Whether you have your mail delivered to your door, to a freestanding mailbox or to an apartment complex mailroom box, it's important for security reasons to stop mail delivery when you go on vacations. Mail not being picked up is something thieves notice. In the case of apartment mailboxes, they may be too small to hold all the mail that arrives while you're gone. To stop mail delivery during your vacation, simply visit the U.S. Postal Service website and provide the proper information to take advantage of this free service.

Go to Usps.com using your Internet browser. Click the "All Products & Services" link at the top of the page. On the left side of the page you're taken to, select the "Put Your Mail on Hold" link.

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Enter your zip code in the "Create a Request" box and click "Go." Fill out your customer information, including your name, mailing address and phone number. There is also the Privacy Act Statement for you to read and agree to before you click "Continue" with your request to stop mail delivery.

Verify your information against the standardized mailing address the post office has for you on file. You can either edit your information here or continue.

Select the date you want to stop mail delivery, which will most likely be the first day of your vacation, and choose a "Resume mail delivery" date, most likely the day you return or the first day after your return. You can also specify whether you would like the post office to deliver your accumulated mail to you or whether you will pick up your mail at the post office. There is also a box where you can enter any additional instructions.

Hit "Continue." You will see a recap of your dates to stop and resume mail delivery and any instructions you gave. If you need to make any changes, click "No" and you'll be able to edit your information. If you're ready to confirm your hold mail request, click "Yes."

Print out the confirmation notice containing all your information. If you chose to pick up your mail at the post office, take it with you to make it easier for the clerk to retrieve your accumulated mail.

Tip

  • Mail can be held from three to 30 days, and same-day service requests must be made by 2 a.m. Central time for same day service.

Tip

  • Not all zip codes will have access to this online service.

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