Here Are 5 Ways To Make Your Next Trip To The Post Office Less Annoying

Does the thought of going to the post office make you cringe? In today’s electronic age, mailing things at the post office can seem so outdated and like a huge hassle—but it doesn’t have to be.

With nearly half a billion pieces of mail delivered every day, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is still a busy and vital organization (which means we all probably go to the post office at least a couple of times each year). When the time comes for you to send a bill, a letter or even a package, you want to have the easiest experience possible and make sure your mail arrives on time and to the right place.

Follow these five tips to save time, money and hassle on your next trip to the post office.

1. Know When To Go

No one likes standing in line, so you’ll want to get to the post office during its least busy time: about 30 minutes after it opens. Usually, this is between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. During peak mailing seasons, such as the holidays, get those precious packages sent early to make sure they arrive on time.

2.  Address Mail Properly And Use Correct Postage

For many people, it’s been a while since they’ve mailed a letter or package. If you’re unsure of an address or zip code, look it up on USPS.com. One wrong digit on a zip code or street address can make the difference between a birthday card arriving on time or not at all.

3. Order Stamps Online

Few things are worse than waiting in line just to get a book of stamps. The postal service may be an old-fashioned concept, but it now offers a variety of services online to make customers’ experiences better. You can go directly to USPS.com to order stamps and have them shipped directly to your house.

4. Prep Packages Online

Have boxes that need to be shipped? First, USPS provides free priority mailboxes that can either be picked up at the post office or ordered online and delivered to your door. Then, when you’re ready to ship your boxes, go to the USPS Click-N-Ship website to take care of postage online. Some regulations apply, such as weight limit, types of package and delivery dates, so check the website for updated rules.

5. Don’t Lug Heavy Boxes To The Post Office

You can schedule a pickup by the USPS right from your computer. Simply enter your pickup information (name, address) and where the postal worker can expect to find your package or envelope—and voila, they’ll pick it up from you. That way, you can go back to avoiding the post office altogether!

These few simple tips can help make the postal service experience much more convenient and save a lot of time when you’re running errands. Happy mailing!