How To Choose The Right Commercial Mailbox

Finding the right mailbox for your commercial business or residential area can seem overwhelming. That’s why today we’re going to break down the 5 things you need to take into consideration when shopping for centralized mailboxes.

1. Keep Parcels In Mind

Amazon Prime sent 5 billion packages in 2017, and that’s only Amazon. With so much ecommerce business in the modern world, parcel delivery is something you have to consider when choosing CBUs.

You can choose to invest in CBUs with parcel lockers built in, or you can buy individual parcel lockers that are separate. Parcel lockers, whether built-in or not, are designed to hold most parcels easily and securely. These parcel lockers easily hold larger parcels, though oversized parcels will likely be unable to fit.

Adding one parcel locker per ten tenant compartments is now required for new construction, so keep that in mind.

2. Make Sure Mailboxes Have Security Features

Ensuring that all mail arrives to tenants safely needs to be your highest priority. Our CBUs are constructed from stainless steel and durable aluminum t0 prevent theft and vandalism.

You’ll want to invest in mailboxes that include lock cams, reduced pry points, wrapped hinges, security locks developed by the USPS, and closed master doors. All of these features will help prevent theft.

3. Consider Price

Cluster box units are a single secure unit. This makes them both easy and inexpensive to install compared to other mailbox options.

They also require less space than other types of mailboxes, because you are able to create one space along a wall or outside to have these units installed.

4. Buy For The Elements

Make sure the mailbox you choose is weather resistant. You’ll want a mailbox that is also resistant to corrosion and rust. Even if your mailboxes will be relatively protected from the elements, having these extra protections will make your mailbox last longer, saving you more money.

5. Getting Replacement Parts Is Easy

Tenants are going to lose their keys and there is no avoiding it, so make sure you invest in a CBU that makes replacing keys and locks easy.

For example, we provide 3 keys with our mailboxes making it very easy for you to replace them should a key be lost.

How To Easily Fix That Leaning Mailbox Post

There’s plenty of reasons your mailbox post may be leaning. It could be due to severe weather, age, or just improper installation. A leaning mailbox decreases curve appeal and is simply a pain to deal with. Luckily, fixing this problem isn’t too tough.

1.      Wedge Materials Next To Post

If you are positive that the post isn’t rotted or broken, you may be able to simply wedge materials such as rocks or sand around the hole of the post to help the post stand straight. This should help to straighten the post.

2.      Remove Leaning Post From Ground

Generally, we recommend removing the post from the ground to look for hidden damage. The problem may be something as simple as the initial hole not being dug deeply enough, but it’s better to check. If the post is packed using concrete, you’ll need to break the surface to get it out.

3.      Assess The Damage

You may need to invest in a new mailbox post if your current one is too damaged. Rotten wood and broken parts need to be replaced; simply burying the damaged mailbox post again will not solve the problem in the long run.

4.      Prepare Mailbox Post Hole

To make sure your mailbox stays standing straight for years to come, you have to ensure the hole you bury the post in is prepared correctly. The hole should be about two feet deep and roughly one foot in diameter. Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the hole help keep the water damage to your mailbox post minimal.

5.      Place Post Into Ground

Place the post into the ground, using soil to keep the post in place. Make sure the post is level before you begin to pack the hole. Be sure to pack the soil tightly so your mailbox doesn’t move.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

May 12^th is the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! On May 12^th letter carriers will do more than drop off and collect mail; they’ll be collecting food donations as well. All food donations will be delivered to Hunger Task Force or the local food bank in your area.

Today we want to answer some questions we’ve heard about this amazing event so you’re ready for the big day!

Are all locations participating?

While the majority of post offices and letter carriers will be accepting donations, this is a voluntary event so not all locations will be participating. You can always call your local post office to see if they are taking part in the event.

Where do I put the food?

Set your non-perishable food in a bag outside by your mailbox, and make sure to do so well before your mail is usually delivered. You can set it beside your mailbox, on your mailbox, or in front of your mailbox, just make sure it is visible.

What if it rains?

Your local letter carrier will be delivering the mail no matter the weather, so don’t worry about it. Plastic bags are better at repelling water than cloth bags, so you may want to consider using them in case of bad weather.

My friend got a postcard and food donation bag and I didn’t. Does that mean I can’t donate?

Not necessarily. Some post offices may work with local groups to create marketing materials for the food drive. We still recommend checking to see if your local area is taking donations.

