Going on a vacation is always a great idea. However, when you are away from home, it’s important to ensure that your mail is not piling up in the mailbox.
Not only does it make your house look unoccupied, but it also increases the risk of identity theft. Fortunately, there are several ways to stop mail delivery while you’re on vacation.
1. Request a Hold Mail Service
One of the easiest ways to stop mail delivery while on vacation is by requesting a Hold Mail Service from your local post office. You can either visit the post office in person or do it online through USPS.com. This service allows you to hold your mail for up to 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days if needed.
To request a Hold Mail Service, you will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and the start and end date for holding your mail. You will also need to select whether you want to pick up your held mail at the post office or have it delivered when you return.
2. Ask a Trusted Neighbor
Another option is to ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail while you’re away. This works well if you trust them with access to your mailbox and they are willing to help out.
Make sure that they know when you’re leaving and returning so that they can collect and hold onto your mail until then. You may also want to leave them with a key or give them instructions on how to access your mailbox.
3. Contact Your Mail Subscriptions
If you receive regular deliveries such as magazines or newspapers, it’s best to contact the service provider directly and request that they stop delivery while you’re away. Most subscription services have an online portal where you can manage deliveries or customer service phone number where you can call them directly.
Alternatively, if there’s someone you trust who is also interested in the delivery, you can ask them to receive it for you while you’re away.
4. Set Up a Mail Forwarding Service
If your vacation is going to be longer than a month or two, it may be best to set up a mail forwarding service. This service will forward all your mail to a different address, such as a trusted friend or family member.
To set up this service, you will need to visit your local post office or USPS.com and fill out the appropriate form. There may be a fee for this service, but it’s worth considering if you’re going to be away for an extended period.
Conclusion
Stopping mail delivery while on vacation is crucial for maintaining the security of your home and preventing identity theft. Whether you choose to request a Hold Mail Service, ask a trusted neighbor, contact your mail subscriptions directly, or set up a mail forwarding service, make sure that you do it well in advance of your departure date.
Remember that each option has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that works best for your situation. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing that your mail is taken care of.