How to Put Your Mail on Hold While You're Away

Letting your mailbox overflow while you're on vacation is an indication to thieves that your house is unoccupied. Put your mail on hold instead, and have a worry-free vacation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine the number of days that you will be away from home. The U.S. Postal Service can hold your mail for 3 to 30 days.
2. Go to your local post office.
3. Request a mail hold form.
4. Fill out the form, making sure to indicate your dates of departure and return.
5. Mail the form to the Postal Service or give it to a clerk at the post office.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be out of town for more than 30 days, ask the Postal Service about making a special arrangement to hold your mail. Consider asking a neighbor to pick up your mail after the 30 days are up.
• If you don't know your date of return, call the post office a day in advance to ask for resumed delivery or to arrange to pick up your mail.