How to Get a Post Office Box

2018-08-21

how

A post office box (PO box) is a private, secure, and convenient way to receive mail without providing your home address. It's a great option for people who live in apartments, dorms, or other shared housing situations, as well as for businesses and organizations that want to keep their physical address confidential.

Getting a PO box is easy and affordable, and it can be done entirely online. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps on how to get a PO box, including choosing a location, selecting a box size, and paying for your rental.

Ready to get started? Let's dive in.

How to Get a PO Box

Getting a PO box is easy and affordable. Here are 8 important points to keep in mind:

Choose a location.
Select a box size.
Fill out an application.
Pay for your rental.
Get your box number.
Start using your PO box.
Manage your mail.
Renew your rental.

By following these steps, you can easily and quickly get a PO box that meets your needs.

Choose a location.

The first step in getting a PO box is to choose a location. You can choose a post office that is close to your home, work, or school, or you can choose a post office that offers the services you need, such as 24-hour access or package acceptance.

Consider your needs.
What are you going to use your PO box for? If you're only going to be receiving mail, then you can choose a post office that is convenient for you to visit. If you're going to be receiving packages, then you'll need to choose a post office that accepts packages.
Check the hours of operation.
Make sure the post office you choose is open during the hours that you need it to be.
Compare prices.
The cost of a PO box can vary depending on the location and the size of the box. Be sure to compare prices before you make a decision.
Read reviews.
See what other people have to say about the post office you're considering. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.

Once you've chosen a location, you can move on to the next step: selecting a box size.

Select a box size.

The next step in getting a PO box is to select a box size. PO boxes come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a box size:

The amount of mail you receive. If you only receive a few pieces of mail each week, then you can choose a smaller box size. If you receive a lot of mail, or if you receive packages, then you'll need to choose a larger box size.
The size of your packages. If you're going to be receiving packages, then you need to make sure that the box you choose is large enough to accommodate them. Be sure to check the maximum package size for the post office you've chosen.
Your budget. The cost of a PO box can vary depending on the size of the box. Larger boxes are typically more expensive than smaller boxes.

Once you've considered these factors, you can choose a box size that meets your needs and budget.

Here are the standard PO box sizes and their dimensions:

Small: 3 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
Medium: 6 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
Large: 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
Extra Large: 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches

If you're not sure what size box you need, you can always ask a postal clerk for help.

Once you've selected a box size, you can move on to the next step: filling out an application.

Fill out an application.

Once you've chosen a location and a box size, you can fill out an application for a PO box. You can either do this online or at the post office. Here are the steps involved in filling out an application:

Provide your personal information. This includes your name, address, phone number, and email address.
Choose a PO box size.
Select a rental period. You can rent a PO box for a month, a quarter, or a year.
Pay for your rental. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or money order.

Once you've submitted your application, you'll be given a PO box number. You can start using your PO box immediately.

Here are some tips for filling out an application for a PO box:

Make sure you have all of the required information. This includes your name, address, phone number, email address, and payment information.
Be accurate when filling out the application. Any errors could delay the processing of your application.
Sign the application. Your signature is required to complete the application process.

If you have any questions about filling out an application for a PO box, you can ask a postal clerk for help.

Once you've filled out an application and paid for your rental, you can move on to the next step: getting your box number.

Pay for your rental.

Once you've filled out an application for a PO box, you'll need to pay for your rental. The cost of a PO box varies depending on the location and the size of the box. You can pay for your rental with a credit card, debit card, or money order.

Here are the steps involved in paying for your PO box rental:

Choose a payment method. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or money order.
Enter your payment information. This includes your credit card number, expiration date, and security code, or your debit card number and PIN.
Confirm your payment. Once you've entered your payment information, you'll need to confirm your payment.

Once you've paid for your rental, you'll be given a receipt. Keep this receipt in a safe place in case you need to renew your rental or if you have any questions about your account.

Here are some tips for paying for your PO box rental:

Make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the cost of your rental.
Be prepared to pay a security deposit. Some post offices require a security deposit when you rent a PO box.
Ask about discounts. Some post offices offer discounts for multiple-month rentals or for customers who sign up for automatic payments.

If you have any questions about paying for your PO box rental, you can ask a postal clerk for help.

Once you've paid for your rental, you can move on to the next step: getting your box number.

Get your box number.

Once you've paid for your PO box rental, you'll be given a PO box number. You can find your PO box number on your receipt.

Look for the "PO Box Number" field on your receipt. Your PO box number will be a combination of letters and numbers.
Write down your PO box number. You'll need this number to access your PO box.
Memorize your PO box number. The best way to keep track of your PO box number is to memorize it.
Keep your PO box number confidential. Don't share your PO box number with anyone you don't trust.

Once you have your PO box number, you can start using your PO box. You can receive mail and packages at your PO box, and you can also send mail from your PO box.

Start using your PO box.

Now that you have a PO box, you can start using it to receive and send mail.

Provide your PO box number to your contacts. Ask your friends, family, and business associates to use your PO box number when they send you mail.
Update your address with your creditors and other important contacts. Make sure your PO box number is on file with your bank, credit card companies, and other important contacts.
Visit your PO box regularly. Check your PO box at least once a week to make sure you don't miss any important mail.
Forward your mail to another address. If you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time, you can forward your mail to another address.

