Stay Connected No Matter Where the Road Takes You
One of the biggest challenges of full-time RV living is figuring out how to receive mail and packages without a permanent address. Whether you need important documents, prescriptions, or just an Amazon order, there are several reliable ways to stay connected while traveling.
Hereβs how to get mail and packages on the roadβwithout missing a delivery! ππ¦β¨
π¬ 1. Use a Mail Forwarding Service (Best for Full-Time RVers)
A mail forwarding service is the best option for full-time RVers because it provides a permanent mailing address that can receive letters and packages, then forwards them to your current location.
How It Works:
β You get a real street address (not a PO Box).
β Your mail is collected and stored securely.
β You decide how and when your mail gets forwarded.
Top Mail Forwarding Services for RVers:
π Escapees RV Club Mail Service β One of the best for full-time RVers.
π Good Sam Mail Service β Popular among RV travelers.
π Americaβs Mailbox β Provides a South Dakota residency address.
π Traveling Mailbox β Offers digital mail scanning and forwarding.
π Pro Tip: Choose a service that lets you view your mail online before forwardingβthis saves time and money!
π¦ 2. Use General Delivery at a Post Office (For Short-Term Mail Needs)
If you need to receive mail while traveling but donβt have an address, General Delivery is a great short-term solution.
How It Works:
β Find a USPS post office in the town youβll be visiting.
β Have mail sent to:
β Bring your ID to pick up your mail at the post office.
Pros & Cons of General Delivery:
β
Free serviceβno extra fees.
β
Works in almost any city with a post office.
β Not all post offices accept General Deliveryβcall ahead to check.
β Mail is only held for 30 days, so plan accordingly.
π Pro Tip: Send packages via USPS, as FedEx and UPS do not deliver to General Delivery.
πͺ 3. Get Packages at Amazon Lockers & UPS Access Points
If youβre ordering from Amazon or other online retailers, you can pick up your packages at a secure locker or store instead of having them sent to a random address.
Amazon Lockers
β Find a nearby Amazon Locker in major cities, grocery stores, or gas stations.
β When ordering, select βShip to an Amazon Lockerβ at checkout.
β Pick up your package with a unique code when it arrives.
UPS Access Points
β Many grocery stores, gas stations, and UPS Stores accept UPS packages.
β Select a UPS Access Point as your shipping address.
β Pick up your package within 7 days of delivery.
π Pro Tip: FedEx has a similar service called FedEx Hold at Location, where you can pick up packages at Walgreens or FedEx locations.
ποΈ 4. Ship to an RV Park or Campground
Many RV parks and campgrounds will accept mail and packages for guests. If youβre staying in one place for a while, this can be a convenient way to get mail.
How It Works:
β Call ahead to ask if the park accepts mail.
β Have mail sent to:
β Pick up your package from the office when it arrives.
π Pro Tip: Some campgrounds charge a fee for receiving packages, so ask before shipping!
πͺ 5. Rent a PO Box or a Private Mailbox (PMB)
If you frequently pass through one city or region, renting a PO Box or Private Mailbox (PMB) gives you a secure address for mail and packages.
USPS PO Box
β Safe & secure.
β Only accepts USPS mail (no FedEx or UPS).
β Limited access hours.
Private Mailbox (PMB) (e.g., UPS Store, Pak Mail)
β Accepts all carriers (USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL).
β Often allows 24/7 access.
β Can forward mail to your location.
π Pro Tip: Choose a PMB instead of a PO Box if you want to receive packages from multiple carriers.
π 6. Have Mail Sent to a Friend or Family Member
If you have trustworthy friends or family, they can receive your mail and forward it to you when needed.
β Works great for important mail like vehicle registration & bank statements.
β Have them consolidate and forward mail when youβre in one place.
β Set up paperless billing to reduce how much mail they need to handle.
π Pro Tip: If using a family memberβs address long-term, you may be considered a resident of that state for taxes and legal purposes.
π 7. Plan Ahead for Mail & Packages While Traveling
Since you wonβt always be in the same place, planning ahead is key to getting your mail without delays or lost shipments.
β Use tracking numbers to monitor package deliveries.
β Time shipments so they arrive when you do.
β Forward mail only when necessary to avoid extra costs.
β Use paperless billing to reduce physical mail.
π Pro Tip: Set up mail forwarding with USPS if you need to redirect mail for a short period.
π Final Thoughts: Stay Connected No Matter Where You Roam
Receiving mail while living in an RV doesnβt have to be stressful. With the right setup, you can stay organized, receive important documents, and get your favorite online ordersβall while exploring the open road.
β Use a mail forwarding service for a permanent address.
β General Delivery works for short-term mail pickup.
β Amazon Lockers & UPS Access Points are great for package deliveries.
β RV parks & campgrounds may accept mail for guests.
β PO Boxes & Private Mailboxes provide a stable address.
β Friends or family can receive & forward mail.
β Plan ahead to avoid mail mix-ups!
πβ¨ Whatβs your go-to method for getting mail while RVing? Share your best tips in the comments!
