Planning an out-of-town trip can be exciting, but it can also come with a lot of tasks to complete before you leave. I always find myself dashing around trying to empty the garbage and water the plants before jumping into the vehicle. One important task to consider is holding your mail while you’re away. This can help prevent identity theft and ensure that your mail doesn’t pile up while you’re gone.
Here are some steps you can take to hold your mail while you’re out of town.
How Long Will You Be Away?
Determining the length of time you will be away should be at the top of your list. This information will help you decide on the appropriate mail-hold duration that best suits your needs. USPS offers several options for holding mail, ranging from a minimum of three days to a maximum of 30 days. If you’re going to be out of town for more than 30 days, you will need to make special arrangements to ensure that your mail is still held safely and securely.
If you’re going on a short business trip, a three-day hold may be sufficient. However, if you’re going on a two-week vacation, a 14-day hold may be more appropriate. It’s important to provide an accurate start and end date for your mail hold to ensure that your mail is held for the correct period.
Step Up Your Mail Hold
After determining the length of your trip and the appropriate mail-hold duration, the next step is to visit the USPS website or your local post office to complete a hold mail request form. This form will ask for information such as your name, address, and the start and end dates of your mailing.
If you choose to complete the form online, you will need to create an online account and provide the same information. It’s important to double-check the information you provide to ensure it’s accurate and up-to-date.
If you choose to visit your local post office to complete the form, you may also have the option to schedule your mail-hold request in person. This can be a good option if you have questions or need additional assistance with your request. It’s a good idea to bring a valid government-issued photo ID with you, as this may be required to verify your identity.
Simply check online for a post office near me and go in to ask for additional information and make more inquiries. They can provide you with information on how to hold your mail online and answer any questions you may have about the process. By using the services of your local post office, you can ensure that your mail is held safely and securely until you return from your trip.
Think of Other Mail
When planning to hold your mail while out of town, it’s important to note that if you have any regular mail deliveries, such as a local newspaper or magazine subscription, you will need to contact those providers directly to put your deliveries on hold. This is because USPS only holds mail that is delivered through their service.
You will need to contact your newspaper or magazine provider and let them know the dates you will be away so they can hold your deliveries for that period. Some providers may allow you to suspend your delivery online, while others may require you to call their customer service line. It’s important to do this well in advance of your trip, as some providers may require a few days’ notice to make changes to your subscription.
Ask family and friends for help
If you’re planning an extended trip or will be away from home for an extended period of time, consider asking a trusted friend or neighbor to collect your mail for you. This can be a good option if you have important mail or packages that you don’t want to be left unattended for an extended period of time.
In short, by following these simple steps, you can ensure that your mail is held safely and securely until you return from your trip. Whether you choose to have your mail held at the post office or delivered to your home upon your return, taking the time to keep your mail can give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your trip without worry.
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