What types of food need to be donated the most?

Items that food banks usually are looking for the most include canned meat, pasta, rice, canned fruits, canned vegetables, soup, beans, oatmeal, and cereal. Try to donate healthier items when possible.

What should I not donate?

Any food that is perishable should not be donated such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Please don’t donate home-canned items as these cannot be accepted. Do not donate expired food or food that has damaged packaging, as it will not be allowed to be given away.

Can I donate if I have a CBU?

Yep, just leave your donation in front of your CBU like you would any other mailbox!

Since 2006, new construction and major renovations require STD-4C compliant mailbox systems. What this means is that 4C horizontal mailboxes and parcel lockers must be installed during new construction and major renovations, pending a discussion with your local Growth Manager. These mailboxes are flatter than previous models and incorporate stand-alone parcel locker options. At least one parcel locker must be present for every ten tenant compartments, but are not required for units containing less than ten tenant compartments.

While new construction requires the use of 4C units, mailboxes that are being replaced may be able to use 4B+ or vertical units. It’s best to check with your local postmaster before you complete a renovation project.

What is a Major Renovation?

A major renovation occurs anytime the wall is being modified where existing wall-mounted units are installed. In other words, if the rough opening of the wall is being changed, this would constitute as a major renovation.

If that rough opening will be remaining the same, you are not required to convert to STD-4C mailboxes.

STD-4C Requirements

There are certain mailbox specifications that must be met in order for you to comply with the USPS guidelines.

·        12”W x 15”D x 3”H is the minimum size requirement

·        1 parcel locker required for every 10 tenant compartments

·        ADA compliant

·        Increased security requirements

·        Improved tenant compartment lock design

·        Testing requirements to see if unit is suitable for indoor/outdoor use

You can find the full details on the USPS website.

Residential Applications

While the USPS prefers the most efficient mode of delivery, not all new residential developments must comply to the centralized delivery system standard. When building, connect with the local USPS Growth Manager to go over the specifics of your project.

Homes being built in more rural areas, for example, are not likely to be required to meet the CBU guidelines. There is no strict mandate when it comes to the size of the development property, so be sure to touch base with a Growth Manager.

The Postal Service will consider input from all parties involved in the planning process before issuing a final decision about mailboxes and mailbox placement.

Mailbox Approval

Email Delivery.Growth@usps.gov to identify your coordinator and get in contact them before you finalize any of your building plans.

The USPS will not start mail delivery until your coordinator has approved not only the mode of delivery but the location of the mailboxes. While they will work with you during all stages of development, we recommend speaking with them early in the process.

Care Package Ideas For Adults

Why should it only be kids away at camp and young adults at college who get care packages? Whether you want to send something to a friend going through a hard time, a stressed out family member, or your favorite co-worker, everyone will be surprised and excited to discover an unexpected care package at their door.

What types of things should you put in a care package? That’s going to depend entirely on the person you are sending a care package to. When deciding to send a care package, here are some things to keep in mind:

·        What hobbies do they have?

·        What type of items do they love?

·        What is their favorite color?

·        What season/holiday is their favorite?

·        What needs do they have that you can meet with a package?

Below you’ll find some of our favorite ideas for care packages that you can use and customize to meet your loved one’s specific needs.

For The Coffee Lover…

Choose a favorite brand of coffee or a local brand of coffee to share. Include disposable coffee cups and sleeves for a coffee shop feel. Add some coffee creamer, sugar packets, and some type of packaged treat like a muffin to go with the coffee.

For The Sick…

Send items that are going to help them fight off their illness or make them comfortable. Travel tissue packs, tasty cough drops, soothing tea, and soup are all really good options for this. You may consider sending a DVD so they have something new to watch while they lay around.

For The Fitness Minded…

Add some healthy, energizing snacks such as protein bars and nuts. An instant heat pack is great for sore muscles. Send along a pair of gym socks or a water bottle (or both). An athletic towel is another great item that will always be appreciated.

For The Movie Lover…

As you may guess, DVDs are the first thing we suggest for this one. Maybe it’s an old favorite, maybe it’s a new release, or maybe it’s genre-specific! No matter what kind of movies you choose, make sure you include some microwave popcorn, boxes of candy, and maybe even a free Redbox code!

