Traveling Mailbox Review: Your Virtual Postal Solution for the Digital Age
In today’s increasingly mobile and digital world, managing physical mail can be a hassle, especially for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and businesses with remote teams. Enter Traveling Mailbox, a virtual mailbox service that’s revolutionizing how we handle our postal correspondence. Let’s dive deep into what makes Traveling Mailbox stand out and why it might be the perfect solution for your mail management needs.
What is Traveling Mailbox?
Traveling Mailbox is a virtual mailbox service that provides users with a physical mailing address and the ability to view and manage their postal mail online from anywhere in the world. Founded in 2011, the company has established itself as a leader in the virtual mailbox industry, serving thousands of individuals, travelers, RVers, expats, and small businesses.
| Feature | Basic Plan | Extended Plan | Small Business Plan |
| Monthly Price | $15 | $25 | $55 |
| Envelope Scans | 30 | 80 | 180 |
| Page Scans | 5 | 35 | 80 |
| Recipients | 1 | Up to 5 | Unlimited |
| Cloud Storage | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Check Deposit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mail Forwarding | ✓ (postage fees apply) | ✓ (postage fees apply) | ✓ (postage fees apply) |
| Fax Service | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | iOS and Android | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Integrations | Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, Box, OneDrive | Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, Box, OneDrive | Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, Box, OneDrive |
Additional Features:
- Multiple address options across 25+ locations in the US
- 24/7 security surveillance at mail processing facilities
- Ability to send mail on your behalf
- Shredding service for unwanted mail
Best For:
- Frequent travelers
- Digital nomads
- RV enthusiasts
- Expats
- Small businesses
- Remote workers
- Privacy-conscious individuals
Pros:
- Flexible mail management from anywhere
- Secure handling of mail
- Time-saving digital organization
- Multiple address options
- Additional services like check deposits and faxing
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Dependency on internet access
- Potential delays in physical mail receipt
- Additional costs for extra scans or services
How Does It Work?
- Choose an Address: Select from multiple address options across the United States.
- Mail Reception: Your mail arrives at the chosen address.
- Envelope Scanning: The outside of each envelope is scanned.
- Notification: You’re alerted about new mail via email or app notification.
- Mail Management: You decide to have the contents scanned, forwarded, shredded, or held.
- Online Access: View your scanned mail in PDF format through the web interface or mobile app.
Key Features
1. Multiple Address Options
Traveling Mailbox offers over 25 real street addresses across various states, allowing you to choose a location that best suits your needs.
2. Mail Scanning and Forwarding
- Envelope scanning within hours of receipt
- Content scanning upon request
- Mail forwarding to any address worldwide
3. User-Friendly Interface
- Easy-to-use web dashboard
- iOS and Android mobile apps for on-the-go access
4. Integrations
Seamlessly connect your account with popular cloud storage services:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Evernote
- Box
- OneDrive
5. Check Deposit Service
Have checks deposited directly into your bank account without physically handling them.
6. Additional Services
- Send/receive faxes
- Mail letters on your behalf
- Shred unwanted mail
Pricing Plans
Traveling Mailbox offers tiered pricing to accommodate different needs:
- Basic Plan: $15/month
- 30 envelope scans
- 5 page scans
- 1 recipient
- Extended Plan: $25/month
- 80 envelope scans
- 35 page scans
- Up to 5 recipients
- Small Business Plan: $55/month
- 180 envelope scans
- 80 page scans
- Unlimited recipients
All plans include features like unlimited cloud storage, check deposit, and mail forwarding (postage fees apply).
Traveling Mailbox subscription plan
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the advantages and potential drawbacks of using Traveling Mailbox:
Pros:
- Flexibility: Access your mail from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Time-saving: No need to physically visit a post office or mailbox.
- Security: Mail is handled in secure facilities with 24/7 surveillance.
- Organization: Easily sort and store your mail digitally.
- Multiple addresses: Choose from various locations across the US.
- Integrations: Seamlessly connect with popular cloud storage services.
- Additional services: Check deposits, fax services, and letter mailing.
- Mobile app: Manage your mail on-the-go with iOS and Android apps.
- Affordable: Competitive pricing compared to traditional P.O. boxes or office rentals.
- Eco-friendly: Reduce paper waste by digitizing your mail.
Cons:
- Learning curve: May take time to adjust to a digital mail management system.
- Dependency on technology: Requires internet access to manage mail.
- Limited personal touch: No physical interaction with your mail until forwarded.
- Potential delays: Scanning and forwarding processes may add time to mail receipt.
- Additional costs: Fees for extra scans or special services can add up.
Who Should Use Traveling Mailbox?
- Frequent Travelers: Keep up with your mail while on the road.
- Digital Nomads: Maintain a stable mailing address regardless of your location.
- RV Enthusiasts: Receive mail without being tied to a single location.
- Expats: Manage US-based mail while living abroad.
- Small Businesses: Present a professional image with a business address.
- Remote Workers: Handle personal and work mail efficiently from anywhere.
- Privacy-Conscious Individuals: Keep your home address private.
Security and Privacy
Traveling Mailbox takes security seriously, implementing several measures to protect your mail and personal information:
- 24/7 video surveillance at mail processing facilities
- Secure, encrypted connections for online access
- Staff background checks and confidentiality agreements
- Compliance with USPS regulations (Form 1583 required)
Customer Support
Traveling Mailbox offers customer support through multiple channels:
- Email support
- Phone support
- Live chat
- Comprehensive FAQ section
User Experience and Interface
The Traveling Mailbox web interface and mobile apps are designed with user experience in mind:
- Clean, intuitive dashboard
- Easy-to-navigate menus
- Quick actions for common tasks (e.g., scan, forward, shred)
- Search functionality for finding specific mail items
Comparison to Competitors
While there are other virtual mailbox services available, Traveling Mailbox stands out in several ways:
- Extensive address options across multiple states
- Competitive pricing for features offered
- User-friendly mobile apps (not all competitors offer this)
- Integration with popular cloud storage services
- Additional services like check deposits and fax handling
Final Thoughts
Traveling Mailbox offers a comprehensive solution for managing physical mail in our increasingly digital world. Its blend of convenience, security, and affordability makes it an attractive option for a wide range of users, from frequent travelers to small business owners.
The service’s multiple address options, user-friendly interface, and additional features like check deposits and fax services set it apart from many competitors. While there may be a slight learning curve for those new to virtual mailbox services, the potential time savings and organizational benefits are significant.
However, it’s important to consider your specific needs and mail volume when choosing a plan, as additional scans and services can incur extra costs. Additionally, those who prefer a more traditional, hands-on approach to mail management may find the digital nature of the service takes some getting used to.
Overall, for those seeking a flexible, secure, and efficient way to manage their postal mail, Traveling Mailbox offers a robust solution that can adapt to various lifestyles and business needs. Whether you’re a globetrotting digital nomad or a small business owner looking to streamline your mail processes, Traveling Mailbox provides the tools to keep you connected to your physical mail, no matter where life takes you.
By embracing this digital approach to mail management, you’re not just solving a logistical problem – you’re taking a step towards a more flexible, organized, and location-independent lifestyle. In an age where digital solutions are constantly evolving, Traveling Mailbox stands as a bridge between our physical and digital worlds, ensuring that something as fundamental as checking your mail doesn’t hold you back from pursuing your goals and adventures.
