Even in our digital age, snail mail still plays a crucial role. Think about it: bank statements, medical bills, insurance records, and more, all delivered right to your doorstep. But what if you’re not comfortable with these important documents, filled with personal info, just sitting in your mailbox? That’s where a P.O. Box comes in. It’s a safe spot at your local post office where your mail can hang out until you’re ready to pick it up.
Before you jump on the P.O. Box bandwagon, though, you’ll want to know what it’s going to cost you. Good news: it’s pretty easy to find out.
So, how much does a P.O. Box cost? Well, it depends on the size you need and where you’re located. Here’s a quick rundown of the monthly costs for USPS P.O. Boxes:
- Extra Small: $4.33 – $28.67
- Small: $5.50 – $38.33
- Medium: $8.17 – $67
- Large: $12.33 – $76.67
- Extra Large: $21.50 – $115
The size of the box you choose will obviously affect the price. The smallest option is the cheapest, while the largest is the most expensive. Here’s what each size can hold:
- Extra small: 10 – 15 letters and 3 rolled magazines
- Small: 15+ letters, 5 rolled magazines, or 1 small U.S. Priority Mail Flat Rate box
- Medium: Letters, large envelopes, stacked magazines, or 2 small U.S. Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes
- Large: Letters, stacked magazines, and small and medium U.S. Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes
- Extra large: Letters, stacked magazines, multiple small and medium U.S. Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes
If a package doesn’t fit in your box, you’ll get a slip to pick it up at the counter.
The location of your P.O. Box also affects the price. If USPS is the only game in town, prices might be higher. But if FedEx or UPS are also in the area, the competition could drive prices down.
There are also some additional fees to keep in mind. Lost your key or need a duplicate? That’ll be $9. Need a lock replacement? That’s $25. And if you renew your box late, you’ll also pay a $25 fee.
But it’s not all about the costs. USPS offers some pretty cool perks for P.O. Box customers at no extra charge. You get a real street address for your box, some locations offer 24-hour access, and the post office will keep your signature on file so you can skip the counter for certain mail items. Plus, you get two free keys (additional keys require a $5 deposit).
Ready to get your own P.O. Box? You can apply in person at the post office or online. Just fill out the application, provide two forms of ID, and pay the fee. If your preferred location doesn’t have any boxes available, you can choose a different location or get on a waiting list.
A P.O. Box can be a great solution if you want to keep your physical address private or if you travel a lot. But availability can vary depending on your location. If USPS doesn’t have what you need, you might want to check out other options like FedEx or UPS.