For The Traveler…

Have a loved one who adores travel? As amazing as travel can be, the flights can be miserable. Include some fun gifts for the plane such as candy, an adult coloring book, and puzzle books. Ear plugs and eye masks are great for sleeping on a plane. Consider including a travel notebook/journal so they can chronicle their experiences!

For The Stressed…

Stress can come into our lives for tons of reasons, but the items to relieve that stress can remain the same. Send relaxing tea, bubble bath, chocolate, and maybe a gift card to a takeout restaurant so they can skip cooking for a day.

For The Spa Lover…

Give your loved one a day at the spa without leaving home! Send along some tea lights, bath salts, sugar scrubs, and facemasks! Adding in some fluffy towels or slippers makes this care package even more special. You could also get extra fancy and send along a manicure or pedicure kit.

For The Loved One Fighting Cancer…

While a less happy occasion, a care package to a loved one suffering from cancer will be greatly appreciated. Some of our suggestions are warm socks/blankets, lip balm, lotion (unscented), nausea-fighting candy, a journal, magazines, and gas cards.

CBU Maintenance

CBUs are common in apartments, condos, subdivisions, and more. But how do you maintain these mailboxes, and who is responsible for maintaining them?

Unfortunately the answer isn’t a simple one. Landlords will state it is the responsibility of the US Postal Service, but the Post Office will say it is the responsibility of the customer. But who is the customer? Is it the tenants? The landlord?

Speaking to the landlord of the building is usually your best bet, so until you’re sure you have to pay to repair it, don’t do it. According to the USPS rulebook it is the customer that is responsible for all mailbox maintenance. This means if something is wrong with a CBU, the USPS will stop delivering mail until the problem has been fixed.

But if you do need to take some responsibility for CBUs, how do you do it?

First off, mailboxes need to be kept clean. All you need to keep a CBU clean is a soft cloth and a mild detergent. All you have to do is wipe down the CBU to clean off dirt, grass, and more. Rinse it off after and let it dry, so avoid doing this when it is damp outside.

But at the same time be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaners. These cleaners can cause damage to the surface of the CBU. You also want to make sure to not clean the CBU during extreme temperatures, particularly when it’s very cold. You’ll end up with a CBU covered in ice, so we don’t advise it.

CBUs that are installed in climates that see winter weather need additional maintenance. The area around the CBU needs to be cleared of snow. If the locks freeze on the CBU a de-icer will need to be used.

If your CBU is in a costal climate that brings another host of concerns. It can be very damp on the coast leading to large buildups of dirt and mineral salts on your cluster box unit. This does mean you will have to clean your CBUs on a more regular basis.

What if your CBU is tagged with graffiti? Use a petroleum-based solvent to clean it up. Please make sure you test the cleaner first before you apply it to the entire CBU. You also don’t want to leave these stronger chemicals on your CBU for very long. Once you’ve cleaned off graffiti rinse off the residue with a more mild cleaner and then rinse everything off with water.

One downside of CBUs is that there can sometimes be a buildup of trash surrounding CBUs. People may toss junk mail aside or drop garbage while getting their mail. Consider setting up a garbage can and recycling bin to prevent this from happening.

If a key to a tenant or parcel door is lost, do not attempt to pry open the door. This is illegal and Postal workers will not deliver mail to a mailbox that is not secure. Arrange for a replacement.

Overall the maintenance required for a CBU is very low. These are durable units designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use outdoors. Giving them minor maintenance as needed will help them to last even longer.

Keep Mailboxes Clear

As annoying as snow can be for you, it is much more annoying for letter carriers, who have to work in the snow day after day. Whether you have a residential mailbox or a CBU, it’s important you keep your mailbox clear of snow and ice so it is safe for mail delivery. Mailboxes that are covered in snow are also at a higher risk of being damaged by snowplows. Save yourself and your local USPS workers some headaches by keeping your mailbox clear.

·        Clear the area around your mailbox so your letter carrier has plenty of room to get to it.

·        If you have a curbside mailbox, clear the road directly in front of your mailbox. Make sure your mailbox is visible.

·        If letter carriers must climb a porch to get to your mailbox, keep your porch clear of snow. If your porch is painted it may be extra slippery, so be sure to salt it or put down mats to make it less hazardous.

·        Keep a light on outside of your house in the evening so letter carriers can see potential hazards on your property.

·        Take turns with your neighbors clearing the area around CBUs if you have one.

·        Keep a can of deicer on hand in case the locks of your CBU freeze.

