Replacing a Leaning Plastic Mailbox With a High-Security Locking Mailbox
Many homeowners start looking for a new mailbox after realizing their existing setup isn't providing the security or durability they want.
For this project, the homeowner wanted to upgrade to a high-security locking mailbox that could securely accept standard mail deliveries as well as small packages.
The existing mailbox had served its purpose for many years, but it was showing signs of age. The mailbox was constructed of plastic, mounted on a wood post with a plastic sleeve, and had begun leaning over time. Most importantly, it offered no protection against mail theft because it was not a locking mailbox.
Removing the Existing Mailbox and Post
To begin the project, I removed the existing plastic mailbox and the plastic sleeve surrounding the wooden mailbox post.
Plastic sleeves are commonly used to help protect wood posts from weather exposure above ground, but over time moisture can still affect the buried portion of the post below the surface.
Once the mailbox and sleeve were removed, I excavated around the existing concrete footing and extracted both the old post and concrete base from the ground.
With the original installation removed, the site was ready for the new mailbox system.
Coordinating Mailbox Relocation With USPS
One detail that made this project a little different was the mailbox location.
The mailbox being replaced was positioned between two neighboring mailboxes. As part of the upgrade, we coordinated with USPS to relocate the mailbox one position to the left.
Whenever a mailbox is relocated, it's important to communicate with USPS before beginning the installation.
Many homeowners don't realize that mailbox locations affect both:
- Mail carrier delivery routes
- Mail sorting sequence at the local post office
In some cases, moving a mailbox can change the order in which mail is delivered on a route.
That's why we always recommend contacting your local postmaster before:
- Relocating a mailbox
- Adding a new mailbox
- Removing a mailbox
- Changing a shared mailbox configuration
A quick conversation with USPS can help avoid delivery delays and prevent having to relocate a newly installed mailbox later.
Installing the New Mailbox
Once the location was approved and the old installation removed, I installed a heavy-duty steel mailbox post and secured it in concrete.
Before the concrete cured, I carefully checked the post to ensure it was plumb and properly aligned.
After the post was secured, I mounted a Mail Boss Mail Manager Pro high-security locking mailbox.
One reason homeowners often choose locking mailboxes is the ability to better protect:
- Checks
- Financial documents
- Small package deliveries
Compared to the original lightweight plastic mailbox, the new installation provided significantly greater durability, security, and long-term stability.
The Finished Result
What started as:
- A leaning plastic mailbox
- A deteriorating wood post
- An unsecured mail delivery point
became:
- A reinforced steel mailbox installation
- A high-security locking mailbox
- Improved mail and package security
- A cleaner and more durable long-term solution
For homeowners looking to upgrade an aging mailbox, sometimes the biggest improvements come from combining a stronger post, a secure mailbox, and proper coordination with USPS before the installation begins.
Learn More About the Products Used
Want to learn more about the products used in this installation?
Watch our YouTube product overviews and installation videos here:
Mail Boss Mail Manager Pro
Heavy Duty Steel Post
The Mail Boss Mail Manager Pro and heavy-duty mailbox post used in this installation are also available through our online store:
Mail Boss Mail Manager Pro
Heavy Duty Steel Post