Upgrading a 21-Unit Apartment Complex to Cluster Box Units and Parcel Lockers

Bellingham Mailbox •

For this project, the property manager of a 21-unit apartment complex contacted us to replace an outdated non-locking mailbox system. The upgrade was needed to comply with BMC 16.15.050, which requires rental properties in Bellingham, WA to provide locking mailboxes for tenants.

The ordinance was designed to help:

  • Reduce mail theft
  • Protect renters from identity theft
  • Support tenant financial security

At the same time, the property manager wanted to improve the overall mail and package delivery experience for tenants.

Why We Recommended Cluster Box Units

The existing mailbox system had served the property for years, but like many older apartment mailbox installations, it wasn't designed for today's package delivery volumes.

We proposed replacing the existing mailboxes with:

  • Two cluster box units (CBUs)
  • One parcel locker

Cluster box units have become a popular solution for apartment complexes and neighborhoods because they provide centralized, secure mail delivery while reducing maintenance compared to older mailbox systems.

In addition to improved security, the new configuration would also take up less space than the existing mailbox structure. Consolidating 21 individual mailboxes into two CBUs and a parcel locker created a cleaner, more organized footprint while improving functionality for both tenants and mail carriers.

Modern CBUs offer several advantages:

  • Individual locking mail compartments
  • Secure outgoing mail collection
  • Durable steel construction
  • Reduced maintenance
  • Improved organization for tenants and mail carriers
  • More efficient use of space

Adding a parcel locker also gives carriers a secure place to deliver additional packages rather than leaving them exposed for theft.

Coordinating With USPS

Before any work began, we coordinated with USPS regarding the final location of the new mailbox equipment.

The plan was for the new CBUs to ultimately occupy the same general location as the original mailbox structure.

Whenever mail delivery is being modified, coordination with USPS is important. Mail delivery routes are carefully planned, and mailbox locations often require approval before they can be placed into service.

Preventing Mail Delivery Interruptions During Construction

One of the biggest priorities on this project was ensuring tenants continued receiving mail throughout the installation process.

Rather than removing the original mailboxes immediately, we temporarily relocated all 21 mailboxes and securely staked them into place.

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

For larger apartment mailbox projects, temporary mailbox relocation is often the simplest way to avoid service interruptions and keep mail flowing normally during construction.

Installing the New Mailbox System

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

We excavated the area and poured a reinforced concrete pad using rebar to provide a stable long-term foundation for the new mailbox system.

After the concrete cured, we mounted the two CBUs and parcel locker and prepared them for activation.

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
  • Confirming mailbox assignments
  • Coordinating USPS access
  • Placing the new mailboxes into active service

Only after the new equipment was fully operational did we remove the original mailboxes that had been temporarily relocated during construction.

The Finished Result

What started as:

  • An outdated non-locking mailbox system
  • Limited package delivery options
  • Security 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 solution for the property

Today, all 21 tenants have access to secure mail and package delivery through a mailbox system designed to better meet the needs of modern apartment living.

Watch our short installation video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KzQu6DveVE