·        Keep walkways to your mailbox shoveled and salted so letter carriers don’t need to walk through the snow to get to your mailbox.

·        If there is a blue collection box near or on your property, shovel it as well.

·        Do not shovel the snow from around your mailbox into the road, as this creates hazardous conditions.

·        If you park on the street, keep your vehicle parked far enough away from mailboxes so they’re out of the way of the Postal workers.

·        Attach a flag or some other type of item to your mailbox so it is easier for letter carriers and snow plows to see.

Decorating Holiday Packages

When sending gifts through the mail, it isn’t uncommon to wrap them before placing them in a box. But there are many people who would like to decorate the box they send the gifts in as well, but aren’t sure what they can do or what is allowed.

First off, do not wrap your shipping box, even if you put the label on top of it. Almost always the wrapping paper will be destroyed during transit, creating a big mess for Postal employees. Keep the wrapping paper inside the shipping box, not outside of it.

Something you can do, however, is wrap the inside of your shipping box. USPS priority boxes can be pulled apart and reassembled, making wrapping the inside of the boxes easy. It may be easier to use glue for this technique instead of tape.

You’ll also want to avoid decorating the outside of the shipping box with anything that might catch on Postal equipment, such as ribbons. Keep that on your wrapped gifts, not on the shipping box. You don’t want your packages to be damaged while in transit.

So what can you put on the outside of your shipping box? Quite a lot, actually. The first thing you’ll want to do is wrap your box in a thick Kraft paper. This paper is designed to withstand the handling of the Post Office. It’s on this paper that you will do the majority of your decorating.

You still want to keep your decorations flat. Colored duct tape is a great way to create a design on your package without using wrapping paper. You can also add holiday stickers to decorate the outside of your shipping box…using the stickers on brown paper can create their own sort of wrapping paper! You can use stamps as well, rubber ones with ink.

And of course, you can always draw or write messages on the outside of your shipping box. If you’re an artist you can draw, and if you’re not you can use stencils. You can write a message, song lyrics, or poetry on the front as well, using different colored markers to make the message stand out.

And if nothing else, you can always invest in decorative shipping boxes. They’ll cost you a bit of money, but they look great and it shows you put some extra thought into the package you’ve sent.

No matter how you choose to decorate your shipping box, make sure you don’t obstruct any of the shipping labels! 

Holiday Shipping

The holiday season is here, and that means it is time to start shipping. Whether you’re a company selling items or a shopper giving gifts, you all have the same goal, which is that packages arrive on time. It can get hectic this time of year, so take a quick look at our tips to help out during the 2017 holiday season.

·        Keep track of deliveries with tracking numbers. If your package gets stuck in the same place for several days at a time, investigate. Packages do get lost, but keeping an eye on them may allow you to get someone to locate them.

·        Choose your shipping option carefully. This isn’t just for the carrier you use, but the type of shipping you send. You can ship earlier to save money, and some services can even get you same day shipping. Use whatever suits your needs best.

·        If you can, ship now rather than later. The USPS has announced that the busiest time to send a package will be the last two weeks before Christmas. Not only will there be long waits at the post office, but with such a high volume of mail and packages service may slow down. Get out there by the start of December!

·        If you can ship from online, do it. With USPS you are able to print shipping labels, pay for postage, and schedule for someone to pick up your package from your home. This will save you a ton of time.

·        Be sure to package your items carefully to avoid damage. Choose the right mailer or box; one that has room to add cushioning materials. The items in the packaging should not move around much, if at all, once it is ready to be sent.

·        Make sure the address is correct, and make sure it is legible. Illegible addresses can lead to lost packages, or packages sent to the wrong place.

We hope these tips help you with your holiday shipping needs. 

Should You Mail Postcards?

With the rise of social media, the practice of sending postcards while traveling has declined dramatically. That being said, there is something very special about receiving a postcard in the mail. Don’t simply post your pictures on Facebook or check in online. Postcards are an inexpensive way to express to your loved ones that you are thinking of them.

1.      Sending a postcard is more personal. Shooting your loved ones a Facebook message about your experience isn’t the same as sending a postcard. To send a postcard you have to pick one out, buy it, hand-write a message, and mail it. It will be appreciated.

2.      Postcards are a keepsake. Facebook messages get lost. A postcard is physical. Someone can save it and experience fond memories when they look at it again. It is much less likely to be lost.

