Ultimate Guide: How to Pause Mail Delivery and Hold Packages While You're Away

Introduction

Whether you're embarking on a relaxing vacation, heading out for an extended business trip, or dealing with an unexpected emergency, there may come a time when you need to temporarily pause your mail and package deliveries. Letting your mailbox overflow or having packages pile up on your doorstep can lead to security risks and missed important communications. Fortunately, major carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer convenient mail holding services to keep your items safe while you're away.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to put a hold on your mail, how to temporarily stop mail delivery, and how to ensure your packages are securely held until you return. We'll cover the specifics for each major carrier, including how long you can hold mail, associated costs, and the step-by-step process to set up these services.

Understanding Mail Hold Services

Before we dive into the specifics for each carrier, let's cover some general information about mail holding services:

What is a Mail Hold?

A mail hold or vacation hold is a service offered by postal and shipping companies that temporarily suspends delivery to your address for a specified period. Instead of being delivered, your mail and packages are securely stored at the local post office or shipping facility until you're ready to receive them.

Why Use a Mail Hold Service?

There are several reasons why you might want to use a mail hold service:

• Security: Prevent mail and packages from piling up, which can signal to potential thieves that your home is unoccupied.
• Convenience: Avoid the hassle of asking neighbors or friends to collect your mail.
• Prevent Returns: Some carriers will only attempt delivery a few times before returning items to the sender.
• Peace of Mind: Relax on your trip knowing your important mail and packages are safely stored.

How Long Can You Hold Mail?

The duration for which you can hold mail varies by carrier, but typically ranges from 3 to 30 days. We'll cover the specific timeframes for each carrier in the sections below.

How to Hold Mail with USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a free and convenient Hold Mail service that can be easily set up through multiple channels.

USPS Hold Mail Options

You can request a USPS mail hold:

• Online
• By phone
• In person at your local post office

How to Hold Mail Online with USPS

To set up a mail hold online:

1. Visit the USPS website and navigate to the Hold Mail service page.
2. Sign up for an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Verify that the service is available in your area by entering your address.
4. Provide a valid mobile number for identification.
5. Answer the required security questions.
6. Specify the number of days you want to hold your mail (between 3 and 30 days).
7. Choose how you want to retrieve your mail once the hold period ends.
8. Submit your request and note the confirmation number provided.

How to Hold Mail by Phone with USPS

To set up a mail hold by phone:

1. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) during business hours.
2. Request a mail hold service from the customer service representative.
3. Provide your address and the dates for the hold.
4. Note the confirmation number provided.

How to Hold Mail in Person with USPS

To set up a mail hold in person:

1. Visit your local post office during business hours.
2. Request and fill out a Hold Mail form (you can also print and fill out the form in advance).
3. Provide identification to verify your address.
4. Submit the form to a postal worker.

USPS Hold Mail Duration and Costs

USPS will hold your mail for free for 3 to 30 calendar days. If you need to hold your mail for longer than 30 days, you'll need to set up a mail forwarding service instead.

Retrieving Your Mail After a USPS Hold

When your hold period ends, USPS will deliver all accumulated mail to your address. If the volume is too large for your mailbox, you may need to pick it up at the post office. You can also request to pick up your held mail at the post office before the end of the hold period if needed.

How to Hold Packages with FedEx

FedEx offers a Vacation Hold service that allows you to temporarily suspend delivery of your packages.

FedEx Vacation Hold Options

To use FedEx's Vacation Hold service, you'll need to sign up for a free FedEx Delivery Manager account. This can be done online or through their mobile app.

How to Set Up a FedEx Vacation Hold

1. Sign up for or log into your FedEx Delivery Manager account.
2. Navigate to the Vacation Hold option.
3. Enter the start and end dates for your hold (up to 14 days).
4. Choose where you want your packages held (FedEx Office, Walgreens, Dollar General, or other partner locations).
5. Confirm your hold request.

FedEx Hold Duration and Costs

FedEx's Vacation Hold service is free for FedEx Delivery Manager account holders. You can hold your packages for up to 14 days.

