Living in a van can be an incredible experience, but it also comes with its challenges, one of which may be figuring out how to receive mail and packages. In this article, we’ll explore the various options available to van dwellers and the pros and cons of each method.
Before we dive into the different methods of receiving mail and packages while living in a van, it's important to understand that there are several factors to consider, such as how often you receive mail, the size and weight of your packages, your location, and your budget. If you’re not expecting to receive physical mail often, it likely won’t be worthwhile to pursue any of these options - in that case, it may be easiest to just set your ‘home’ address to a family member or friend, and ask them to notify you if anything appearing sensitive comes in. Similarly, if you’re comfortable going without routine packages, it’ll probably be easier to just plan to shop in person. In reality, with the amount of time many vanlifers spend parking overnight in shopping centers and Walmarts, purchasing your items in person rather than ordering online is a pretty seamless transition. That said, a few strategies for those that expect to require more frequent mail services:
General Delivery
General Delivery is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows individuals to receive mail and packages at a post office. This service is available to anyone who has a valid government-issued ID and does not have a permanent address. To use General Delivery, you will need to provide the post office with your name, General Delivery address, and the post office's ZIP code.
Pros:
Free service offered by USPS
Available in most post offices nationwide
You can receive both mail and packages
You can pick up your mail at your convenience during the post office's business hours
Cons:
Limited to USPS services
You need to plan your location well in advance, as you’ll need to know the ZIP code of the post office you want to use
You may need to wait in line to pick up your mail or accommodate the office’s schedule
Packages can be held for a limited time, and if not picked up, they will be returned to the sender
Mail Forwarding Service
Mail forwarding services are private companies that receive your mail and packages at a physical address and then forward them to you wherever you are. These services typically offer a variety of plans to choose from, ranging from a few months to a year, depending on your needs. Some popular mail forwarding services include (but are not limited to) iPostal1, Anytime Mailbox, PostScan Mail, and US Gobal Mail - these are just examples to get you started, your needs will dictate which service is best for you..
Pros:
You can receive mail and packages from any carrier, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS
You can choose a forwarding address that suits your needs at any given moment / location
Some services offer mail scanning and email notifications of new mail
You can have your mail forwarded to you on a regular schedule or on-demand, depending on how long you’ll be in a particular location
Cons:
Mail forwarding services are not free and can be expensive, depending on the plan you choose
You may need to pay for additional services, such as mail scanning or package forwarding
The delivery time can vary depending on your location
Some services have restrictions on the type of mail they will forward, such as government-issued IDs or certain types of financial documents.
Virtual Mailbox
A virtual mailbox is an online service that allows you to receive and manage your mail digitally. When you sign up for a virtual mailbox, you will be assigned a physical address where your mail and packages can be sent. Once your mail is received, it will be scanned and uploaded to your online account, where you can view, forward, or shred it.
Pros:
You can manage your mail from anywhere with an internet connection
You can view your mail (and in some cases packages) digitally, which saves space in your van
Some services offer mail scanning and email notifications of new mail
You can forward your mail and packages to any address, including General Delivery or a physical address
Cons:
Virtual mailbox services are not free and can be expensive, depending on the plan you choose
You may need to pay additional fees for mail scanning or package forwarding
Some services have restrictions on the type of mail they will receive, such as government-issued IDs or certain types of financial documents
Shipping to a Friend or Family Member
If you have a friend or family member who lives in a fixed location, you could consider shipping your mail and packages to their address. This option can work well if you have a trusted contact who is willing to receive and hold your mail for you. However, it's important to consider their willingness to do so, as well as their availability and proximity to your current location. In practice this can be the most practical option if you’re not expecting urgent items and can be flexible by waiting to order things online until you’re close to someone you know.
Pros:
Free, if your friend or family member is willing to receive your mail and packages
You can receive mail and packages from any carrier
You can have your mail held for you until you are able to pick it up
Cons:
You need to have a trusted friend or family member who is willing to receive your mail and packages and is conveniently close to your current location. This requires some planning in advance.
You may need to coordinate with them to pick up your mail, which can be inconvenient if they are not nearby
Depending on how good of a friend or family member they are, you may need to compensate them for their time and effort in receiving and holding your mail
Amazon Locker
Amazon Locker is a self-service delivery system that allows customers to pick up their packages at a secure location. To use Amazon Locker, you will need to select a Locker location during checkout and then receive a unique pickup code once your package is delivered. Once you arrive at the Locker location, you can enter your pickup code and retrieve your package from a designated locker.
Pros:
In most cases, free to use - but double check with each purchase by comparing the shipping costs and any fees associated with holding.
Available in many locations, including convenience stores, grocery stores, and shopping centers
Cons:
Limited to Amazon and select retailers
You may need to travel to the nearest Amazon Locker location
The nearest Amazon Locker location may not have availability - this changes day by day.
Packages are held for a limited time, and if not picked up, they will be returned to the sender
Living in a van can be an adventure, but it can also present challenges when it comes to receiving mail and packages. If you’re not receiving mail regularly, the easiest option may be to just send your mail to a family member and have them hold it and keep an eye out for sensitive items. That said, there are fortunately several options available to van dwellers, including General Delivery, mail forwarding services, virtual mailboxes, shipping to a friend or family member, and Amazon Locker. Each option has its pros and cons, and it's important to consider your needs, budget, and location when choosing the best method for you. With a little planning and flexibility, you can stay connected to the world and receive your mail and packages while living on the road.
Where can I find first-hand experience about living in a van and getting mail or packages?
Reddit is a great start:
Comments