Mail Boxes

[flamilak]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank

[dewilson58]

Talk to the mailperson at your mailbox site.

They can move your box.......the boxes are labeled on the inside.

Just be at the station with the mailperson is there.

[Stu from NYC]

Find out when the delivery guy will deliver and talk to him/her.

[dewilson58]

Find out when the delivery guy will deliver and talk to him/her.

Wish I would have thought of that.


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[flamilak]

Thank you both!

[asianthree]

We were told by post office, TV, and the mail person boxes are in order of house addresses and can’t be changed. If there is a problem reaching mail, a step stool is located at mail station. Still won’t hurt to ask

[Rainger99]

We were told by post office, TV, and the mail person boxes are in order of house addresses and can’t be changed. If there is a problem reaching mail, a step stool is located at mail station. Still won’t hurt to ask

Where is the step stool? I have never seen one - but I have never looked that hard, either.

[dewilson58]

We were told by post office, TV, and the mail person boxes are in order of house addresses and can’t be changed. If there is a problem reaching mail, a step stool is located at mail station. Still won’t hurt to ask

Yes they are in order..............it would be a nightmare if they weren't. :22yikes:

Our neighbor got their box moved........it's up to the site mailperson.

[Stu from NYC]

Wish I would have thought of that.


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

You beat me by a whole minute!

[Remembergoldenrule]

I can’t reach the top either.
I do one of three things.

Try to go when mail personnel is there and just knock on door in back and ask them to get my mail for me. Never had a mean response from them.

Or put a step ladder (I like three step one ) in trunk or strap to golf cart with golf club straps to use when I get there.

Or wait for tall person to get my mail for me. Only had one jerk respond with mean remark about size, but that is their problem not mine. I even traded services once and helped tall person get mail out of bottom box because they couldn’t bend over. :)

Welcome to The Villages.

[Pairadocs]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank

Sure have, told you get what you get, period. So, guess I've just been lucky but, for over 16 years have not once had failed to have some kind person within "shouting" distance, either buying a newspaper from the dispenser, getting their own mail, or walking their dog in the grassy area by the boxes, have never had to go home without mail, or try another time when more people are around. Thought it was going to be a lot worse than it's turned out to be ! If late at night (like when we've been gone) hubby gets it. You've got a double problem with both of you on the short side. Good luck.

[Worldseries27]

You beat me by a whole minute!
Or 1 second, hence the phrase lawyer up

[Josephjmarchese]

ADA Compliance

For interior mailrooms, the ADA specifies that at least 5% of the mailboxes must meet accessibility guidelines.

Local regulations may override this percentage and require 100% compliance.

Typically, it is the local jurisdiction codes office/inspector that will designate if an installation must meet only the min ADA requirement of 5% or if it should be 100% compliant; there is usually very little in between.

Current practice is to use sequential numbering on the mailboxes, rather than matching identification to the apartment numbers. This allows greater flexibility in providing accessible mailbox compartments that meet the necessary accessibility regulations. Sequential numbering also provides greater privacy and security for residents by not tying the mailbox to a specific apartment or house number. Another option to ensure 5% of your mailbox installation is compliant is to install an additional set of mailboxes which fully meet compliance and would only be available for designated mobility units within the community.

Mailboxes must comply with Section 309 specifications governing a location’s clear floor space, equipment height, and operation. ADA sets forth a forward reach range that is between 15 and 48 inches, which is lower than the 67” the USPS specifications allows. ADA also sets forth the same range for side reach ranges; which is again lower than the USPS specifications allow.

[Worldseries27]

Or give the boss an early christmas card. Decorate the card its the thought that counts , right

[Babubhat]

One new postal station has a step stool. Ask them for one

[sharonl7340]

Same thing happened wirh us. I am 4'11' and when I asked about it, my mail people were nasty. I ride my bike and don't carry a stepstool. I open my box and stand on the lower frame that juts out. Every now and then someone tall helps me. I am just waiting for the mail ladies to scold me. Necessity is the mother of invention.

[retiredguy123]

ADA Compliance

For interior mailrooms, the ADA specifies that at least 5% of the mailboxes must meet accessibility guidelines.

Local regulations may override this percentage and require 100% compliance.

Typically, it is the local jurisdiction codes office/inspector that will designate if an installation must meet only the min ADA requirement of 5% or if it should be 100% compliant; there is usually very little in between.

