Visit the United States Postal Service website. Find the box that says "Receiving Mail" on the right side of the page under the heading "Products & Services."
Click on "Receiving Mail." A list of options will open. Select "Put Mail on Hold," and a page labeled "Hold Mail Service" will open.
Type your ZIP code into the box on the right side of the page and click "Go." A "Customer Information" form will appear.
Fill out the form and press "Continue." A page will open asking you to verify that your information is correct. Check the form, click "Continue" and a "Create a Request" form will open.
Select the date you want your mail hold to begin and the date you want delivery to resume. Mark your choice of delivery options and include any additional instructions in the text box. Click on "Continue."
Review your choices on the "Verify Your Request" page and click "Submit."
Pick up an "Authorization to Hold Mail" form at your post office or ask your letter carrier to deliver one. You may also download a copy from the United States Postal Service website. The form number is "PS Form 8076."
Fill out the upper portion of the form. Be sure to choose a beginning and ending date for your mail hold and select either option "A" or "B" on the right side of the form to get your mail when you return.
Give the completed form to your letter carrier. You may also send it to the post office that handles your mail.
