Us Postal Service Hold Mail and USPS Service Changes

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A man is standing next to a mailbox
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The US Postal Service (USPS) offers a convenient service called Hold Mail, which allows you to temporarily suspend mail and package delivery while you're away from home.

You can hold your mail for up to 30 days, and the service is available online or by phone.

To request Hold Mail, you'll need to provide your mailing address and the date you'd like to start holding your mail.

The USPS will then suspend mail delivery until the specified date, and you can pick up your mail when you return.

If you're planning a short trip, it's worth considering Hold Mail to keep your mail safe and secure.

How to Make an Online Request

You can make an online request to hold your mail at HoldMail.USPS.com. This is a convenient option if you're unable to visit your local post office.

To get started, the website will verify if a hold mail request is available in your area. Once confirmed, you can fill in the dates and submit to start your mail hold.

Red and White Mail Box
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You can place a hold mail request before 2 a.m. CT and it will begin on the same postal business day, Monday through Saturday. This is a great option if you're planning a last-minute trip.

Make sure to enter firm dates for the days you'll be away, as this will ensure that your mail is held correctly. Don't worry if you're not sure about the exact dates, just enter what you know and the USPS will take care of the rest.

The earliest you can request to hold your mail is 14 days in advance, so plan ahead and make your request early to avoid any delays.

Take a look at this: Us Mail Business Days

USPS Service Changes

The US Postal Service (USPS) has made some changes to its Hold Mail service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes are specific to the Rio Grande District, which covers South Texas and parts of Central and West Texas.

USPS has suspended the 30-day time frame for Hold Mail requests and extended them until May 30, 2020. This means customers can rest assured knowing their mail and packages will be held safely at their local Post Office until that date.

Related reading: Us Mail Changes

Mail Delivery Trucks Parked under Building at Night
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Customers can pick up accumulated mail at their Post Office with proper identification or request redelivery on or before May 30, 2020. This is a great option for those who need to collect their mail quickly.

A two-week grace period has been instituted starting June 1, allowing customers to contact their local Post Office to make arrangements to have their mail held longer. This is helpful for those who need extra time to collect their mail.

The normal policy will be reinstated on June 15, reverting the hold time back to a 30-day period. Customers can contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 with further questions or requests.

Consider reading: Contact Us Mail

What to Do

If you're expecting a package or mail from the US Postal Service and you won't be home to receive it, you can request to have it held at your local post office.

The US Postal Service will hold mail for up to 10 days, giving you time to pick it up at your convenience.

Image of secure outdoor community mailboxes with individual lockers in a row.
Credit: pexels.com, Image of secure outdoor community mailboxes with individual lockers in a row.

You can also ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect the mail on your behalf if you're unable to get to the post office yourself.

To have your mail held, simply fill out a change of address form and indicate that you'd like your mail held at the post office.

Alternative Options

If you really can’t go without your mail while you’re away from home, there's a solution that's worth considering.

The US Postal Service offers a service called Premium Forwarding, which can be a lifesaver for those who need their mail while traveling.

This service costs $13.95 a week, which may seem steep, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

All mail is shipped Priority to your temporary address, so you can rest assured it will arrive quickly.

There is a one-time enrollment fee of $15, but this is a small price to pay for the convenience of receiving your mail while you're away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request hold mail by phone?

Yes, you can request hold mail by phone by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Requests must be made at least one business day in advance.

Could the Post Office be holding my mail?

Check the Post Office's website or contact them directly to see if there are any issues with your mail delivery. You can also check the status of your mail online or at your local post office

How much does it cost to put your mail on hold?

There is no charge to request USPS Hold Mail service. You can put your mail on hold without incurring any additional costs.

How do I hold my mail for 6 months?

To hold your mail for 6 months, visit your local Post Office and complete PS Form 8076, which can be found using the Post Office Locator. This form requires your signature and contact information to authorize mail hold.

What do you do with mail when you leave for 3 months?

Request a mail hold online or at the post office to suspend mail delivery for 3 months, and specify a delivery date to resume mail when you return

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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