How Do I Hold My Mail While on Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

Going on vacation is always exciting, but one thing that can be a hassle is figuring out what to do with your mail while you’re away. You don’t want it piling up in your mailbox or risking it getting stolen. Fortunately, there are several options available for holding your mail while you’re on vacation.

Hold Mail Service

The most straightforward option is to use the United States Postal Service’s Hold Mail Service. This service allows you to request that your mail be held at your local Post Office for up to 30 days. You can make the request online, by phone, or by visiting your local Post Office in person.

How to Request Hold Mail Service

To request Hold Mail Service online, simply visit the USPS website and fill out the online form. You’ll need to provide your name and address, as well as the dates that you want your mail held. You can also choose whether you want to pick up your mail at the Post Office or have it delivered to your home on the date of your choosing.

If you prefer to make the request by phone, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and follow the prompts. You’ll need to provide the same information as you would online.

If you’d rather make the request in person, simply visit your local Post Office and ask for a hold mail form. Fill out the form with your information and drop it off at the counter.

Ask a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

Another option is to ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail while you’re away. This can be especially helpful if you’re expecting any important packages or documents that need immediate attention.

Make sure that whoever you ask is reliable and trustworthy, as they’ll have access to sensitive information like bank statements and bills.

Temporary Forwarding

If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, you may want to consider temporary mail forwarding. This service allows you to have your mail forwarded to a different address for up to six months.

To request temporary forwarding, visit the USPS website or your local Post Office and fill out a change of address form. You’ll need to provide your current address, the address you want your mail forwarded to, and the dates that you want the forwarding to take place.

Conclusion

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to make sure that your mail is taken care of while you’re on vacation. Hold Mail Service, asking a trusted neighbor or friend, and temporary forwarding are all great options that will give you peace of mind while you’re away.