Here are some tips for using your PO box:

Keep your PO box key in a safe place.
Don't leave mail in your PO box for long periods of time.
Be aware of the hours of operation for your post office.
If you have any questions about using your PO box, you can ask a postal clerk for help.

Manage your mail.

Once you start using your PO box, you'll need to manage your mail. This includes sorting through your mail, discarding junk mail, and forwarding important mail to your home address.

Sort through your mail regularly. Go through your mail as soon as possible after you pick it up from your PO box.
Discard junk mail. Throw away any mail that you don't need, such as advertisements and catalogs.
Open important mail immediately. Open any mail that looks important as soon as possible.
Forward important mail to your home address. If you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time, you can forward your important mail to your home address.

Here are some tips for managing your mail:

Use a mail sorter to help you sort through your mail.
Shred any mail that contains personal information before you throw it away.
Keep a record of all of your important mail.
If you have any questions about managing your mail, you can ask a postal clerk for help.

Renew your rental.

Your PO box rental period will expire after a certain amount of time, typically one year. You will need to renew your rental before it expires in order to continue using your PO box.

Here are the steps involved in renewing your PO box rental:

Receive a renewal notice. About a month before your rental period expires, you will receive a renewal notice from the post office.
Complete the renewal form. The renewal notice will include a form that you need to fill out. This form will ask for your name, address, and phone number, as well as the size of the PO box that you want to renew.
Pay your renewal fee. You can pay your renewal fee with a credit card, debit card, or money order.

Once you have completed the renewal form and paid your renewal fee, your PO box rental will be renewed for another year.

Here are some tips for renewing your PO box rental:

Renew your rental early. Don't wait until the last minute to renew your rental. This will help you avoid any interruptions in your mail service.
Keep your renewal notice in a safe place. You will need this notice in order to renew your rental.
If you have any questions about renewing your PO box rental, you can ask a postal clerk for help.

Renewing your PO box rental is a simple process. By following these steps, you can ensure that you continue to have access to your PO box for as long as you need it.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get a PO box:

Question 1: How much does it cost to get a PO box?
Answer 1: The cost of a PO box varies depending on the location and the size of the box. You can expect to pay between $10 and $50 per year.

Question 2: What are the different sizes of PO boxes?
Answer 2: PO boxes come in a variety of sizes, from small to extra large. You can choose the size that best meets your needs.

Question 3: Where can I find a PO box?
Answer 3: You can find a PO box at your local post office. You can also use the USPS website to find a PO box near you.

Question 4: How do I apply for a PO box?
Answer 4: You can apply for a PO box online or at the post office. You will need to provide your name, address, and phone number. You will also need to pay for your rental.

Question 5: How long does it take to get a PO box?
Answer 5: You can usually get a PO box within a few days. However, it may take longer if you apply for a PO box during a busy time, such as the holiday season.

Question 6: What are the benefits of having a PO box?
Answer 6: There are many benefits to having a PO box, including privacy, security, and convenience.

Question 7: What are the drawbacks of having a PO box?
Answer 7: There are a few drawbacks to having a PO box, including the cost and the need to visit the post office to pick up your mail.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to get a PO box. If you have any other questions, you can ask a postal clerk for help.

Ready to get started? Here are a few tips to help you get a PO box quickly and easily.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get a PO box quickly and easily:

Tip 1: Choose the right location.

When choosing a location for your PO box, consider your needs and preferences. If you want a PO box that is close to your home or work, you can choose a post office that is convenient for you to visit. If you need a PO box that accepts packages, you'll need to choose a post office that offers this service.

Tip 2: Select the right size box.

PO boxes come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. If you only receive a few pieces of mail each week, then you can choose a smaller box size. If you receive a lot of mail, or if you receive packages, then you'll need to choose a larger box size.

Tip 3: Apply for your PO box online.

You can apply for a PO box online or at the post office. Applying online is the quickest and easiest way to get a PO box. You can apply for a PO box online at the USPS website.

Tip 4: Bring the required documents with you.

When you go to the post office to apply for a PO box, you will need to bring the following documents with you:

Proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport)
Proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement)
Payment for your rental (cash, check, or money order)

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can get a PO box quickly and easily. Once you have a PO box, you can enjoy the many benefits that come with it, such as privacy, security, and convenience.

Now that you know how to get a PO box, you can start using it to receive and send mail. Be sure to follow the tips in this article to make the most of your PO box.

Conclusion

Getting a PO box is a simple and affordable way to receive mail without providing your home address. PO boxes are available at most post offices, and you can apply for a PO box online or in person.

When choosing a PO box, you'll need to consider your needs and preferences. You'll need to choose a location that is convenient for you to visit, and you'll need to select a box size that is large enough to accommodate your mail and packages.

Once you've chosen a PO box, you'll need to fill out an application and pay for your rental. You can usually get a PO box within a few days.

Having a PO box can provide you with a number of benefits, including privacy, security, and convenience. You can use your PO box to receive mail and packages, and you can also use it to send mail.

Closing Message:

If you're looking for a convenient and affordable way to receive mail, then a PO box is a great option. By following the steps in this article, you can get a PO box quickly and easily.