How long can post office hold your mail
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines for holding mail for customers. Here are some general guidelines:
- Standard Hold Period: The USPS will hold mail for a standard period of 15 days. During this time, the mail will be kept at the post office or delivery point for the customer to pick up.
- Extended Hold Period: If you request an extended hold period, the USPS will hold your mail for up to 30 days. You can request an extended hold period by contacting your local post office or by using the USPS website's "Hold Mail" service.
- Maximum Hold Period: The USPS will hold mail for a maximum of 30 days. After this period, the mail will be returned to the sender or disposed of, depending on the circumstances.
It's important to note that the USPS may not be able to hold mail for an extended period if:
- The mail is perishable (e.g., perishable items like food or medicine).
- The mail is time-sensitive (e.g., bills, checks, or important documents).
- The mail is addressed to a business or organization, and the business is not open or operational.
If you need to hold your mail for an extended period, you can contact your local post office or use the USPS website's "Hold Mail" service to request an extended hold period.