Online shopping is part of our daily lives, and the safe and reliable delivery of our purchases is more important than ever. Whether it’s letters, satchels or larger parcels, we want them to arrive at our doorstep hassle-free and intact. Parcel mailboxes provide a secure and convenient way to receive all your deliveries. If considering adding one to your home, here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Parcel Letterbox?
A parcel letterbox is a mailbox designed to receive not just letters but also larger items like satchels, packages and boxes. Unlike a standard mailbox, which only fits envelopes and small parcels, a parcel letterbox has a larger lockable compartment where couriers can place deliveries. Once a parcel is dropped in, it can’t be retrieved without a key or access code, keeping it safe from theft or weather damage.
They come in different styles such as freestanding, wall-mounted or built into a fence or gate and are often made from durable weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or heavy-duty aluminium.
What to Consider When Choosing One?
Different models of parcel mailboxes can mean different features, sizes and designs. Here’s what you need to know about these letterboxes to choose the right one for your needs.
Types Available
Freestanding
A freestanding parcel box is not only practical but can also be a stylish statement at the front of your home. These are the largest available, designed to hold a high volume of mail and medium-sized packages – up to the size of a wine case. If you do a lot of online shopping, a freestanding parcel box can save you countless trips to the post office by storing larger deliveries until you get home.
Security is a key feature of these boxes. Most come with both key and combination locks and a clever one-way mail slot system that prevents parcels from being removed once delivered. When the lid is lifted, an internal panel rises to create a temporary floor for the parcel. As the lid closes, the panel drops and the parcel falls into the locked compartment below, keeping it safe from theft or tampering.
For added convenience, freestanding parcel boxes usually arrive fully assembled and include anchor bolts and installation instructions, making setup quick and easy.
Fence-Mounted
If you have a fenced property and would like to have your mailbox mounted on the fence, a fence-mounted parcel letterbox is the way to go. Designed to hold small to medium-sized parcels, these boxes keep your deliveries safe and look clean and integrated. They have mounting flanges for easy installation and come with front and rear access so you can choose the setup that suits your property and daily routine.
Many have a front combination lock, so you can leave the box unlocked for couriers to drop in your parcels. Once the parcel is inside, the courier can lock it to prevent theft. Even when locked, the top section can open partially to accept letters, so you never miss regular mail.
Brick-in
Brick-in parcel letterboxes are designed to be built into brickwork. They have an adjustable sleeve, so installation is simple and adaptable to your wall thickness. Most sleeves expand from 290mm to 500mm, so you can choose the perfect depth for your brickwork.
Like fence-mounted models, they often have front and rear access with a key lock at the back for easy retrieval of your deliveries. They can hold A4 mail, small satchels and parcels, keeping all items safe and secure until you collect them.
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted parcel boxes are a sleek space-saving solution that can still hold A4 mail, satchels and smaller parcels. They’re perfect for homes or apartment complexes where multiple letterboxes need to be installed side by side.
These boxes have a top-lid design like freestanding models. When the lid is lifted, an internal panel rises to create a temporary floor for the mail. As the lid closes, the panel drops and your deliveries fall into the locked compartment below. If someone tries to open the lid afterwards, the panel rises again and prevents access to the contents, keeping your mail safe.
A front key lock makes retrieving your deliveries easy and convenient, security and practicality combined.
Security
The lock is one of the most important security features to consider when choosing a letterbox. Many come with a keyed lock or combination lock, and some even have dual locks for extra security. A good lock means only you (or someone you trust) can get into your deliveries.
Another key feature is a one-way mail slot. This design stops parcels from being removed once they’ve been posted. Internal panel lifts that create a temporary floor for the parcel, which then drops as the lid closes, is a clever system that keeps mail secure and stops anyone from fishing items out of the box.
Design
When choosing a parcel letterbox, you also need to consider how it will fit with your home. For example, a modern parcel box will have clean lines, minimalist shapes and a sleek finish like matte black or stainless steel and will suit contemporary homes with sharp architectural details. A coastal style letterbox might have soft colours, weathered finishes or natural textures that will blend in with beachside or relaxed, airy home designs.
By choosing a design that matches your property, you can ensure your parcel letterbox is both functional and a stylish addition to your front entrance.
Size
To choose a letterbox that suits your delivery needs, you need to think about the types of items you receive. If you’re an online shopper and tend to receive medium-sized packages, a large compartment will save you trips to the post office and also prevent parcels from being left in unsafe locations.
At the same time, you need to think about the space you have available. As mentioned above, freestanding, wall-mounted or brick in boxes have different dimensions, so you need to choose one that fits your entrance or fence without overwhelming the area.
Material
You’ll want a box made from durable, weather-resistant materials to keep your mail and parcels safe in all conditions. Powder-coated galvanised steel is a great choice. It combines the strength of galvanised steel with a protective powder coating that resists rust, scratches and fading. So your letterbox will withstand sun, rain and wind for years to come and look great at the front of your home.
