Travel Worry Free: Empty Nester Mail Solutions

Article overview

Here's what we'll cover:

• Why travelers need a mail management plan.

• How a mailbox at The UPS Store keeps deliveries safe and secure.

• The convenience of a single, permanent address for dual-home living.

• Exclusive AAA member discounts at The UPS Store.

• Steps to set up your travel mailbox.

Packing your bags to head south for the winter? Or perhaps you are finally taking that year-long dream trip to explore Europe. As an empty nester or a frequent traveler, your itinerary is likely full of exciting plans, beautiful destinations and well-deserved relaxation. But before you lock the front door and head to the airport, a critical question remains: what happens to your mail while you are away?

Leaving your mailbox unattended for weeks or months can lead to missed bills, lost packages and an overflowing letterbox that signals to everyone that your house is empty. 

A mailbox at The UPS Store can help you manage your mail effortlessly. Learn how a personal mailbox keeps your deliveries safe, simplifies life across multiple homes and helps you travel with peace of mind.

What happens to mail when you travel?

Living a mobile lifestyle is freeing, but it creates logistical challenges. When you're away from home for months, traditional mail delivery doesn't work.

Here’s why you need a game plan for your mail:

• Mail holds are temporary. The postal service typically only holds mail for up to 30 days.

• Forwarding is unreliable. Forwarding your mail can lead to delays, lost letters and the hassle of updating your address every time you move.

• You need a physical address. Many banks and government agencies require a consistent, physical street address, not a P.O. Box, to send sensitive documents.

Without a solid plan, you risk missing important mail like tax forms, jury duty notices or medical bills. An overflowing mailbox is also a security risk, making your home a target and leaving your personal information vulnerable to theft. 

How a mailbox at The UPS Store keeps your deliveries safe and secure

A mailbox at The UPS Store offers a practical and secure alternative to traditional mail delivery, eliminating the uncertainty of managing your mail while traveling.

• Get a real street address: Unlike a P.O. Box, a UPS mailbox provides you with a physical street address. This is a crucial detail because it allows you to receive packages from all major carriers, including FedEx and DHL. You can also use this address for banking, credit cards and legal documents without compliance issues.

• Secure your mail and packages: Your deliveries are kept in a fully staffed, secure location. You no longer need to worry about porch pirates stealing packages or sensitive mail being exposed to the elements.

• Enjoy flexible mail forwarding: The staff at The UPS Store can forward your mail to you wherever you are, whether it's your vacation home in Florida or a rental in Italy. You can set the forwarding frequency to weekly, bi-weekly or monthly to fit your schedule.

Year-round convenience for dual-home living

If you split your time between a primary home and a vacation home, keeping track of which bills go to which address can feel like a part-time job especially when you’re retired.

By routing everything through one central hub, you eliminate the need to constantly update your mailing address with friends, family and service providers. When you transition between your summer and winter homes, your mail continues arriving at the exact same place. So, you can focus on enjoying your time, knowing that your legal documents, vehicle registrations and personal letters are organized and waiting safely for your return.

Exclusive AAA Member benefits at The UPS Store

Setting up your travel mailbox is even easier and more affordable when you leverage your AAA Membership. Members enjoy a significant discount on new mailbox services, keeping your ongoing costs low.

Beyond mailbox services, your AAA Membership can give you access to savings on even more everyday needs. Think, shipping, packaging supplies and printing services. AAA can help you save if you need to print out travel itineraries, ship souvenirs back to your grandchildren or notarize important legal documents before a trip.

How to set up your mailbox at The UPS Store while traveling

Simplify your mail and travel with confidence. Setting up your UPS mailbox is easy.

• Locate your nearest store: Find a convenient The UPS Store location near your primary residence. Using a location near your home base makes it easy to check your mail during the months you are back in town.

• Bring your identification: You will need two valid forms of identification to open a mailbox, and one must include a photograph. A driver's license and a passport work perfectly.

• Have your AAA card: Present or inform The UPS Store of your AAA Membership card to ensure your exclusive discounts are applied to your new mailbox agreement.

• Choose your mailbox size: Select a mailbox size that fits your typical mail volume. If you receive a lot of catalogs or packages, opt for a medium or large box.

• Set up your forwarding instructions: Discuss your travel schedule with the store associate. Establish a mail forwarding plan so your mail reaches you exactly when and where you need it.

Unlock everyday savings and travel with confidence

Managing life on the road shouldn't be a source of anxiety. A mailbox at The UPS Store ensures your important mail and packages are secure, organized and accessible, no matter where you are.