furnishings and elements. Think of the cohesive result you’d get by matching the letterbox with the door, porch, window frames, or even details like lights and benches.
Additionally, the parcel letterboxes provide the effect of finishing touches that make the space fully your own, helping you personalise it with small but meaningful details such as the house number and family name in the desired font, colour and finish.
A Final Word
To get the expected outcome, however, it’s important to choose the suitable letterbox design. This can be in the size choice, based on your typical parcel size as well as the available space you have for the installation of this feature, as well as in the choice of durability. As mentioned, it’s essential to pay attention to the material to ensure it’s a tried and tested one, fit for the Australian weather conditions.
Then, you can focus on the safety and security. Once you get the peace of mind about the storage, the organisation of the parcels inside and that their contents are out of reach from unwanted parties, then you can move on to the décor and landscape layout considerations to make the most of your property’s kerb appeal.
