How long does royal mail keep parcels to collect

Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has a standard holding period for parcels that are not collected from a Post Office or Royal Mail Delivery Office. This period is typically 18 working days (not including weekends or bank holidays).

Here's a breakdown of the holding periods for Royal Mail parcels:

  1. Standard Parcels: 18 working days (not including weekends or bank holidays)
    • If you don't collect your parcel within this period, it will be returned to the sender.
  2. Special Delivery Guaranteed: 30 working days (not including weekends or bank holidays)
    • If you don't collect your parcel within this period, it will be returned to the sender.
  3. International Parcels: Varies depending on the destination country and the type of service used
    • Some international parcels may have a longer holding period, while others may be returned to the sender sooner.

It's essential to note that these holding periods may vary in exceptional circumstances, such as:

If you're concerned about the status of your parcel or are unable to collect it within the holding period, you can:

  1. Contact Royal Mail Customer Service: 03457 740 740 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm)
  2. Visit your local Post Office or Royal Mail Delivery Office: They can check the status of your parcel and provide guidance on the next steps.
  3. Check your tracking information: You can track your parcel online or through the Royal Mail app to see its current status.

Remember to always keep your tracking information handy and check the Royal Mail website for any updates on your parcel's status.