by USPS Reminds Minnesotans to Check Their Mailboxes During “Mailbox Improvement Week”
The U.S. Postal Service is encouraging Minnesotans to take a moment this week to inspect their mailboxes—and there’s a good reason for it.
You probably use your mailbox nearly every day (except Sundays), but when was the last time you actually looked at it? If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while. And did you know there’s a whole week dedicated to mailboxes? Neither did we—until now.
According to the USPS regional office in Minneapolis, May 18–24, 2025, is officially Mailbox Improvement Week. Held annually during the third week of May, this initiative encourages homeowners to inspect their mailboxes and make necessary improvements.
“Neat, sturdy, and attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the streets and homes,” the Postal Service said in its announcement.
So, how’s your mailbox holding up? Even though this past Minnesota winter was relatively mild, the weather can still take a toll. Maybe your mailbox is looking rusty or the post is starting to wobble. If so, this is the perfect time to fix it up.
Take it from experience—when I lived in Wisconsin, a speeding driver once smashed into my mailbox during winter. The ground was frozen solid, so I had to wait until spring to install a new post. In the meantime, I placed a temporary box in a snowbank, but that didn’t meet USPS standards. My mail carrier left a note letting me know it wasn’t up to code.
Mailbox Improvement Week is a helpful reminder to address common wear and tear. Here are a few things homeowners in Minnesota may want to check:
- Tighten or replace loose hinges on the mailbox door
- Repaint if there’s rust or peeling paint
- Secure a loose or leaning mailbox post
- Add or replace visible house numbers
If your mailbox could use a little attention, the USPS has a few guidelines to make sure it meets their requirements. Your mailbox should be:
- Approved by the Postmaster General
- In full working order
- Designed to keep your mail safe from the elements
- Safe and easy to use
- Conveniently located
- Neat and well-maintained
- Properly sized to handle your regular mail and packages
So this week, take a few minutes to check your mailbox. A quick fix now could save you time and trouble later—and keep your mail flowing smoothly.
