Vacations have many advantages, but one drawback is that your mail piles up in your mailbox while you’re away.
To avoid this, you can arrange a “hold mail request” with your nearby post office, which is free of charge and ensures that your mail is kept safe until you return.
Did you know? The USPS provides various useful services such as Informed Delivery, temporary forwarding, and mail holds to assist in managing mail while you’re away from home.
How the USPS Hold Mail Request Service Works?
To request a USPS Hold Mail service, you have the option to do so as early as 30 days before your planned absence or as soon as the following day. It is important to note that the minimum duration for holding your mail is three days, while the maximum is 30 days, which is sufficient for most regular vacations or trips.
Also Read: USPS Insufficient Address: How to fix it?
However, before initiating a mail hold, you’ll need to create an account with the United States Postal Service (USPS) if you haven’t already. This is a crucial step in the identity verification process of the USPS, so it’s advisable to plan ahead and allow for extra time.
Please keep in mind that this service is only applicable to mails and packages delivered by USPS. If you’re expecting deliveries from other carriers such as UPS or FedEx, you’ll need to make separate arrangements for those.
Alternative: Planning a long trip out of town? One handy tip to ensure your mail doesn’t pile up is to arrange mail forwarding to a trusted friend or family member, which can cost as little as $1.05.
Here’s How To Set Up a Mail Hold Request
In this guide, I will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to initiate a USPS hold mail request using three different methods: Over the Phone, In person, and Online (via the USPS website).
Over the Phone
If you need to place a USPS Vacation Mail Hold, there are a few different methods you can use. One option is to call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and request assistance from an agent.
While this method may not be the most convenient, as the agent will need to verify your identity, they will be able to guide you through the necessary steps.
Another option is to obtain the required form yourself, fill it out completely, and submit it to your mail carrier, drop it in a Postal collection box, place it in your mailbox, or give it directly to a Post Office employee.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to ensure that your mail is securely held during your absence to prevent theft or other issues.
In-person
Another method for requesting a hold on your mail is to personally visit a post office near you. To locate your nearest post office, use the convenient online post office locator.
Once at the post office, you will be required to complete the official Postal Service form (i.e. PS Form 8076) that authorizes the hold mail service.
Keep in mind that if you choose to submit your request in-person or over the phone, it must be done before the close of business on that particular day to ensure that your mail is held by the next delivery day.
To avoid any potential delays, it’s recommended that you initiate the process well in advance of the start date for your mail hold.
Online
To initiate a hold mail request online, visit the United States Postal Service’s official page and follow the provided instructions:
- Go to the USPS official website and register for a free account.
- After that, visit holdmail.usps.com/holdmail
- Enter your address to check if the mail-holding service is available in your area.
- If the service is available, verify your identity using your phone number.
- Once your identity is confirmed, select the dates for which you want to hold your mail and submit your request.
- You can choose to have your mail held for up to 30 days and can also specify the date for resuming mail delivery.
- The service is free, and you can cancel or modify your request at any time.
Summary
Initiating a mail hold with USPS may have a few idiosyncrasies, but it remains a straightforward process. Moreover, it comes at no cost, making it a viable option to avoid cluttering your mailbox during your absence.
Don’t let your mail accumulate unattended any longer!