3.      You don’t have to rely on cell phone service to get your message across. Depending on where in the world you are it may be difficult to get phone reception. Mailing a postcard is simple and won’t accidentally use up a lot of data.

4.      A postcard serves as a souvenir. Instead of dragging back something cheap and bulky from a souvenir shop to give to loved ones, send a postcard. It’s cheaper, more personal, and your loved ones are more likely to save it and treasure it.

5.      People love to get things in the mail that aren’t bills. Imagine you have a friend traveling abroad, and one day you get an unexpected postcard in the mail with a personal note. It’s exciting!

6.      Postcards inspire other people to travel. A postcard telling your loved ones about how amazing the place you are is, along with a picture showing where you are, will likely inspire them to travel themselves!

7.      It makes you stand out. People will remember you taking the time out of your trip to mail them something. This is much more flattering than just receiving a text message and a photo.

8.      There’s no risk of identity theft or of being hacked when sending a postcard. If you are using a public Wi-Fi connection or internet café, there’s always a chance of you being hacked, even if it is small.

9.      Your loved ones may use postcards in their home, such as taping them up or by putting them on their fridge. You can’t get that from an email.

10.   Writing a postcard creates a strong memory for you as well. Physically writing something down makes something easier to remember. Start sending postcards, and you’ll have the memory of you sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower, or of you sipping drinks on a beach as you write out words to the people you love.  

Why Snail Mail Is Great

It’s easier than ever to stay in touch with people these days because of technology, but that doesn’t mean snail mail has lost its merit! Here are just a few reasons why we love snail mail so much.

1.      Snail mail is tangible. When you send or receive a piece of mail, it is something physical that can be held in your hands. A sweet email can be saved in a folder and never seen again. You can fold up a letter and keep it in your purse or in a box under your bed. They have a way of feeling more sentimental than a letter sent via technology.

2.      Everyone is excited to get a piece of mail in their mailbox. Adults are used to getting bills and junk mail, so getting a personal letter will always feel extra special.

3.      Snail mail allows you to be more creative. Practice calligraphy or drawings on the paper, or put special design into the envelope. You can be more personal by expressing yourself this way.

4.      Writing a letter takes a lot more thought and a lot more time. It’s easy and fast to send someone a text. To write a letter you have to figure out what you want to say, write it down, get stamps, and physically mail it. This shows you put a lot of thought into this correspondence, which will make the recipient feel good.

5.      Using snail mail works everywhere. If you are in a foreign country and don’t have internet or phone access, you can always send a letter or postcard back home. Maybe you’re taking a vacation somewhere rural so you won’t have reception. Don’t worry, because you can still update your friends and family with a letter.

6.      Using snail mail forces you to slow down and indulge in contemplation. You can rush through an email, but there’s no spell-check when you are writing something on paper. It really makes you take your time, making what you say more meaningful.

7.      Let’s be honest, everyone loves looking at stationary. If you start sending physical letters you will actually use it! Pick up some fun stationary, stickers, and more!

8.      Something you will read about just about anywhere (and likely, on the internet), is that people have grown too impatient. We’ve been conditioned to want instant gratification. With a letter, you can’t get that. You have to wait days, maybe even longer, to get a reply to what you sent. This will force you to be more patient, something we could all use a little more of.

9.      A piece of snail mail is much harder to ignore. Think about all the group messages and Facebook events you are part of. When it is digital, it is very easy for your response to slip your mind. When you get some type of invitation in the mail, responding becomes a physical activity, whether this is mailing back a reply or calling the host.

10.   Snail mail forces you to keep track of where your friends and family live. As years go by with communication restricted to the internet, soon you don’t even have addresses of the people you care about. That won’t happen if you send snail mail regularly.

Why You Should Choose CBUs

CBUs are being used more and more in new developments, and there’s a good reason for it! Today we’re going to list why you should love CBUs, whether you’re a developer or just a resident.

·        CBUs in a larger development are faster and easier to install than individual residential units. Installing several CBUs simply takes less time, less work, and therefore, less money.

·        CBUs require less maintenance simply because there are less mailboxes to maintain. They are also more durable and long-lasting than typical residential units.

·        CBUs will create more neighborhood interaction. People will meet neighbors they may never have met because of this central meeting place.

·        With online shopping becoming more popular, package deliveries are only going to rise. Many CBUs have parcel lockers, taking away some of the complications of package delivery and reducing the chance of package theft.

