How long do the post office hold mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines for holding mail, which vary depending on the type of mail and the circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Forwarding mail: If you're moving and have requested mail forwarding, the USPS will hold your mail for 15 days after the forwarding request is made. After that, they'll return undeliverable mail to the sender.
  2. Vacation hold: If you're going on vacation and request a mail hold, the USPS will hold your mail for up to 30 days. You can request a mail hold online or by visiting your local post office.
  3. Package hold: If you're expecting a package and won't be available to receive it, you can request a package hold with the sender. The USPS will hold the package for up to 15 days.
  4. Undeliverable mail: If the USPS is unable to deliver your mail due to an incorrect address or other issues, they'll hold it for a short period before returning it to the sender.
  5. Lost or missing mail: If you're missing mail, you can contact your local post office to report it. They'll investigate and try to locate the missing mail. If it's found, they'll hold it for you until you can pick it up.

Keep in mind that these guidelines may vary depending on your location and the specific circumstances. It's always a good idea to check with your local post office for their specific policies and procedures.

Remember to always update your address with the USPS and any other relevant parties to ensure your mail is delivered correctly.