Gone are the days of long office hours and traffic jams during commutes. Today, working remotely has become increasingly common, especially post-pandemic. It’s now estimated that over 22 million adult employees have switched to remote work, reaping the benefits of working from home (or anywhere!) and opening up space for new opportunities that can further increase convenience and flexibility.
Since remote workers and digital nomads can perform their responsibilities anywhere, many have started traveling while they work. Being constantly on the move can make managing mail in one place difficult, hindering flexible schedules since remote workers would have to return to their home base just to pick up their mail and packages.
The perfect solution for this is getting a mailbox rental, specifically a virtual mailbox account, which we’ll talk about in more detail, including what it is, its benefits, and how you can find the best mailbox rental provider to meet your needs.
What is a Mailbox Rental?
Mailbox rentals are a convenient solution that provide a real street address where you can store and receive mail and access it through your mobile device or desktop.
The service provider handles your physical mail and packages in a secured facility, ready to be received anytime. This eliminates your worry of theft from porch pirates, especially if you’ve been out of your home for a while.
Depending on which mailbox rental provider you sign up with, they usually offer additional services that you can’t get from traditional mail forwarding solutions, including the added security and convenience of private mailbox rental.
Where Can You Rent a Mailbox?
You can rent a mailbox from several different places. Traditional PO Boxes are often available at your local post office. Private mail and shipping centers, such as UPS Stores or FedEx Office, also offer mailbox rentals.
However, for a modern solution, virtual mailbox services provide a physical address with digital access to your mail. These services offer virtual mailbox addresses, emphasizing convenience and accessibility for both personal and business use.
Additionally, many coworking spaces include mailbox rental services as part of their membership packages. Business centers and executive suites also offer mailbox rentals tailored for professionals and companies.
How Do Mailbox Rentals Benefit Remote Workers?
Working remotely already has its perks, such as a better work-life balance, and a mailbox rental allows remote workers to fully take advantage of as many perks as possible, and it can simplify lives even more.
Firstly, remote workers who also happen to be frequent travelers can access their mail online conveniently, anywhere in the world, as long as there’s an internet connection.
Mail forwarding is also a breeze with mailbox rentals, allowing digital nomads to forward mail to any location that they might be at any moment. This makes it perfect for remote work flexibility. Typically, mailbox rental providers have a many options and locations for convenient access.
A mailbox rental also keeps your residential address private, freeing home life from unwanted deliveries and curious eyes. This is incredibly helpful and relieves any worry while you’re away from home.
How to Find The Best Mailbox Rental Service
Research and Selection
Choosing the perfect mailbox rental service requires a lot of consideration since there are a lot of providers out in the market. The first thing you want to do is to identify your specific needs and identify what exactly you are looking to have when you get your mailbox rental.
Then, do your research on the reputation of various providers by reading reviews and testimonials. Compare the services offered, such as package handling, mail forwarding, virtual mailbox options, and mail scanning services.
Check the costs and see if they fit your budget. Verify the locations and hours of operation to ensure they’re convenient for you.
Finally, contact the providers to ask any specific questions you may have and assess how responsive their customer service is.
Key Factors
Not all mailbox rental providers are created equal. Hence, you should be sure to consider the following key factors: security, service features, and pricing.
Once you find a virtual mailbox service provider that tickles your fancy, make sure that they offer strong security measures to protect your business postal mail and personal information. Look for features such as real-time notifications, scanning services, and easy mail forwarding.
Compare the different pricing plans to see which offers the best value for the services you need. Additionally, check for any hidden fees or long-term contracts. Lastly, ensure the provider has a user-friendly platform and excellent customer support to help you when needed.
How to Set Up a Mailbox Rental for Remote Workers
Creating an Account
Here’s how you can easily sign up for a mailbox rental account with Anytime Mailbox in just a few steps!
- Choose a Plan: Select your preferred mail forwarding plan.
- Choose a Location: Choose from over 2,300 available locations worldwide.
- Payment: Complete the payment process to activate your account.
- File Form 1583: After signing up, you’ll receive a personal mailbox number and instructions on uploading the simple, one-page Form 1583 required by the USPS. This form grants permission for the mailbox operator to receive mail on your behalf from your mailing address location. You’ll need to submit two forms of ID.
- Submit a Change of Address Request: Don’t forget to submit a change of address request with the USPS or your chosen mail forwarding service to avoid any mail delivery disruptions. This step is needed for both temporary and permanent changes of residence.
- Log In: Access your account through our website or mobile app.
- Configure Settings: Customize your mailbox settings, such as notification preferences and mail handling options.
- Manage Mail: Use the platform to manage your incoming mail, view scanned images, and decide how to handle each item.
Required Documents
You’ll need to submit specific documents to ensure security and legitimacy when setting up your mailbox rental:
- Two Forms of Identification:
- One must be a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card.
- The second can be another form of ID, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or document confirming your address.
- USPS Form 1583
- Proof of Address
- Completed Application Form
Costs and Fees of Anytime Mailbox’s Virtual Mailbox Service
Anytime Mailbox service costs vary based on the plan selected:
- Bronze: $9.99/month or $109.99/year
- Silver: $14.99/month or $164.99/year
- Gold: $29.99/month or $329.99/year
- Unlimited: $69.99/month or $659.99/year
There’s no hidden fees, however, certain additional services, such as mail scans or forwarding bundles, may incur extra charges. You can also extend mail forwarding beyond the standard period for a nominal additional fee.
Final Thoughts
If you’re working remotely and considering setting up a mailbox rental for the first time, choose a service that fits your needs and budget. The security of your mail and packages, as well as your convenience, are two major things you need to consider.
Experience the convenience and flexibility of opening your postal mail wherever you are, ensuring you can live out your digital nomadic dreams or just simplify your remote work life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a mailbox rental as a virtual business address?
Yes, you can. A lot of startups and small businesses set up mailbox rentals as a cost-effective way to receive important mail and packages while establishing a professional presence in a different location.
Does the mailbox rental come with a real street address?
Yes, when you sign up for a mailbox rental, you’re provided a real street address where your postal mail and packages are directly delivered.
What happens to my postal mail if I stop using a mailbox rental?
All incoming mail and packages will be returned to the sender. To ensure smooth deliveries, update your address with all relevant contacts and organizations beforehand. Most providers will forward any remaining mail to your new address for a specific period.