·        CBUs allow residents to have access to their mail 24/7 in a secure setting. Unlike traditional mailboxes, CBUs are locked unless the key is used.

·        CBUs mean more reliable delivery times, and faster delivery times. It’s much faster for a Postal worker to go to several CBUs than to go to dozens of residential units.

·        CBUs save the post office money, as it takes less labor and therefore less money to deliver to them.

·        The road risks associated with mailboxes go away. Mailboxes will no longer be destroyed by snow plows, and people will not be injured while in the road retrieving mail.

·        If you’re looking for a uniform design for your neighborhood, this is the way to do it and stop owners from choosing their own mailboxes.

Protect Your Packages

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, keeping your packages in your hands and away from thieves’ is a concern everyone has. We’ve got some tips for keeping your packages safe. Some only apply to houses, some only to apartments, but all of them will help you keep your items safe.

·        Schedule your package delivery. Certain carriers allow you to schedule a delivery day and time, so you can ensure someone is there to collect your package.

·        Have your packages shipped to your workplace or a family member’s house who is home regularly. This way your package won’t go sitting on your porch all day.

·        Request that a signature be required for your package to be delivered. If you aren’t there to sign for the package it will be taken to your local post office or another delivery store where you can pick it up later.

·        If you are going out of town, put your mail on hold. That way you won’t have packages arriving and sitting unattended on your porch for a week.

·        Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up packages for you off your porch if they happen to see any. This ensures that your package will be getting off the street as quickly as possible.

·        Install a security camera on your front porch. Even if you can’t afford a proper security camera, you can install a fake one. A potential thief is likely to avoid your home if they even see a camera.

·        Give specific details for your delivery person of where to place your package. Maybe this is on your back porch, maybe this is in the bushes. Just make sure it isn’t easily visible.

·        Ask your property manger if they can hold packages for you in the main office so your packages aren’t sitting in the lobby hallway.

·        Sign up to get delivery alerts. This could be a text to your phone or an email telling you that a package has been delivered. From here you can make arrangements to have it picked up, or at the very least, you know it should be there when you get home.

·        Get a PO Box where your packages can be left at the post office, which won’t be accessible to the general public.

·        Invest in a locking mailbox. This is a bigger investment, but if you get packages often it can really pay off. These mailboxes cannot be opened without a key, so many of your packages can be safely placed inside. 

The Art of Thank You Cards

Writing thank you cards isn’t as common as it once was, but there are still some occasions where sending a thank you card is really necessary, if only to be polite. Today we’re going to discuss the appropriate way to send thank you cards, depending on the type of cards you are sending.

The most common thank you card (or email) is sent after a job interview. Now while an email is more common to be sent, sending a thank you card can really make you stand out. It is important to make the thank you card personal. Use points you made in the interview in your note. What’s important to keep in mind is that you want the interviewer to get this card fast, so make sure you get that thank you card mailed the day of the interview, or at least the day after.

Wedding, graduation, and baby shower gifts are another one of those occasions where you should get thank you cards out pretty fast. When you are getting gifts for a big celebration, everyone should receive a thank you card, including your parents or bridal party. Sending a thank you over Facebook won’t cut it. Ideally you’ll want to send out these thank you notes within several months of the occasion, but that’s just a rough timeline. After big events like this, you are going to be busy. You’ll be heading to your honeymoon, moving off to college, and of course being pregnant can make it difficult to get tasks like this done. Make a note of who got you what, and send out a personalized thank you card within a few months of said event.

Grey areas when it comes to thank you cards are Birthday and Christmas gifts. What it really comes down to is if this gift is opened in front of the giver or not. If you open the gift in front of the person it is nice to send a card in the mail, but it isn’t a requirement. If someone mails you a gift, then you should send a thank you card. After all, shipping costs aren’t cheap, the least you can do is mail them a card expressing your gratitude! Try to send out a thank you card within a couple weeks of getting the gift. Life moves fast, so do it before either of you forget!

If you have received some sort of award, scholarship, letter of recommendation or something similar, while it’s not necessary to send a thank you card, it really is a good idea to. Not only because it is polite, but because this is a great networking opportunity. Showing your gratitude will be appreciated, and may cultivate a relationship that can serve you in the future. Now don’t send a thank you card just to try and get ahead. Remember that you must be thankful for receiving one of these things.

