Vacation Check List

Mail

• Visit the USPS Vacation Hold website
• This online service will electronically notify the local Post Office to hold your mail.


• For same day service, online requests must be submitted by 1AM  Monday - Saturday.


• Mail can be held from 3 to 30 days.


• Normal delivery of your mail will resume on the date you specify.

Newspapers

• This online service will electronically notify your paper carrier to stop your paper.


• Normal delivery of your newspaper will resume on the date you specify.


• Options include: donating the papers to a local classroom, holding the papers for delivery upon your return, and extending your subscription.


• Or call customer Service at 800-533-8830.


• While this is a great service and often works perfectly, responsiveness of individual newspaper carriers vary.  "Best practice" recommendations are to 1) stop your subscription one or two days before you leave (so you can follow up in case your paper is mistakenly delivered) and 2) ask a neighbor to pick up any newspapers or fliers while you are away.

• This online service will electronically notify your paper carrier to stop your paper.


• Normal delivery of your newspaper will resume on the date you specify.


• Options include: donating the papers to a local classroom, holding the papers for delivery upon your return, and extending your subscription.
  
• While this is a great service and often works perfectly, responsiveness of individual newspaper carriers vary.  "Best practice" recommendations are to 1) stop your subscription one or two days before you leave (so you can follow up in case your paper is mistakenly delivered) and 2) ask a neighbor to pick up any newspapers or fliers while you are away.

• This online service will electronically notify your paper carrier to stop your paper.


• Normal delivery of your newspaper will resume on the date you specify.


• Options include: donating the papers to a local classroom, holding the papers for delivery upon your return, and extending your subscription.
  
• While this is a great service and often works perfectly, responsiveness of individual newspaper carriers vary.  "Best practice" recommendations are to 1) stop your subscription one or two days before you leave (so you can follow up in case your paper is mistakenly delivered) and 2) ask a neighbor to pick up any newspapers or fliers while you are away.

• This online service will electronically notify your paper carrier to stop your paper.


• Normal delivery of your newspaper will resume on the date you specify.


• Options include: donating the papers to a local classroom, holding the papers for delivery upon your return, and extending your subscription.


• Or call customer Service at 800-568-7625.


• While this is a great service and often works perfectly, responsiveness of individual newspaper carriers vary.  "Best practice" recommendations are to 1) stop your subscription one or two days before you leave (so you can follow up in case your paper is mistakenly delivered) and 2) ask a neighbor to pick up any newspapers or fliers while you are away.

Security Companies

• Update your Call List Information on-line.


• Contact your Call List to inform them of your travel plans and and ensure they have your house key(s), alarm code (to enter your home), and alarm company Personal Identification Code (in case the alarm company calls them with an alert).

• Make sure your Call List Information is up to date.


• Contact your Call List to inform them of your travel plans and and ensure they have your house key(s), alarm code (to enter your home), and alarm company Personal Identification Code (in case the alarm company calls them with an alert).

Neighborhood Watch

• Contact your Neighborhood Watch Captain and inform them of your travel plans.


• Contact your immediate neighbors and inform them of your travel plans. Ask a neighbor to collect newspapers, mail, packages, or fliers that are delivered while you are away.
  In addition, request that pick up any unexpected delivery package notifications, from USPS, FedEx, DHL, or UPS; and sign for the packages.   

• If you are expecting delivery of packages, ask someone to sign for them (if necessary) and put the packages inside their or your house.
  
• There is no better security while you are away than concern and attentive neighbors.  Most neighbors are happy to watch your home if you ask.


• If there isn't an active Neighborhood Watch on your block, consider starting one.  It's not as difficult as you think.

Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP)

• Download and print the RSVP Vacation House Check Program Request form.
• Mail the completed form with your travel dates to: RSVP, 4310 Landis St., San Diego, CA  92105
• For your next travel plans, call the RSVP at (616) 516-3182 and inform them of your travel plans including: name, address, departure date, return date, and any changes to your original form information.

Landscaping, Pest Services, Pool, & Other Service Companies

• Are their any regularly scheduled appointments while you are away?  Do  they need access to the back yard  or any gated area?  Do they have or need a key?  Is it the same people who come every visit or does it vary?  Do they use a company vehicle with identifying signage or an unmarked truck?  Will your neighbors recognize the personnel or truck?
• Inform the Neighborhood Watch Captain of the details.

Prepare & Share Travel Itinerary

• Create an itinerary of your trip including, travel dates, contact information, flights, rental car info, hotel phone numbers, emergency contact information, etc.  Will you have a cell phone with you?  The more detailed the better.
• Email the itinerary to family, friends, Neighborhoods Watch Captain, and neighbors.