Is a PO Box What You Need?

14 Jun Is a PO Box What You Need?

When I started my business years ago, I thought the responsible business-y thing to do was to get a Post Office box.

Why?

I honestly don’t know. Like business cards, it’s just one of those things (at least I use the PO Box!).

Since then, I’ve found that a Post Office Box is a great way to hide your address and give yourself an extra layer of security.

For example, most mailboxes are insecure. I know mine is. If someone wanted to steal my mail, they just open it, take all those juicy credit card pre-approvals, and calmly walk away. There’s no security at my mailbox. There are just other mailboxes sheepishly standing around doing nothing all day. Oh, the thief can steal from those boxes too.

There isn’t any of consequence to steal from our mailbox because packages are delivered to our house, which is set so far back in the woods that kids don’t even bother coming for free candy on Halloween. Plus at least there we have cameras, just in case you get any ideas.

I personally am not concerned about thieves stealing from our mailbox but if you are, a PO Box can offer an extra layer of security and a very small cost.

Why do I need a PO Box?

If you are concerned about mail security, a PO Box is a great way to build some extra security in your life. It’s a little like a credit freeze, it provides 100% security for a little bit of inconvenience. With a credit freeze, you have to unfreeze your report before you get a credit card. This ensures you never have to worry about your report being used without your knowledge.

A PO Box is a little layer of security to ensure you never have to worry about someone stealing your mail. It adds a little inconvenience because you have to visit the Post Office to get that mail, but if you choose wisely then it’s not too much of a hassle.

How much does a PO Box Cost?

It depends on three factors:

1. The size
2. The rental duration (3, 6, and 12 months)
3. Your location

There are also occasional promotions.

For example, my local post office will give you an extra month when you rent a box for 12 months instead of 6. The free month is reflected in the renewal date instead of a discount on price (i.e. you pay for 12 months, you get the box for 13 months).

5 Cleverly Named Box Sizes

There are five box sizes available:

• X-Small (Size 1): 3″ x 5½” x 14¾”
• Small (Size 2): 5½” x 5½” x 14¾”
• Medium (Size 3): 5½” x 11″ x 14¾”
• Large (Size 4): 11″ x 11″ x 14¾”
• X-Large (Size 5): 22½” x 12″ x 14¾”

Personally, We use Size 1 because we only ever receive letters. Sometimes, we get a package and I just bring the little orange slip over to the counter to pick up the package.