Retrieving Your Packages After a FedEx Hold

After your hold period ends, FedEx will resume delivery of your packages. You can also choose to pick up your packages from the selected hold location.

How to Hold Packages with UPS

UPS offers a Hold for Pickup service through their UPS My Choice program.

UPS Hold Package Options

With UPS My Choice, you have several options for managing your deliveries:

• Hold at a UPS Access Point location
• Hold at a UPS Customer Center
• Hold for Will Call (pickup at a UPS facility)
• Deliver to a neighbor
• Provide delivery instructions

How to Set Up a UPS Hold

1. Sign up for or log into your UPS My Choice account.
2. Select the package you want to hold.
3. Choose your preferred hold option.
4. Specify the hold duration (up to 7 days).
5. Confirm your hold request.

UPS Hold Duration and Costs

UPS My Choice members can hold packages for free for up to 7 calendar days at UPS Stores and UPS Access Point locations. Holds at UPS Customer Centers are limited to 5 business days. Some services, like changing the delivery address, may incur additional fees unless you're a premium UPS My Choice member.

Retrieving Your Packages After a UPS Hold

After your hold period ends, UPS will resume delivery to your address. Alternatively, you can pick up your packages from the designated hold location.

How to Hold Shipments with DHL

DHL offers an Express Holiday Hold service for temporarily suspending deliveries.

DHL Hold Options

Through DHL's On-Demand Delivery service, you can:

• Hold packages at a DHL Service Center
• Request delivery to a neighbor or building management
• Pick up from a DHL ServicePoint or Locker

How to Set Up a DHL Hold

1. Sign up for DHL's On-Demand Delivery service.
2. Log into your account.
3. Select the Express Holiday Hold option.
4. Specify the hold duration.
5. Choose your preferred hold or delivery option.
6. Confirm your request.

DHL Hold Duration and Costs

DHL's Express Holiday Hold service is free for On-Demand Delivery customers. Packages are typically held for up to 7 days.

Retrieving Your Packages After a DHL Hold

After your hold period ends, DHL will resume delivery to your address. You can also choose to pick up your packages from the designated DHL service point.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mail Holds

How do I put a hold on my mail for longer than 30 days?

If you need to hold your mail for longer than 30 days, you'll typically need to set up a mail forwarding service instead of a hold. Contact your local post office or the specific carrier for options on extended holds or forwarding services.

Can I extend my mail hold?

In most cases, yes. You can usually extend your mail hold by contacting the carrier before the original hold period ends. However, there may be limitations on how long you can extend the hold.

What happens if I forget to set up a mail hold before I leave?

If you've already left and forgot to set up a mail hold, you may still be able to do so online or by phone. However, it's always best to set up the hold well in advance of your departure to ensure it takes effect in time.

Will my mail be delivered immediately when the hold ends?

In most cases, yes. Carriers typically resume normal delivery the day after your hold period ends. However, if you've accumulated a large volume of mail, it may take a day or two to deliver everything.

Can I pick up my held mail before the end of the hold period?

Yes, most carriers allow you to pick up your held mail or packages before the end of the hold period. You'll typically need to visit the local post office or designated pickup location and provide identification.

Conclusion

Knowing how to pause mail delivery and hold packages is an essential skill for anyone who travels or needs to be away from home for an extended period. By utilizing the hold mail and package services offered by USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, you can ensure your important correspondence and deliveries remain safe and secure until you return.

Remember to plan ahead and set up your mail hold well before your departure date. Each carrier has its own processes and limitations, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the specifics for your preferred shipping company. With these tools at your disposal, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your mail and packages are in good hands.

Whether you're wondering how to hold the mail, how to put a hold on your mail, or how to temporarily stop mail delivery, the options outlined in this guide provide flexible solutions for a variety of needs. By taking advantage of these services, you can keep your home secure, prevent missed deliveries, and avoid the hassle of overflowing mailboxes or returned packages.

So the next time you're planning a trip or extended absence, don't forget to include setting up a mail hold in your pre-travel checklist. It's a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble and provide valuable peace of mind while you're away.