How to Stop Your Mail from Coming to Your House When You're Away

Living with roommates or family members can be challenging, especially when you're on a short or long-term trip. One common concern is ensuring that your personal mail is kept secure and doesn't end up in the wrong hands. Here are practical methods to stop your mail from coming to your house while you're away, so your roommates or family members don't see your personal correspondence.

Options for Holding Your Mail

There are several ways to stop your mail from being delivered while you're away. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Hold Mail Service (USPS)

The USPS Hold Mail Service allows you to halt the delivery of your mail for up to 30 days. During this period, your mail will be kept at the nearest post office, and you can pick it up when you return. This is a convenient option, especially if you're away for a week or more. You can request a hold online or visit your local post office to set it up.

2. Change of Address (COA)

If you have a trusted friend or family member, you can temporarily change your mailing address to theirs. All your mail will be redirected to the new address until you return. Remember to change your address back to your original address once you're back home. This method ensures your privacy and security.

3. PO Box

Renting a PO Box is another effective solution. Your mail can be forwarded to your PO Box, where it remains secure and hidden from your roommates. This is a great option if you'll be away for a significant period and want to maintain your privacy.

4. Contact Your Mail Carrier

If you have a good relationship with your mail carrier, you might be able to request that they hold your mail for a week or more. While this method is informal and may not be as reliable as the official USPS service, it can be worth discussing with your carrier. Let them know about your situation and how you can best be reached to handle any urgent issues.

Security Measures for Your Mail

In addition to stopping the mail delivery, there are extra security measures you can take to protect your mail while it's at the post office or your PO Box:

Personal Mail Hold: When you're away, you can also request a personal mail hold with the USPS. This service allows you to specify that certain mail should not be delivered to your house, even if it's addressed to you. This is particularly useful if you're worried that your roommates or family members might see your personal correspondence.

Post Box: Consider leasing a PO Box at the post office. This provides a stable address that remains unchanged even if you move. It also ensures that your mail is secure and out of sight from your roommates.

Informed Delivery: Sign up for Informed Delivery through USPS. This service allows you to preview your mail online, ensuring that you only receive your personal correspondence and can deal with it at your leisure.

Change of Address (COA) Confirmation: If you submit a COA request, be sure to check for confirmation letters. If you receive an incorrect confirmation, take prompt action to resolve the issue. The confirmation letter should have instructions on what to do if the information is incorrect.

Conclusion

Protecting your privacy and securing your mail is crucial when you're away from home, especially if you live with others. The USPS offers several options to hold your mail, making it easy to manage your correspondence without worrying about roommates or family members seeing your personal mail. Whether you opt for a PO Box or a personal mail hold, these measures help ensure that your mail remains secure and private.