YouTuber James Music has shown off a neat project which lets them know whenever they receive mail. Technically this isn’t an ESPHome project as they have used Tasmota flashed on to a LOLIN D1 mini but since ESPHome also supports servos it should be possible to port. Though the creator has mentioned on Reddit that they had problems doing so.
You will have to have made your actual mailbox smart for this project to work. Home Assistant needs to somehow know whether you have gotten mail. The original creator uses door break sensors but the same could be done using a cleverly placed Aqara door/window sensor.
Parts needed for the mini mailbox
This project requires that you own or have access to a 3D printer. The mini mailbox itself is 3D-printed and all of the parts are available on Thingiverse. You will also need a LOLIN/Wemos D1 mini, an SG90 9G servo, some wires, and a soldering stations. If you want to go the extra mile you can paint the mini mailbox or print it using different coloured filaments.
LOLIN D1 mini
A small and reliable ESP8266 board.
Wire
Needed for soldering and always good to have around.
Creality Ender 3
The 3D printer I’d buy if I had the finances.
Soldering station
Invest in a decent soldering station for projects like this one.
SG90 9G Micro Servo Motor
Used to actuate the arm of the mini mailbox.