Should You Get a PO Box When You Move?

What Are the Benefits of a PO Box When Moving? 

A PO Box can provide a consistent, secure place to receive mail while you're between addresses, making it useful during many types of moves. It can also offer additional privacy and flexible access to your mail while you transition between homes. 

What Is a PO Box? 

A PO Box is a locked mailbox located inside a Post Office where you can receive and collect mail. USPS offers several box sizes and rental terms, although availability and pricing vary by location. 

For people who are moving, a PO Box can be particularly useful when there is a temporary gap between addresses or when you want to avoid having mail delivered to a property that you no longer occupy. 

Benefits of Having a PO Box When Moving 

1. Keep a Consistent Mailing Address

A PO Box can give you a reliable mailing address during a move, especially if your housing situation is changing. Instead of depending on an old address or waiting for mail to be delivered to a new home, you can collect mail from the same Post Office location. 

This can be useful if you are temporarily staying with family or friends, moving between homes, or don't yet have access to your new residence. 

2. Keep Your Mail More Secure

A PO Box provides a locked location for your mail inside a Post Office. USPS says mail and packages can be picked up by the box holder or people they authorize. 

This can be helpful during a move when your old home may be vacant or your new mailbox has not yet been set up. 

3. Protect Your Home Address

One benefit of a PO Box is added privacy. Instead of giving your residential address to every organization or sender that needs a mailing address, you can use your PO Box when appropriate. 

A PO Box does not replace your residential address for every purpose, however. Some organizations and transactions may require a physical address. 

4. Pick Up Mail on Your Schedule

A PO Box lets you collect mail from the Post Office rather than waiting for it to arrive at your home. Many PO Box locations offer 24/7 access, but hours vary by Post Office. 

This can make mail collection more convenient during a move, particularly when you are spending time between multiple locations. 

5. Receive Certain Packages Securely

Depending on the Post Office and package size, packages that don't fit inside a PO Box may be held at the counter or placed in a secure parcel locker. 

Some eligible Post Offices also offer Street Addressing, which can allow PO Box customers to receive packages from private carriers using the Post Office's street address and their PO Box number. Availability and restrictions apply. 

When Is a PO Box Especially Useful During a Move? 

A PO Box may be worth considering if: 

• You have a gap between leaving your old home and moving into your new one. 

• You are temporarily staying with family or friends. 

• You are concerned about mail accumulating at an empty property. 

• You want to keep your residential address private when possible. 

• You move frequently and want a consistent mailing location. 

• You regularly receive mail or packages that you want to collect from a Post Office. 

A PO Box is not necessarily required for every move. If you are moving directly into a new home, you may simply need to update your address and arrange for eligible mail to be forwarded. 

PO Box vs. Mail Forwarding When Moving 

A PO Box and USPS mail forwarding serve different purposes.

If you are permanently moving, USPS recommends submitting a permanent Change of Address request so eligible mail can be forwarded to your new address. Temporary Change of Address requests are also available for qualifying temporary moves. 

Using a PO Box and submitting a Change of Address request are not necessarily alternatives. Depending on your situation, you may use a PO Box for receiving mail while also updating or forwarding mail from your previous address. 

How to Get a PO Box When Moving 

If you decide a PO Box makes sense for your move, USPS allows you to apply online or at a Post Office. Availability, box sizes and fees vary by location. 

1. Find an Available PO Box

Use the USPS PO Box search to find a convenient Post Office and check available box sizes and rental terms. 

2. Choose a Box Size

Choose a size based on how much mail you expect to receive. A smaller box may be sufficient if you mainly receive letters, while a larger box can accommodate more mail. 

3. Complete the Application

You can complete the application and payment online or apply at the Post Office. If you apply online, USPS requires you to bring the completed application and two acceptable forms of identification to the Post Office where the box is located. 

Things to Consider Before Getting a PO Box 

A PO Box can be useful during a move, but it isn't the right choice for everyone. Consider these factors before renting one. 

Cost 

A PO Box requires a rental fee, and the amount depends on the location, box size and rental period. Check the current price for the specific Post Office you plan to use rather than relying on a nationwide price. 

Location 

You'll need to travel to the Post Office to collect your mail. Choose a location that is convenient for your daily routine, especially if you'll be using the PO Box for several months. 

Mail Volume 

Think about how much mail you typically receive. If your box regularly fills up, you may need to check it more often or choose a larger size. 

Address Requirements 

A PO Box isn't a substitute for a physical address in every situation. Some businesses, government agencies and services may require a residential or physical address, so check the requirements before using your PO Box as your only mailing address. 

Package Delivery 

A PO Box can receive mail and certain packages, but larger packages may be placed in a parcel locker or held at the Post Office for pickup. Services and package options can vary by location. 

Is a PO Box Worth It When Moving? 

A PO Box can be worthwhile if you need a secure, consistent place to receive mail during a transition between homes. It may be especially helpful if you're temporarily without a permanent address, want additional privacy, or don't want mail accumulating at an old or vacant residence. 

However, if you're moving directly into a new home and can easily update your mailing address, a PO Box may provide little additional benefit. In that situation, USPS mail forwarding and a Change of Address request may be sufficient. 

The best option depends on how long you'll be between addresses, where you'll be staying and how you prefer to receive your mail.