Current practice is to use sequential numbering on the mailboxes, rather than matching identification to the apartment numbers. This allows greater flexibility in providing accessible mailbox compartments that meet the necessary accessibility regulations. Sequential numbering also provides greater privacy and security for residents by not tying the mailbox to a specific apartment or house number. Another option to ensure 5% of your mailbox installation is compliant is to install an additional set of mailboxes which fully meet compliance and would only be available for designated mobility units within the community.

Mailboxes must comply with Section 309 specifications governing a location’s clear floor space, equipment height, and operation. ADA sets forth a forward reach range that is between 15 and 48 inches, which is lower than the 67” the USPS specifications allows. ADA also sets forth the same range for side reach ranges; which is again lower than the USPS specifications allow.
Not to be nit picky, but most Villages mailboxes are exterior, not interior.

[retiredguy123]

ADA Compliance

For interior mailrooms, the ADA specifies that at least 5% of the mailboxes must meet accessibility guidelines.

Local regulations may override this percentage and require 100% compliance.

Typically, it is the local jurisdiction codes office/inspector that will designate if an installation must meet only the min ADA requirement of 5% or if it should be 100% compliant; there is usually very little in between.

Current practice is to use sequential numbering on the mailboxes, rather than matching identification to the apartment numbers. This allows greater flexibility in providing accessible mailbox compartments that meet the necessary accessibility regulations. Sequential numbering also provides greater privacy and security for residents by not tying the mailbox to a specific apartment or house number. Another option to ensure 5% of your mailbox installation is compliant is to install an additional set of mailboxes which fully meet compliance and would only be available for designated mobility units within the community.

Mailboxes must comply with Section 309 specifications governing a location’s clear floor space, equipment height, and operation. ADA sets forth a forward reach range that is between 15 and 48 inches, which is lower than the 67” the USPS specifications allows. ADA also sets forth the same range for side reach ranges; which is again lower than the USPS specifications allow.
Apparently, just being short does not qualify as being covered by the ADA:

"Unless the individual's lack of height – or other physical characteristic – is tied to a physiological disorder, the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit recently explained. In Colton v.Jul 30, 2021"

[GizmoWhiskers]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank
My mother has the same problem. As long as my dad is alive he will get the mail. T V has said to take it up with the P O.

[GizmoWhiskers]

One new postal station has a step stool. Ask them for one
Can one get their bond paid off by M n M if they fall off a step stool vs the P O moving their box to a reachable box ? - asking for a friend. In today's society WHO would encourage an 84 year old woman to climb a step stool (?)

[MandoMan]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank

I’m tempted to laugh because I’m 6’3”, and while my original box here happened to be on the top row, which I could reach with no problem, I recently moved to another village, and now my box is on the next to lowest row, and I feel like a giraffe trying to reach it and see inside. I’m tempted to laugh, but the fact is, there are plenty of people who are closer to 5’ than to 6’ and simply can’t reach the top row of boxes. There are others with shoulder and neck issues that keep them from reaching that high. Some people using mobility scooters may not be able to reach the top four rows and the bottom two. I don’t recall seeing a stool or step ladder around, but those are not without risks themselves. I certainly would not want my 94 year old dad climbing onto any stool or ladder at all.

I think tall people like me should always watch out for people with your predicament and be willing to help. Don’t be afraid to ask. It’s a good start in making friends.

[Dusty_Star]

I would try what might be somewhat of a combination of advice. First ask taller people to help you. I am probably mid-size (5'6"), & I love helping shorter people to get items off of shelves or mail boxes. It gives a little lift to my day that I was able to be helpful. While doing this be on the lookout for a tall person with an uncomfortably low box, for them. Then see if they would be amenable to switching. When you ask the postal station employee, if you present the two requests together, then that should make it easier for them to make the switch, rather than having to find an unused lower box. Good luck.

[NotGolfer]

Going to the boxes....just be observant sometime and watch people fetch their mail. Ours is maybe hip-level so not an issue but I've watched people trying to get from the lowest row and it's difficult for many. I'm short so the top would be difficult to reach. My experience is in stores---grocery shopping for instance. There have been times a product is on the top row and maybe only 1 or 2 left, but pushed back. I've had to flag a taller person to please help me. The OP does pose a difficult issue and there are several options offered here. Hoping they can find one that works for them.

[Darield]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank
I have the same problem although my husband can reach the mailbox. We met another resident that keeps a folding step stool in her gold cart. We were also told that they will not move mailboxes.

[msilagy]

I think the mail person will help you or tell you how to get a lower box. Forget the step stool that could cause a fall if in fact there is one. In 13 years I never saw one and I had 3 different addresses. Someone will help you - just finding that person is your challenge. Good luck.

