Can the post office just hold my mail permanently

The eternal question!

Unfortunately, the United States Postal Service (USPS) cannot hold your mail permanently. Here's why:

Mail is considered abandoned after 30 days: According to USPS regulations, mail is considered abandoned if it's not claimed or retrieved within 30 days of delivery. After this period, the post office is authorized to dispose of the mail.
Holding mail is not a standard service: While the USPS offers a "Hold Mail" service, which allows you to temporarily hold your mail while you're away, this service is only available for a limited time (usually up to 30 days). After that, the mail will be returned to sender or disposed of.
Mail forwarding is an option: If you're moving or going to be away for an extended period, you can set up mail forwarding with the USPS. This service allows you to redirect your mail to a new address for a specified period (up to 1 year). However, this service requires a valid forwarding address and a fee.
Local post offices may have varying policies: While the USPS has standard guidelines, local post offices may have their own policies regarding holding mail. Some post offices might be willing to hold your mail for a longer period, but this is not a guarantee.

If you're concerned about missing important mail or want to hold your mail for an extended period, consider the following alternatives:

Use a mail forwarding service: Companies like General Mail Forwarding or Mail Forwarding Services can receive and forward your mail to a new address for a fee.
Ask a trusted friend or family member to collect your mail: If you have a trusted friend or family member living at your address, you can ask them to collect your mail for you.
Consider a mail scanning service: Services like EarthClassMail or Mailbox Forwarding scan your mail and send you digital copies, allowing you to access your mail remotely.

Remember to always check with your local post office for their specific policies and procedures regarding holding mail.