Imagine dealing with the physical world! 🤔
Here's how to get packages held while you're on the road (and get them later when you return). No need to have a neighbor handle it.
Each shipping provider has their own method for putting a package on hold and for how long they will hold it for. A vacation hold usually requires a free account, and generally speaking, packages can be held for at least a week (but a month might be pushing it).
It's a good option if you are going out of town for a decent amount of time.
After all, not everything in the world can be perfectly timed. Packages can get delayed. They also can get stolen if they aren't being looked after!
Depending on the shipping company, here's how to put packages on hold.
FedEx Delivery Manager
FedEx Delivery Manager is the name of the game.
However, in order to enlist an address, it needs to be verified. The mailed activation code might take 3-5 business days, so this is definitely something you want to set up in advance.
There are actually two options available for those going out of town.
The first option is to put a temporary hold on the address for up to 2 weeks, and deliveries will resume when you specify the timeframe.
The other option is to redirect packages to a pickup spot like FedEx Office, Dollar General or Walgreens for up to 7 days.
Requests must be made prior to midnight the day before the scheduled delivery.
For missed deliveries, FedEx will hold onto FedEx Ground packages for 10 days, and FedEx Express for 5 days.
Time Hold: Up to 14 days
UPS My Choice
There to protect your vacation. (Ryan McKnight / Flickr)
For a vacation hold, UPS requires customers to sign up for a free My Choice account.
Once the residential address is selected, it is possible to set delivery options for packages currently in transit.
Packages are then held at The UPS Store and other UPS Access Point locations (like Advance Auto Parts, CVS and Michaels) for up to seven days. Packages will have to be manually picked up once you return.
Time Hold: 7 days
USPS Hold Mail
Good old fashioned USPS. (Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels )
Through the USPS Hold Mail service, residents can choose to have their mail held from three to 30 days while they are out of town. This includes all mail and packages.
The mail will be held at the post office, and it's possible for either residents to pick it up or have the mailman redeliver it after the vacation hold expires. Luckily, the USPS has a pretty detailed FAQ explaining it all.
By the way, there is a 10 day period in which to pick up mail at the end of the service request, or all mail will be returned to the sender. 😉
Time Hold: 3-30 days
