Utilizing the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a US citizen’s privilege that aids in sending and receiving letters, documents, packages, and more with ease and reliability. However, what happens when you’re out of town or for any reason you need to stop the inflow of mail temporarily? The USPS offers solutions for that, also making it possible to find my post office and get these processes done conveniently.
A Need for Stopping Mail
The USPS mail stoppage is particularly handy in instances where you’re planning to be out of town for a reasonable length of time, perhaps for vacation, business trip or any form of temporal displacement from your regular place of residence. It is beneficial to avoid an unsightly pileup of mail, sensitive letters exposure, and safety hazards.
How to Stop Mail USPS
Stopping your mail via USPS comes with two options. First, doing it in person and second, leveraging the online service.
In-person Mail Stoppage
To stop mail through in-person service, you’ll need to visit your local post office. Ask for the mail hold service form (PS Form 8076) from the teller, fill it, and then submit it. The USPS would hold your mail based on the submitted form.
Online Mail Stoppage
Stopping mail online is convenient and only requires you to visit the USPS website.
- Start by visiting the USPS’s website.
- Next, navigate to the “Manage Your Mail” section and then click on the “Hold Mail” service.
- Here, you’ll fill in your mailing address information to find my post office that serves your address, then verify the identity online.
- Once verified, specify the hold mail start and end dates (note: USPS can hold your mail for 3 to 30 days).
- Finally, choose your preferred method of receiving the held mail after the hold dates.
Important Notice
It’s noteworthy to mention that stopping your USPS mail does not mean it’s cancelled entirely. Rather, it’s kept secure at your local post office until the hold period elapses and delivery resumes or you pick it up. Various postal services like Media Mail, USPS Retail Ground, or Priority Mail Express items not applicable for the hold mail service must be picked up.
Conclusion
Whether you’re going on vacation or would be absent from your domicile for a while, the USPS ‘Stop Mail’ service is an effective method to ensure your letters and packages’ safety. It provides convenience to find my post office and should be leveraged when the need arises. Remember, the service is there to provide a safer and more efficient way of managing your mails.