USPS Mail hold, great for vacationers

Back in the day (before internet), vacation planning included arranging for a neighbor to collect the mail. Alternatively, people could go to the post office and request a formal mail hold by filling out a simple form. Our post office isn't convenient to my home, so I usually relied on neighbors. But sometimes, neighbors forget the mail. A stuffed mailbox is an invitation to identity thieves and burglars -- it screams "No one's home!"

Our much maligned USPS offers a solution, the online mail hold. Yep! From the comfort of your own home, you can request a mail hold in less than 60 seconds.

Here's how:

1. Go to the USPS hold mail page: https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/
2. Complete the form. You need only one household adult's name to hold the mail for the entire address.
3. Click the "Check availability" button.
4. On the next screen, complete the rest of the form indicating the mail hold start date, end date and method of delivery.
• I make the end date one day after I expect to return in case of trip delays.
• I always ask the post office to deliver my mail. Why make a trip if I don't have to? 
5. Click submit.
6. Save the confirmation number that appears on the next screen. The post office also sends a confirmation email. Save it, just in case you have problems.

Should your vacation plans change, go to the same page, click on "Edit or cancel another mail hold request" located on the right side of the page and highlighted in blue. Provide the confirmation number and your email or phone. Follow the prompts to cancel or change your mail hold request. It's that easy!

We've used this mail hold tool for years. It provides me peace of mind. With as much as I travel, it also keeps me from burdening my neighbors!

Happy travels!