Living in an RV full-time can be an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle, but it can also come with some unique challenges. One of the major challenges is managing your mail while on the road. Whether it’s bills, personal correspondence, or important documents, you need a reliable way to receive and manage your post. So, if you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting your journey, this blog will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your RV mail service and options.
Complete Guide of RV Mail Forwarding Services & Post Options for RVers
How Do Full-Time RVers Get Mail?
If you are wondering how do full-time RVers get packages, well, there’s not one clear answer. When you live in an RV full-time, you likely will not have a traditional street address. However, you still need a way to receive letters and packages. Fortunately, there are several RV mail services and options available to RVers. These include RV mail forwarding services, virtual mailboxes for RV mail, and having post sent to a family member’s address. In this blog, we explore the pros and cons of each RV mail service and option. In addition, we cover tips and best practices for managing your mailbox on the go.
Best RV Mail Forwarding Services & RV Mail Options for Full-Timers
RV Mail Forwarding Services for Full-Time RVers
RV mail forwarding services are a great option as this RV mail service caters specifically to RVers. These services offer a mailing address that can be used to receive letters and packages while on the road, as well as a range of additional RV mail services to make life easier for RVers.
When you sign up for an RV mail forwarding service, you are typically assigned a mailing address that can be used as your official address for receiving letters and packages. This address can be a physical street address or a P.O. Box, and it can be located in a state with no income tax or in a state that is convenient for your travels.
The RV mail service provider will typically receive your letters and packages, scan or photograph the outside of the envelope or package and notify you via email or through their online portal. You can then instruct the provider to forward the items to your current location or local office, or you can choose to have the post held for a certain period of time until you are able to pick it up.
In addition to mail forwarding, many RV mail forwarding services offer additional features, such as mail scanning, where you can view the contents of your post online. Some also offer mail storage, where your documents can be stored securely until you are ready to receive it. Other services may also offer package consolidation and forwarding. This feature can be useful for RVers who are traveling to remote locations and need to receive packages on the road.
Pros & Cons of RV Mail Forwarding Services
Pros:
Permanent mailing address
Some RV mail forwarding services provide you with a permanent mailing address, even if you’re always on the move. This can make it easier to receive important documents and packages without having to update your address every time you move.
Security
RV mail forwarding services are typically more secure than having your documents sent to a friend or family member’s address. They use advanced security measures to protect your personal information.
Convenience
With the best RV mail forwarding services, you can have your letters and packages sent to one central location, where it will be sorted and forwarded to you wherever you are currently located.
Customization
Many RV mail forwarding services offer a high level of customization. You choose how often you want your post forwarded, which items you want to have scanned, and how you want your packages to be shipped.
Cons:
Cost
Some RV mail forwarding services can be expensive, especially if you need to have your letters forwarded frequently or have a lot of packages sent to you.
Delay in receiving Correspondence
Depending on the location of the mail forwarding service and where you are currently located, there may be a delay in receiving your documents and packages.
Limited access to original mail
With an RV mail forwarding service, you won’t have physical access to your original mail unless you have it forwarded to you. This can be a problem if you need the original copy of a document or package.
Potential for lost or misrouted mail
There is always a risk of letters or packages being lost or misrouted when using an RV mail forwarding service. However, reputable providers typically have measures in place to minimize this risk.
All in all, the decision to use an RV mail forwarding service depends on what works for you and your family. Consider the pros and cons carefully and do your research to find a reputable and reliable service provider that meets your needs.
Best RV Mail Forwarding Services
There are many RV mail forwarding services available, such as Escapees Mail Forwarding through the Escapees RV Club and the Good Sam Mail Service. You can read more about these services on our blog, the best RV mail forwarding services.
Virtual Mailboxes for RVers
Virtual mailbox services allow you to receive your documents electronically. You can view your letters online and then choose to have them forwarded to your current location or shredded and recycled.
Here are some pros and cons of using a virtual mailbox for RVers
Pros:
Accessibility
A virtual mailbox is all online so you can access it from anywhere, making it an excellent option for RVers who travel frequently. And as long as you have an internet connection, you can view your mail online and decide whether to have it forwarded, scanned, or shredded. Since you can manage everything online, it can be more convenient than visiting a physical mailbox or post office.
Security
A virtual mailbox is more secure than a physical mailbox since it has additional security features like encryption, password protection, and two-factor authentication.
Flexibility
Virtual mailbox services offer a high level of flexibility, allowing you to customize your settings and preferences to fit your specific needs. You can choose how often you want your mail forwarded, how you want it to be delivered, and which items you want to have scanned.
Cost-effective
Depending on the level of service you choose, a virtual mailbox can be more cost-effective than traditional mail forwarding services. You can save money on postage and handling fees, and you only pay for the services you need.
Cons:
Dependence on technology
A virtual mailbox relies on technology to function, so if the service goes down or you lose access to the internet, you may not be able to access your mail. Also, this makes it less ideal for RVers who prefer camping off-grid. There is also a risk of errors or omissions when scanning your mail, which could lead to important documents or items being missed.
