How to Hold Mail Delivery

It's a good idea to have your mail delivery temporarily stopped when you know you're going to be gone for more than a couple of days. While the idea of getting away for a while is an inviting one, it requires time and forethought to plan for your absence from home. This part, however, is probably the easiest one.

Going to the Post Office to Have Mail Delivery Held

1. Talk to your postmaster at the post office. Post offices may be closed for an hour during lunch, so check on the hours of operation before you head out.  


2. Tell the postmaster you plan on being out of town for a few days and ask him what he or she needs from you. He or she will hand you a card.


3. Fill in the card and get it back in a timely manner.


4. Drop it in your mailbox if you cannot get to the post office during business hours.


5. Talk to your mail carrier about holding mail delivery if you are unable to get to the post office. He or she can bring the form along, drop it off and pick it back up for you.

Going Online to Have Your Mail Delivery Held

1. Go to www.usps.com.


2. Hold your mouse over "Manage Your Mail" in the wide blue navigation header near the top of the page. A drop-down menu will appear.


3. Click on "Hold Mail" in the drop-down menu.


4. Fill in all the information about your name and address in the top section and fill in the information about the dates for your departure and return on the lower section.


5. Click "Submit" at the bottom right corner of the form.