[wawriwwawriw]

Threat both with filling a complaint with the ADA. Before, you may want to talk with the carrier to get some insight.the problem may be that if all lower boxes are already assigned

[TVTVTV]

Same thing happened wirh us. I am 4'11' and when I asked about it, my mail people were nasty. I ride my bike and don't carry a stepstool. I open my box and stand on the lower frame that juts out. Every now and then someone tall helps me. I am just waiting for the mail ladies to scold me. Necessity is the mother of invention.

Some of the postal stations have 2 stools for patron use. The Villages should supply at least 2 to each station so patrons don't have to lug them around the building. Cheap enough option!

[Jhrath7@gmail.com]

We were told by post office, TV, and the mail person boxes are in order of house addresses and can’t be changed. If there is a problem reaching mail, a step stool is located at mail station. Still won’t hurt to ask

And w2ho will pay when you fall off the stool?

[retiredguy123]

To me, it seems like an easy problem to deal with. If you can't reach to 67 inches, you can buy a small plastic folding one-step stool that provides an additional 6 to 9 inches. The top mailboxes are about 8 inches lower than the top shelf of most kitchen cabinets. If they made the top boxes 48 inches, they would lose 4 rows of boxes, which would require a much larger mailbox facility. Although, I think they should be able to accommodate those who request a mailbox change.

[JGibson]

I'm 6’3” and my box is on the bottom which is practically on the floor. lol.

[MrFlorida]

Mail boxes are in order of your street address, they have stools there.

[Wondering]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank
Why don't you ask the mail carrier? He/She may be able to switch your but don't know who controls the keys for the boxes.

[retiredguy123]

Why don't you ask the mail carrier? He/She may be able to switch your but don't know who controls the keys for the boxes.
The keys are controlled by the Post Office, not by the mail carrier or the contractor employees who deliver the mail.

[Deden]

Hope u don't fall.

[OBRight]

I'm just the opposite, I'm 6'7" and our box was on the bottom row. My knees don't flex as well as they once did so many times trying to get the mail I would end up pushing a few pieces out of the box and back onto the floor inside. Luckily when we sold that CYV and purchased a designer home in a different village we got a box in the middle we could both easily reach.

[dewilson58]

The keys are controlled by the Post Office, not by the mail carrier or the contractor employees who deliver the mail.

They may be, but as stated in #7, our neighbor was able to have their box moved by "the mail carrier". Our neighbor asked "the mail carrier" and it was done.

[JMintzer]

Sorry for the OP's problem. Looks like you've received more than a few suggestions. Some helpful, some not...

That said, my unhelpful post is that we got lucky. We have the "Goldilocks" of mailboxes.

It is in the middle row, dead center, facing forwards, towards the parking lot. Just right... :p

[jjombrello]

This is what we were told, also. I purchased a collapsible step stool at an RV store that has been very handy for reaching those places that are inches out of reach. Might be worth considering.

[villagetinker]

OP, if all else fails, you could try getting a box at one of the pack and ship stores specifically asking for one that is at a good height, and have your mail forwarded to that location. I would still check your original box at least once a week, it will probably be full of junk mail...

[kcrazorbackfan]

We were told by post office, TV, and the mail person boxes are in order of house addresses and can’t be changed. If there is a problem reaching mail, a step stool is located at mail station. Still won’t hurt to ask

Old people on step stools? That’s an accident waiting to happen…

[DAVES]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank

I assume it is the luck of the draw. The people who sort the mail into the boxes likely have it in numerical order. messing with it will likely cause a mess for them. I have a box that is too low and I have a bad back. Truth, I am no longer in business. Someone thinks I need a cremation.
I do not bother to pick up the mail more often than every two days.

You may explore renting a box at the post office.

[asianthree]

Old people on step stools? That’s an accident waiting to happen…

Not everyone is old or just maybe in better shape than many. We have 2 step stools at our station and at our other two mail stations. They are step height, wide enough for both feet to fit while standing.

My mom is 90 goes upstairs to bedroom and downstairs to do laundry. A step stool is in her kitchen to get to some cabinets. I have tried to get her to move to one of our homes with first floor bed and laundry, NO, stop treating me like an old person. Not everyone has balance issues.
I certainly have learned not to help unless I am asked here in TV, Or anywhere else

[flamilak]

I’m tempted to laugh because I’m 6’3”, and while my original box here happened to be on the top row, which I could reach with no problem, I recently moved to another village, and now my box is on the next to lowest row, and I feel like a giraffe trying to reach it and see inside. I’m tempted to laugh, but the fact is, there are plenty of people who are closer to 5’ than to 6’ and simply can’t reach the top row of boxes. There are others with shoulder and neck issues that keep them from reaching that high. Some people using mobility scooters may not be able to reach the top four rows and the bottom two. I don’t recall seeing a stool or step ladder around, but those are not without risks themselves. I certainly would not want my 94 year old dad climbing onto any stool or ladder at all.

