How to Stop USPS Mail Delivery

How Does USPS Hold Mail Work?

1. 1. First, check to ensure Hold Mail is available to you.

   On the USPS website,fill out your informationon the online form to learn if you can use this service.

   (Note: Hold Mail holds mail per address, not per individual, so be sure your family or housemates agree to the service.) You may also call 1-800-ASK-USPS, or visit your local Post Office.

2. 2. Next, choose your dates.

   How long do you need your mail held by USPS? Be aware that Hold Mail isn’t intended for changes in residence, or for periods longer than 30 days. For longer-term temporary delivery, such as for a summer home or for a college student living at school, you’ll want to look into USPS Forward Mail Service or USPS Premium Forwarding Service. If you’re permanently changing your residence, fill out a Change of Address form.

3. 3. Decide how you’ll get your mail once your Hold Mail Service ends.

   Either pick up your held items directly from your local Post Office, or request that your postal carrier deliver the accumulated mail to your home after your Hold Mail end date. (Don’t forget your photo ID if you choose to pick up your mail at the Post Office, you’ll need to present it in order to have your held mail turned over to you.)

4. 4. Delivery returns to its original schedule the day after your End Hold Date.

   For example, if your End Hold date was October 4, regular operations will resume on October 5.

What Else Should I Know About Hold Mail?

• Plan ahead … or not!If you want Hold Mail Service, you can let the Post Office know as far out as 30 days from your initial hold date, or as late as the day before your next scheduled delivery date.
• Be prepared for the onslaught of mail when your Hold Mail option ends.Understand that deliverable held mail only applies to pieces that fit in your mail receptacle. For larger items and packages, or if the volume of held mail doesn’t fit in your mailbox on your requested re-delivery day, you’ll receive a notice to pick up the remainder directly from the Post Office.
• Have a plan for non-USPS deliveries.If you receive shipments from carriers other than USPS, be sure a friend or neighbor is checking your door for you, or contact the shippers directly to see if they too offer options for holding or redelivering pieces.