When it comes to cards and gifts during a death or illness, this can be a bit tougher. If someone takes the time to send a card, a gift, or helps you, it’s a good gesture to send a thank you card in return. You may not be feeling up to it and that’s okay. People will understand getting a thank you long after the fact. Maybe you’ll find writing these cards of gratitude may make you feel better. If you want to express your thanks but can’t handle writing out cards, ask a close friend or family member to do it for you.

Tips For Wedding Invitations Part Two

Today we’re going to bring you some more tips about your wedding invitations! Wedding season is finally here, and that means many of you will be sending out invitations soon. For the first part of our advice series, click here.

1.      Only include the names of the people on the envelope that are invited. If you are not inviting children, only use the name of the adults. If you are giving a friend a plus one, list their name and “Plus One”. This way there is no confusion on the day of the wedding.

2.      Make sure you order more wedding invitations than you need. You may end up adding last minute guests, or realize you forgot someone in the first round of invitations. You don’t need to order an extra fifty invitations or anything, but having an extra ten or so can be helpful down the road.

3.      Consider getting labels printed with your guests’ names and your name and return address. Hand addressing all those invitations is going to be frustrating, time-consuming, and difficult. Investing the extra money for labels will save you a lot of stress. From there all you have to do is stick them on, and they are ready to go! Or, consider hiring someone to address the envelopes for you.

4.      If you’re stuffing the envelopes, and you’ve opted for a more traditional invitation with a lot of inserts, here’s the best way to do it. First, put the actually invitation in. All the enclosure cards go on top of that, from largest to smallest, so your smallest insert is on the top. Place the RSVP card with the stamped reply envelope. And of course, make sure everything faces out so it can be read as it is removed from the envelope.

5.      Use a glue stick to seal your envelopes. This isn’t just because it is easier for you, but because it is safer. While envelopes popping open isn’t common, it does happen, and could easily happen with a wedding invitation due to the sheer bulk of it. The glue will keep your envelopes nicely sealed while in transit.

Hopefully these tips will make the wedding invitation process less stressful for you. Have any tips of your own? Let us know in the comments below!

New Tips To Prevent Mail Theft

Mail theft is a serious problem across this country. When your mail is stolen, you’re not only losing a gift card or a package; you risk becoming a victim of identity theft. Your mail can contain a lot of personal information, and if that falls into the wrong hands you could be facing a lot of stress. We have some new tips to help you keep both your mail and identity safe.

First off, if you have packages arriving, have them sent to your job instead of your home. Packages delivered to your home often sit on your porch for everyone to see, usually for hours. Thieves not only can steal the package, but see private information that is on the packing slip. Not everyone can get packages sent to their jobs but if you can, it can be a lifesaver.

You can’t always get to your mail the moment it is delivered, but never leave your mail overnight. A thief is going to try and steal mail when they will not be noticed. This may be during the day when many people are at work, but it can also be at night when people are sleeping. It is likely no one would notice someone creeping up to your mailbox at two in the morning. If you’re going out of town have the post office hold your mail, or at least ask a friend or family member to collect it.

You should also sign up for the USPS Informed Delivery program when it opens nationwide later this month. The service is free from the USPS. Every morning you will be emailed with images of the mail you will be receiving later that day. This is an amazing tool for helping to prevent identity theft. If you see you have something important in the mail, you may ask a neighbor to pick it up for you. Additionally, if you get an image of your mail and when you get home you are missing something, you can quickly report it. But make sure your email account has a strong password. You don’t want anyone else seeing what mail you are going to be getting that day.

Don’t just throw junk mail away, destroy it. You don’t have to sit down and shred grocery store papers, but if you are sent special offers, that sensitive information could fall into the wrong hands. It’s better to be safe and shred it or cut it up before tossing it.

We’ve mentioned this one before, but consider investing in a mailbox that locks. A thief won’t want to be seen fighting with a locked mailbox and is likely to move on. CBUs are great for this very reason, but if you need a residential unit please consider one that locks. Speaking of tips we’ve mentioned before, send outgoing mail through the post office. That flag indicating you have outgoing mail will attract thieves. Be safe with your personal information and drop it at the post office.

None of these tips are foolproof, but they will help you keep your mail and identity safe, something especially on people’s minds now during tax season. So take some precautions to avoid big headaches later.