Limited storage & physical access
Virtual mailbox services may have limited storage space, which can be a problem if you receive a lot of mail or packages. Additionally, some virtual mailbox services may not be able to handle oversized packages or items that require special handling. Additionally, you won’t have physical access to your original mail unless you have it forwarded to you. This can be a problem if you need the original copy of a document or package.
Hidden Fees
Virtual mailbox services sometimes come with hidden expenses such as extra fees for scanning or forwarding services.
Privacy concerns
While in many ways virtual mailboxes are more secure, using a virtual mailbox means your mail is being handled by a third-party service. This could raise privacy concerns for some people.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if a virtual mailbox is the right option for your lifestyle. Consider your needs, budget, and preferences before making a decision.
Virtual Mailboxes for RVers
There are several virtual mailbox options available for RVers who need a reliable way to receive mail and packages while on the move. To learn more about some popular options, read our blog about the best virtual mailboxes for RVers.
General Delivery Mail for RVers
For another option, have your mail sent to a post office as “general delivery.” This means that you can pick up your mail at the post office using your ID and the address of the post office. This is a good option if you don’t have a permanent mailing address.
What is General Delivery Mail?
General delivery is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows a person to receive mail at a post office, rather than at a specific address. If you have mail sent to you “general delivery,” it will be addressed to your name, followed by the words “General Delivery,” the city, state, and ZIP code of the post office where you wish to pick up your mail.
For example:
[Your Name]
General Delivery
City, State ZIP Code
When your mail arrives at the designated post office, you can go to the post office and show your identification to the postmaster or clerk to receive your mail. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to pick up your mail.
General delivery is a useful service if you do not have a permanent address, such as those who are traveling or living in an RV full time. It is important to note that not all post offices offer general delivery, so make sure to check with the post office in advance to confirm availability and any specific requirements.
Here are some pros and cons of using general delivery mail for RVers:
Pros:
Free
General delivery mail is a free service offered by the USPS, which can be beneficial for RVers on a tight budget.
Suitable to Full-Time RVers
General delivery mail can be a convenient option for RVers who don’t have a permanent address or who are frequently on the move. It allows you to receive mail at a local post office, which can be easier than having to track down a friend or family member to receive your mail.
Discrete
Using general delivery mail can help protect your privacy, as your mail won’t be delivered to a physical address that’s associated with your name.
Cons:
Time sensitive
The USPS typically only holds general delivery mail for up to 30 days, which can be a problem if you’re not able to pick up your mail within that timeframe.
Inconvenient pickup
Depending on the location of the post office, picking up general delivery mail can be inconvenient or time-consuming. This is especially true if you’re not located near a post office.
Limited services
General delivery mail doesn’t typically include additional services like mail scanning or forwarding, which can be a disadvantage for RVers who need these services.
Not available in all locations
Not all post offices offer general delivery mail, so it may not be a viable option depending on your location.
Overall, using general delivery mail can be a good option for RVers who need a temporary way to receive mail. This option is great for part-time RVers who have a home address or an RV storage facility. But it may not be the best option for those who need additional services like mail forwarding or who need to receive mail for an extended period of time.
Using a Family Member’s Address
If you have a trusted family member or friend, you can have your documents and packages sent to their address and then have them forward it to you.
Here are some pros and cons of having post sent to a family member when RVing:
Pros:
Convenience
Sending your mail to a family member’s address can be a convenient option, as they can collect your mail and hold onto it until you can pick it up.
Low Cost
This option can be more cost-effective than using a mail forwarding or virtual mailbox service, as you may not need to pay additional fees.
Trusted receiver
A family member is likely someone you trust, so you can feel more secure knowing that they will handle your mail with care.
Personal connection
By having your mail sent to a family member’s address, you can maintain a personal connection with your loved ones.
Cons:
Dependence on others
Depending on someone else to receive and hold your mail can be a burden for your family member. It may also be inconvenient if they are not available when you need to pick up your mail.
Privacy concerns
Sending your documents to a family member’s address means that they will have access to your personal information, which could raise privacy concerns.
Limited mobility
If you are traveling frequently, sending your packages to a family member’s address may not be feasible if they live far away from your travel route.
Mail forwarding delays
If your family member sends your papers to you, it could take several days or even weeks for it to arrive, depending on their location and the postal service.
Overall, the decision to have your mail sent to a family member’s address while RVing depends on your comfort level. It is important to communicate clearly with your family member and establish a plan that works for both parties. This could be a great option for those testing out the RV lifestyle. And if you are considering full-time RVing, check out our newcomer’s RV guide for RV information and resources for those new to RVs.
Choose the Best RV Mail Service Option for You!
If you are considering RV living and wondering how to get mail when you live in an RV full-time, we hope this blog helps. Overall, managing your RV mail while RVing doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are several options available to RVers, each with its own set of pros and cons. Whether you choose to use an RV mail forwarding service, a virtual mailbox, use general mail delivery or have your mail sent to a family member’s address, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option and determine what works best for you. With these RV mail services and options outlined in this blog, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your mail on the go. And you can enjoy all the benefits of the RV lifestyle without the stress of dealing with traditional mail delivery. Happy travels!
