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When you leave home for an extended trip, one big concern often looms: What happens to your mail? Piled-up envelopes, packages left on your doorstep, or important letters getting lost can be a real worry. Luckily, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a convenient solution—USPS Hold Mail.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pausing your mail delivery, from the basics of how USPS Hold Mail works, to step-by-step instructions for scheduling your request, to best practices for avoiding mail mix-ups when you return
What Is USPS Hold Mail?
USPS Hold Mail is a free service that allows residential customers to temporarily pause mail delivery. Instead of daily delivery to your home mailbox, the USPS will securely store your mail at the local post office until you return.
This prevents mail from piling up, deterring theft or damage.
After the hold period, USPS will resume normal delivery—or you can pick up the held mail in person.
Who Can Request It?
Hold Mail is available for:
Residential addresses: The service is primarily for private residences, including single-family homes or multi-unit buildings.
Short-term or long-term trips: You can request it for any duration within the allowable hold period.
Authorized agents: If you live in a multi-resident household or are looking after someone else’s property, ensure you’re authorized to request a hold for that address.
Why Use USPS Hold Mail?
Security
An overflowing mailbox is a red flag for potential burglars or mail thieves, signaling that you’re away from home.
Convenience
You won’t miss crucial bills, letters, or packages that might get returned to sender or lost.
Avoid Delays
Eliminates the hassle of asking neighbors or friends to collect your mail—USPS handles it professionally.
Free Service
Unlike private mail holds that might cost a fee, the USPS Hold Mail service is available at no cost.
If you’re gone for more than a couple of days, requesting a mail hold removes the stress of worrying about your letters or packages.
How Long Can You Hold Your Mail?
USPS allows customers to hold mail for a minimum of 3 days and up to 30 days. If you require a hold longer than 30 days, you should consider:
Forwarding: Temporarily forwarding mail to your current location if you’ll be away for an extended period.
PO Box: Renting a USPS PO Box to secure your mail, especially if you’re away frequently or for prolonged durations.
For most short-term absences—like weeklong vacations or two-week business trips—a standard Hold Mail request is perfect.
How to Submit a Hold Mail Request
There are three main ways to schedule your USPS Hold Mail: online, by phone, or at a post office. Below, we’ll outline each method step-by-step.
Online
- Go to the USPS Hold Mail website
- Under “Quick Tools,” look for “Hold Mail.”
- Sign In or Create an Account
- You’ll need a USPS.com account to submit the request.
- If you don’t have one, register with your valid email address and create a password.
- Enter Your Address
- Provide the exact address where you want mail held.
- The system will verify if your location is eligible for USPS Hold Mail.
- Choose Start and End Dates
- Start Date: The first day you want the mail paused.
- End Date: The day mail delivery should resume (or the last day of the hold).
- Select Delivery/Pickup Preference
- Deliver All Held Mail: USPS will deliver all accumulated items on the next scheduled delivery day.
- I Will Pick Up My Mail: You can retrieve everything at the post office (bring ID).
- Review and Confirm
- Double-check dates, address accuracy, and contact info.
- Submit your request and note the confirmation number for future reference.
By Phone
- Call USPS Customer Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
- Follow Prompts
- You’ll be guided to an automated system or a representative who can process Hold Mail requests.
- Provide Necessary Details
- Mailing address, requested hold dates, and whether you want to pick up your mail or have it delivered afterward.
Phone requests typically require you to do so at least one day in advance of the desired start date.
At the Post Office
- Visit Your Local Branch
- Go to the nearest post office that services your address.
- Fill Out a PS Form 8076 (Authorization to Hold Mail)
- Provide your name, address, and the hold dates.
- Submit and Verify
- A postal employee may confirm your identity, address, and preferred method of retrieving held mail.
- Keep any receipt or confirmation you receive.
Picking Up Your Held Mail or Resuming Delivery
Once your hold period ends, you can pick up your mail or have it delivered in bulk on the next delivery day—depending on the preference you indicated.
Picking Up at the Post Office
Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name and address on the Hold Mail request.
A clerk will locate and hand over your accumulated mail.
Resuming Normal Delivery
Mail delivery automatically resumes the day after your end date.
All accumulated mail is typically delivered that same day, though timing can vary based on volume.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
Plan Ahead
Schedule your hold at least one day before you need it to start—earlier if possible.
Verify Confirmation
Always save or print the email confirmation or jot down the confirmation number.
Double-check that you listed the correct start/end dates.
Coordinate with Multiple Residents
If you share your mailbox with family members or roommates, ensure everyone knows about the hold to avoid confusion or accidental cancellations.
Extend If Needed
If your return is delayed, contact USPS to see if you can adjust or extend the hold period (up to the 30-day maximum).
Be Mindful of Packages
USPS will hold packages delivered via Priority Mail and other USPS services. However, private carriers like UPS and FedEx won’t be held at the post office. For those, you may need to arrange separate holds:
FAQ
Can I put my mail on hold for more than 30 days?
No. The standard USPS Hold Mail service only covers up to 30 days. If you need a longer-term solution, consider forwarding your mail or arranging a temporary address at a friend’s home or private mailbox service.
What if I submitted the wrong dates or address?
You can modify or cancel your hold request online (using your USPS account) or by calling USPS Customer Service. Just have your confirmation number handy.
Do I have to pay for the USPS Hold Mail service?
No. Hold Mail is a free service provided by USPS to residential customers.
Will USPS also hold my packages?
Yes, USPS will hold packages shipped via their services (Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, etc.). However, UPS, FedEx, or other private carriers will not be held by USPS.
Can I request Hold Mail for a PO Box?
Generally, no. PO Boxes already accumulate mail until you pick it up. However, you can adjust the frequency of mail collection or request a different USPS box size if needed.
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