Going on vacation is an exciting time, but it can be stressful trying to keep up with your regular responsibilities while you’re away. One of those responsibilities may be checking your mail. Fortunately, there are several ways to stop mail delivery while you’re on vacation.
Option 1: Hold Mail
The first and easiest option is to put your mail on hold with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can request a hold online at USPS.com or by visiting your local post office.
When you put your mail on hold, USPS will keep it at the post office until you return from vacation. Then they’ll deliver it all at once.
Here’s how to put your mail on hold online:
- Go to USPS.com and click “Hold Mail” under the “Quick Tools” menu.
- Fill out the required information, including your name, address, and dates for which you want your mail held.
- Submit the request.
Option 2: Ask a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Another option is to ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail for you while you’re away. This is a good option if you have important mail that can’t be held by USPS or if you don’t want to risk missing important letters or packages.
Here’s how to ask someone to collect your mail:
- Contact a neighbor or friend and ask if they would be willing to collect your mail.
- If they agree, provide them with a key or instructions on how to access your mailbox.
- Make sure they know when you’ll be returning home so they can stop collecting your mail.
Option 3: Install a Mailbox Lock
If you don’t want anyone collecting your mail while you’re away, you can install a mailbox lock. This will prevent anyone from accessing your mailbox and taking your mail. You can purchase mailbox locks at most hardware stores or online.
Here’s how to install a mailbox lock:
- Purchase a mailbox lock that’s compatible with your mailbox.
- Remove the old lock from your mailbox.
- Install the new lock according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Option 4: Forward Your Mail
If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, you may want to have your mail forwarded to another address. This is especially helpful if you’re moving or planning on staying in one place for an extended period of time.
Here’s how to forward your mail:
- Go to USPS.com and click “Change of Address” under the “Quick Tools” menu.
- Fill out the required information, including your old address, new address, and the dates for which you want your mail forwarded.
Tips for Stopping Mail Delivery While on Vacation
While these options will help stop mail delivery while you’re on vacation, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
Notify Creditors and Service Providers
If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to let your creditors and service providers know. This includes credit card companies, banks, utilities, and other companies that bill you regularly.
Don’t Postpone Bills
Even though you’re on vacation, bills still need to be paid. Make sure you pay any bills that are due while you’re away before leaving.
Suspend Newspaper Delivery
If you subscribe to a newspaper, you’ll want to suspend delivery while you’re away. Most newspapers allow you to do this online or by calling customer service.
Set Up Automatic Lights
To make it appear as though someone is home, set up automatic lights that turn on and off at different times throughout the day.
Stopping mail delivery while on vacation is an important step in protecting your home and identity. By taking advantage of these options, you can relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about your mail.