How to Hold Mail with USPS

Just about the time you start thinking about preparing for that long-awaited trip, you start to realize there are some things you forgot to find out about. Fortunately, having your mail held by the USPS is not at all difficult and you don't even have to leave home to do it. And if you feel uncomfortable doing it online, you can still do it the old-fashion way.

Having Your Mail Held the Old-Fashion Way

1. Take a trip to the post office during business hours, but note that they are typically closed an hour for lunch.


2. Speak to your postmaster and tell him or her that you are going to be out of town for a while.


3. Fill out the card in its entirety that the postmaster gives you on the spot if you have time. It only requests simple information like your name and address and about the dates you are leaving and returning.


4. Take the card home and fill it out later if you don't have time to do it at the post office. You can do this if the post office is very busy, as well.


5. Return the card to the postmaster well in advance of your departure. Conversely, you may leave it in the mailbox for your carrier to pick up and return.


6. Let your carrier know about your departure, also.

Online Alternative to Having Your Mail Held

1. Visit the USPS' web site at www.usps.com.


2. Note the blue navigation bar near the top of the page.


3. Hover over "Manage Mail" in the blue header. A menu will appear.


4. Select "Hold Mail" from that menu.


5. Fill in all the information requested in the form. It is only simple information that they need to perform this service for you.


6. Click on "Submit" when you are finished and follow any further instructions.