I think tall people like me should always watch out for people with your predicament and be willing to help. Don’t be afraid to ask. It’s a good start in making friends.

Thank you very much for that!

[flamilak]

I would try what might be somewhat of a combination of advice. First ask taller people to help you. I am probably mid-size (5'6"), & I love helping shorter people to get items off of shelves or mail boxes. It gives a little lift to my day that I was able to be helpful. While doing this be on the lookout for a tall person with an uncomfortably low box, for them. Then see if they would be amenable to switching. When you ask the postal station employee, if you present the two requests together, then that should make it easier for them to make the switch, rather than having to find an unused lower box. Good luck.

Excellent outlook and wonderful reply.
Thank you!

[flamilak]

Thank you all for your replies!
We will ask the mail carrier, for sure. If that doesn’t work, maybe a light two-step stepstool with a handle.

[mikeycereal]

If anyone at our mailboxes needs help reaching and I'm there I'd be happy to help. I've reached higher for items in stores for others before and I'm always glad to do it when they ask. I would even take the time to help them with something else too if needed. Also helped one lady lift a heavy item into her car when she saw me walking past her at Costco and she asked. I figure most people would do the same in similar situations. Sad to hear the few "mean" stories. I do not think most Villagers are like that. Good luck on finding a solution, let us know how it worked, and welcome to the Villages.

:pepper2::thumbup::pepper2:

[TVTVTV]

If anyone at our mailboxes needs help reaching and I'm there I'd be happy to help. I've reached higher for items in stores for others before and I'm always glad to do it when they ask. I would even take the time to help them with something else too if needed. Also helped one lady lift a heavy item into her car when she saw me walking past her at Costco and she asked. I figure most people would do the same in similar situations. Sad to hear the few "mean" stories. I do not think most Villagers are like that. Good luck on finding a solution, let us know how it worked, and welcome to the Villages.

:pepper2::thumbup::pepper2:
I do the same. I sometimes climb up a grocery shelf to get an item for myself or someone else. Of course everyone needs to know their limitations so they don't get hurt.

I think mailbox height could be a selling point if you are trying to sell your home, if you lucked out with a great one! It's an amenity most of us use many times weekly, and if I was on the lower or higher height spectrum and looking for a home, this would be a good question to ask.

[retiredguy123]

I only visit the mailbox about every 10 to 14 days. Occasionally, there will be a medical bill, which showed up on my USPS "informed" mail email message. I wonder why doctors don't offer emailed bills. Why do some people go to the mailbox every day to pick up junk mail?

[rogerk]

Go to the actual Post Office, for most areas, zip Codes, that is the Lady Lake Post Office. I understand some of the newer areas are being handled by a different Post Office. The district should know 352-753-4508 or direct you to the proper office.

You can go into the actual Post Office and, depending upon availability, they may be able to provide you with a different box.

Good Luck!

[DonnaNi4os]

We have a couple who are small in stature and leave a small plastic stool by the mail boxes. It has been here for going on six years and is helpful for several people in the neighborhood. Hope that helps you and welcome to The Villages!

[Escape Artist]

My husband and I just closed on our house and we are so excited! The excitement, however, is slightly dampened since we are unable to reach our mailbox and we have come upon several road blocks attempting to fix the problem.
My husband and I are both little people, he is just under 5’ tall and I am just over 4’ tall.
The mailbox assigned to the house we bought is on the top row.
The post office & the District.gov ADA rep both say mail boxes are assigned by The Villages sales center. TV sales center, however says it’s the post office.
Has anyone else come across this problem or maybe you know someone who has.
Thank you so much for any help,
Sandi & Frank

Thank you for your post and for bringing this issue to our attention! I also have difficulty reaching my mailbox so I will try and be there when the mail center person is around so I can ask them if I’m able to change my mailbox location. I live alone so I don’t have anyone to help me get my mail nor accompany me to the mailbox center. And I don’t fancy getting on a step stool when I’m by myself either.

[flamilak]

Thank you again, everyone! You suggestions & heartfelt responses are truly appreciated.