What happens when the post office holds my mail

The frustration of having your mail held by the post office! Here's what typically happens when the post office holds your mail:

Why does the post office hold mail?

The post office may hold your mail for several reasons, including:

  1. Undeliverable address: If the address on your mail is incomplete, incorrect, or doesn't exist, the post office may hold the mail until you update the address.
  2. Insufficient postage: If you haven't paid enough postage or the postage is invalid, the post office may hold the mail until you pay the correct postage.
  3. Suspicious or irregular mail: The post office may hold mail that appears suspicious or irregular, such as packages with unusual weights or dimensions.
  4. Holidays or inclement weather: During holidays or extreme weather conditions, the post office may hold mail to prevent damage or ensure timely delivery.

What happens to held mail?

When the post office holds your mail, it will typically:

  1. Store the mail at the local post office: The held mail will be stored at the local post office or a designated holding facility.
  2. Notify you (if possible): The post office may try to contact you to notify you that your mail is being held. This is usually done through a phone call, email, or a notification on your mailbox.
  3. Hold the mail for a specified period: The post office will typically hold your mail for a certain period, usually 15 to 30 days, before returning it to the sender or disposing of it.
  4. Return the mail to the sender: If the post office is unable to contact you or deliver the mail, it will return the mail to the sender.

What can you do if your mail is held?

If your mail is held, you can:

  1. Contact the post office: Reach out to the post office where your mail is being held to resolve the issue. Provide your identification and proof of address to verify your identity.
  2. Update your address: If your address is incorrect, update it with the post office to ensure timely delivery of your mail.
  3. Pay any outstanding postage: If the post office is holding your mail due to insufficient postage, pay the correct postage to release the mail.
  4. Pick up your mail: If you're unable to resolve the issue remotely, visit the post office to pick up your held mail.

Remember to always keep your address up to date and ensure you have sufficient postage on your mail to avoid any issues with delivery.