Make sure you won't be away less than three or more than 30 days. The post office is authorized to hold your mail for a limited time.
Navigate to the U.S. Postal Service's online mail hold request form (see the Resources section; some ZIP codes have this service available, others don't).
Enter your ZIP code and click "Go".
Fill in the fields on the subsequent form with your full name, address and phone number. Click "Continue."
Verify the information on the next web page and select the dates you're leaving and returning from the drop-down menus. Fill in the circle next to your choice on whether to have your postal carrier deliver the stored mail when you return or to pick the mail up yourself at the post office. Include any comments you have and click "Continue."
Choose "Submit" after verifying the dates on the next web page.
Go to your post office and ask for a hold mail form if your ZIP code isn't available for the online request.