Letter Writing Ideas

Do you want to keep the art of writing letters alive, but aren’t sure where to start? Writing letters was

much more common before phones, and especially before social media. Sitting down to write about the updates in your life seems daunting when you can instead pick up the phone or send a message on Facebook. Luckily, those aren’t the only types of letters you can write. Today we’re presenting some great ideas for letter writing!

1.      Write a letter to someone you admire. This may be an author, a celebrity, a former teacher…anyone you can think of! Express your admiration and why they inspire you. You may not get a response, but it’s not impossible!

2.      Write to a child. This can be a family member or a friend. Kids are delighted to get something in the mail addressed just to them. It can be a funny letter filled with jokes, a letter asking about how they are doing…anything you like!

3.      Write a letter with updates on your life to a grandparent. Letter writing was more common for them, so they’re sure to appreciate a handwritten letter from you.

4.      Write a letter to a friend with a small gift inside. If they’re a reader, send a bookmark. Do they scrapbook? Send some stickers. If they love coffee, send a small gift card so their next drink is on you. It’ll be a big surprise and it’s a great way to keep a friendship thriving.

5.      Write to someone who lives far away, whether this is across the country or across the world. This is a particularly good idea if it is a recent move and your friend/family member may be lonely.

6.      Send a recipe to a friend or family member. If you had someone over who raved about one your dishes, send them the instructions, your personal tips, and a quick note saying you’re glad they liked the food.

7.      Send a thank you note to someone thanking them for a service they provided or a gift they gave you. People often expect these after events such as weddings or baby showers, but do it for something simpler. They won’t be expecting it!

8.      Write someone a letter giving them advice. If you’re a mother, write to a new mother giving your advice and insight. If you’re a recent college graduate, write to someone still in school about your experiences, and what you advise they do before they graduate. Advice is precious, and this is a great way to offer it.

9.      Write a letter to yourself. Maybe you open it in a year, maybe in a month. Use the letter to describe your life as it is and your current goals. When you read the letter you’ll be able to see the progress you have made. It’s a great way to keep yourself motivated.

10.   Write a letter to your significant other describing why you love and appreciate them. When you have been with someone a few years, the romance can start to fade. This is natural. Your partner becomes a part of your everyday life, and you have your own life away from them. Writing them a love letter can spark some of that romance and remind both of you why you fell in love.

Use Snail Mail This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a very special day for couples. It often involves flowers, chocolates, cards, fancy dinners, and anything else romantic you can think of. But there’s nothing terribly romantic about email and text. Instead, why not go traditional and use snail mail to get your point across? Love letters have been used throughout history to make grand expressions, but you can use snail mail for more than just that this Valentine’s Day. Read on to find some ways to use the mail to deliver great, fun, romantic gifts this year.

Make Your Own Card

Buying cards can be very expensive, and making them is more heartfelt anyway! A simple Google search will give you tons of ideas to help you make your own creative cards. They may be as simple as you folding some paper and writing a sweet message, or complex involving paint, glitter, 3D effects, and more. No matter how you make your card, send it through the mail so your partner can have a nice surprise on Valentine’s Day.

Make Vouchers To Mail

This is also a great option if you’re on a budget. Making vouchers is fun and really lets your creativity shine. You can make all sorts of vouchers for your significant other. One example is a voucher offering to do their dishes or laundry. Other examples can include date nights, letting them pick the Friday night movie, and more. Make these vouchers on fun, Valentine’s Day themed paper to really make them stand out.

Mail A Love Letter

Love letters are classic for a reason. They’re romantic. Writing a love letter means sitting down with a pen and paper and really thinking about your relationship. What makes it special? Why do you love this person? The longer you are with someone, the less likely you are to craft these exquisite letters. So take some time, sit down, really think about why you love your significant other, and write it down. They’ll be so surprised to get a long, romantic letter in the mail from you.

Send A Gift In The Mail

Everyone loves getting packages, and getting a gift in the mail from you will surprise and delight your partner. This is a great idea in particular if you aren’t planning to buy flowers or chocolate. It can be tricky to time this one, so coordinate with your local post office. And if it arrives a day or two early, that just makes it even more of a surprise!

Buy Valentine’s Day Themed Packaging

If you are planning to send you gift via mail, take it a step further by investing in Valentine’s Day themed packaging materials. This is another way to really let your creativity shine. You can find red and pink boxes online, and even boxes specifically designed for Valentine’s Day. Take a look around and find something you like…or more accurate, that your partner will like.

We hope these ideas will help make this Valentine’s Day extra special!