How Can I Put a Hold on My Postal Mail?

by Anytime Mailbox

February 8, 2022 | 3 min read

If you’re moving or traveling, a priority is making sure your important letters and packages don’t get lost in the shuffle or end up in the wrong hands.

One option is to request that the United States Postal Service (USPS) hold your mail.

Three Ways To Hold Your Mail Delivery

Remember that you’ve got a short window when you put your mail on hold. USPS will only hold your mail for up to 30 days.

If you opt to go this route, there are three ways to submit a USPS stop mail request.

1. In Person

Pop over to the post office and ask the clerk to put a hold on your mail. If you need to find out where your local post office is, you can:
- Contact your local USPS office to get an exact address. You can look up “my local USPS phone number” and contact their office.
- You can go to the USPS website and use the office locator tool.
You’ll need to provide the clerk with a printed and completed USPS Form 8076 that authorizes the post office to hold your mail and temporarily stop service to your home.

2. Phone

You can also initiate your USPS mail hold over the phone. Just dial 1-800-ASK-USPS or call your local post office. If you can reach a clerk in person, they’ll be able to walk you through the steps.

3. Online Request

You can also pop online and submit your hold request. First, you’ll need to create a new USPS account if you don’t already have one.
Careful though. Depending on your address, an online mail hold is only sometimes available. If your address is a no-go, you’ll have to get out of your jam jams and swing by the post office in person to process the request.
You’ll have to verify your identity if you request your hold online. If there are any hiccups, you’ll have to wait 3-5 days for USPS to send you a verification code by first-class snail mail. Plan just in case. You never know.

Why You May Need the Post Office To Hold Your Mail

USPS will hold anything normally sent to your address during your hold period, including packages, letters, priority mail, certified mail, and junk mail.

Remember, asking the post office to hold your mail is only a temporary fix, but the following situations could make it something to consider:

1. You’ve Changed Your Address Permanently

When preparing to move, a good way to avoid losing mail is to ask the Post Office to hold your stuff until you’re moved in at your new address. Once you’re settled into your new digs, you can resume your service by going to the post office or online to fill out the USPS Change-of-Address form.

2. You Plan On Traveling For an Extended Period

When you’re trying to enjoy your nomadic lifestyle, the last thing you need is to stress about porch pirates jacking a package or mail thieves rummaging through your mailbox and partying with your identity. Stopping mail from piling up at your door or in your mailbox is a no-brainer.
If it’s within the USPS 30-day max hold period, when you return to your home base, your mail carrier can drop by with your stored mail. If you have too much piled up, you’ll need to bring your ID and pick it up yourself. Fair enough.

Are There Better Options?

While a USPS Mail Hold request is fairly easy, other options exist. If you’re someone who needs to relocate every so often, putting your mail on hold and filing for a change of address every single time might not be the most efficient way to manage how you receive your mail and packages.

The modern way to handle your mail is by setting up a virtual mailbox. A virtual mailbox lets you receive your incoming packages, letters, and certified mail to a safe and secure physical address.

You can set up a virtual mailbox one time and by receiving notifications for incoming postal mail and packages,and giving instructions through an app on your phone, you can have a permanent address for life.

In a global economy where opportunities can be cities away and you need to move at the drop of a hat, and remote work is changing the way we go to the office, the convenience of a virtual mailbox often becomes a necessity that makes relocation easier.

Anytime Mailbox makes setting up a virtual mailbox fast and easy. Just choose any address you’d prefer from the vast global list. Plans start at $6.99 per month.

A crucial part of the sign-up process is completing and submitting a notarized USPS Form 1583. This applies for traditional P.O. Boxes as it does for virtual mailboxes. After signing up and submitting all requirements, you can now manage your mail anytime, anywhere, from your computer or smartphone.

Once your virtual mailbox is activated, you’ll get notifications when you’ve received something. You can securely access and view images of your mail items. Then you can request to open and scan, shred, store, recycle, forward, or schedule for pick-up at your convenience.

With Anytime Mailbox, no need to go through the hassles of putting a USPS hold on your mail. You’ll have control. For as long as you need. From wherever you are.

And instead of USPS or a porch pirate deciding what to do with your mail, it’s all you.

Roam freely. Sleep soundly.