Replacing 28 Apartment Mailboxes With Cluster Box Units and Parcel Lockers

Bellingham Mailbox •

As package deliveries continue increasing, many apartment owners and property managers are finding that older mailbox systems simply aren't keeping up with tenant needs.

For this project, the property manager of a 28-unit apartment complex contacted us to replace an aging mailbox system that had become both a maintenance and security concern.

The existing non-locking mailboxes were mounted to a structure that was beginning to rot and become unstable. While the mailboxes had served the property for years, the property manager wanted a more secure and durable solution that would improve both mail and package delivery for tenants.

After reviewing the property, we proposed replacing the existing mailbox system with two cluster box units (CBUs) and a dedicated parcel locker.

Why Cluster Box Units Are Popular for Apartment Properties

Cluster box units have become a popular solution for multi-family properties because they combine multiple tenant mailboxes into a centralized, secure location.

Compared to traditional apartment mailbox systems, CBUs provide several advantages:

  • Locking mail compartments for each tenant
  • Secure outgoing mail collection
  • Reduced maintenance requirements
  • Improved durability
  • Professional appearance
  • Integrated package delivery

For apartment communities receiving a growing number of package deliveries, parcel lockers are often one of the most valuable upgrades. Instead of leaving packages exposed outside apartment doors, carriers can place them into secure lockers for tenant retrieval.

Coordinating the Installation With USPS

Whenever mail delivery is being modified, coordination with USPS is an important part of the project.

After reviewing the proposed installation, USPS approved a plan that allowed the new cluster box units to ultimately occupy the same general location as the original mailbox structure.

One goal of the project was ensuring tenants experienced little to no interruption in mail delivery throughout the installation process.

Temporary Mailbox Relocation During Construction

Rather than immediately removing the existing mailboxes, we temporarily relocated all 28 mailboxes and securely staked them into place nearby.

This step allowed USPS to continue delivering mail while construction of the new mailbox system was underway.

Temporary mailbox relocations are often one of the best ways to avoid service interruptions during larger mailbox replacement projects. By maintaining active mail delivery throughout construction, tenants can continue receiving:

  • Mail
  • Checks
  • Financial documents
  • Other important deliveries

without needing to visit the post office.

Installing the New Cluster Mailbox System

Once the temporary mailboxes were in place, we began preparing the site for the new installation.

We excavated the installation area and poured concrete pad to provide a stable long-term foundation for both cluster box units and the parcel locker.

After the concrete cured, we mounted the new mailbox equipment and prepared it for service.

Putting the New Mailboxes Into Service

Once the installation was complete, we coordinated with both the property manager and USPS to complete the transition.

This included:

  • Delivering mailbox keys to tenants
  • Coordinating mailbox assignments
  • Confirming USPS access
  • Placing the new mailbox system into active service

Only after the new cluster mailbox units were fully operational did we remove the original mailboxes that had been temporarily relocated during construction.

The Finished Result

What started as:

  • Aging non-locking mailboxes
  • A deteriorating support structure
  • No package security
  • Growing maintenance concerns

became:

  • Two secure cluster box units
  • A dedicated parcel locker
  • Secure tenant mail delivery
  • Secure outgoing mail collection
  • Secure package delivery
  • A durable long-term mailbox solution

Today, all 28 tenants have access to a modern mailbox system designed to better meet the demands of apartment living while providing significantly improved mail and package security.

Watch our short installation video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PEDNAsrJgc