When we think about planning a vacation, the last thing we think about when we are packing for a trip is our mail. But it turns out that you can temporarily suspend mail delivery with the United States Postal Service (USPS). This way, your mailbox doesn’t get crammed with magazines and catalogs from local businesses, and it also prevents identity thieves from using your mailbox as an invitation to shady activities.
The United States Postal Service makes it easy for travelers to hold or stop mail delivery temporarily when you are going to be out of town on vacation or business trips. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a safe and secure temporary mail hold with USPS.
How To Stop Mail Temporarily?
Until recently, you could stop the mail by sending your address to the US postal service. However, the government has tightened rules related to stopping the mail. Follow the steps below to hold mail from the US postal service temporarily.
1) Submit the request
You can send a request online, in person, or over the phone. If you want to fill a request in-person, go to the local post office. Fill and submit the Form 8076 Authorization to USPS Hold Mail. Keep your confirmation number on the file before dropping it off.
If you want to request the phone call the following number: 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777). Requests made over the phone or in-person to hold mail should get finished one day before going into effect.
The best way to temporarily stop your mail is to request it online. You can make changes or cancel your request anytime when you do it online.
2) Create and access the online account.
Create a USPS account and submit your request for temporarily holding mail. If you create it for the family member, you will require their security questions, email id, home address, and phone number.
3) Ensure to Check Availability
All home addresses are not eligible for holding mail temporarily. You can check the availability of the service by clicking on the “Check Availability” tab. Move to the next test if the service is available. If not, go back to step 1 and submit your request over the phone or in person.
4) Verify your Identity
Verify your mobile number while accessing the service. This extra step ensures security and prevents identity theft.
5) Select the Dates
The last step is to select the dates for the service. The USPS allows you to hold mail for 3 to 30 days. Select the start and end dates of the service to finish the procedure. You can also choose how you would like to receive your mail after returning home. Pick up your mail in person.
What To Do If Away For More Than 30 Days?
If you are going away from home for more than 30 days, you can choose to forward the mail to a temporary address.
“Regular Forward Mail” Service
Regular forward mail is your best option, you have to pay $1.05 to verify identity. After the payment, you can choose to forward your mail and the new address for 15 days to one year. Navigate to Quick Tools, and select the “Change My Address” option.
Premium Forwarding Service Residential
If you want to receive your mail in bulk, choose the premium forwarding service residential option. It requires you to pay $21.10 every week and an enrollment fee. You can receive all your important mail in bulk. You can use this service for two weeks to one year.
How To Stop Mail Permanently?
People need to stop the mail service of their deceased loved ones. Here are the steps to stop mail for a deceased person:
- The Data and Marketing Association (DMA) allows users to stop the mail of their deceased loved ones. The DMA provides the service without any charge. Without a fee, you can ensure that your loved one stops receiving advertisements within three months.
- Submit a request and the local post office for the same. Ensure to carry your documents proving that you are the executor for the deceased person. You will also need a death certificate. Alternatively, you can choose to forward the mail to a different address following the steps mentioned before.
Conclusion
USPS Hold Mail service is a great option for travelers who might not be back when their mail first arrives. Your mail will be held safely at your local post office, and you can have it rerouted to your temporary address, sent to an alternate location, or even returned back home. With USPS Hold Mail®, you can save yourself from the hassle of having to wonder if you received that important package in the mailbox before leaving on vacation.
