How to make a mail sorter

A mail sorter! A simple and practical DIY project that can help keep your mail organized and clutter-free. Here's a step-by-step guide to make a basic mail sorter:

Materials:

• 1 piece of plywood or MDF board (12" x 24" or larger)
• 4-6 small compartments or trays (depending on the size and number of mail categories you want to sort)
• 1 small shelf or ledge (optional)
• 1 hinge (if you want to attach the lid)
• Screws, nails, or adhesive (depending on the type of material you're using)
• Decorative trim or paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Plan your design: Decide how many compartments you want and what categories you want to sort (e.g., bills, letters, packages, etc.). You can also consider adding a small shelf or ledge for storing frequently used items like stamps or envelopes.
2. Cut the plywood or MDF board: Use a saw or a craft knife to cut the board to the desired size. Make sure it's large enough to accommodate all your compartments and any additional features you want to include.
3. Create the compartments: Cut the small compartments or trays to fit inside the main board. You can use a jigsaw or a craft knife to cut out the shapes. Make sure they're deep enough to hold the mail and wide enough to accommodate the thickness of the mail.
4. Assemble the compartments: Attach the compartments to the main board using screws, nails, or adhesive. Make sure they're securely attached and won't fall out when you add mail.
5. Add a lid (optional): If you want to add a lid to your mail sorter, attach it to the top of the board using a hinge. This will allow you to easily open and close the sorter.
6. Add a shelf or ledge (optional): If you want to add a shelf or ledge, attach it to the inside of the board using screws or nails. This will provide additional storage space for frequently used items.
7. Decorate the sorter (optional): You can add decorative trim or paint to the sorter to give it a personalized touch. Make sure the paint or trim is durable and won't chip or peel easily.
8. Assemble and test: Assemble all the parts and test the sorter to make sure it's sturdy and functional. Add some mail to each compartment to ensure it's working as intended.

Tips and variations:

• Use a pre-made mail sorter kit: If you're not comfortable building a mail sorter from scratch, you can purchase a pre-made kit that includes all the necessary parts.
• Add a label maker: Use a label maker to label each compartment, making it easy to identify which category of mail goes in each one.
• Incorporate a mail tray: Add a small tray or basket to the sorter to hold mail that needs to be sorted or filed.
• Make it portable: Attach casters or a handle to the sorter to make it easy to move around your home or office.
• Add a lock: If you're concerned about security, consider adding a lock to the sorter to keep your mail safe.

With these simple steps, you can create a functional and practical mail sorter that will help keep your mail organized and clutter-free.