What to Do When a Package Doesn’t Fit in Your PO Box: A Comprehensive Guide
Moving to a new location or frequently receiving parcels can sometimes be a logistical challenge, especially when the package doesn’t fit in your PO box. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has a system in place to handle these situations efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take when a package is too large for your PO box and what to expect throughout the process.
Understanding What Happens When a Package is Too Large
If a package doesn’t fit in your PO box, the postal service typically leaves a notice in your box. This notice informs you that a package is available for pickup at the post office. You may need to bring the notice and a form of identification to collect your package from the designated area or counter. In some cases, the package may be held at the post office for a certain period before being returned to the sender if it’s not picked up.
Options for Retrieving Your Package
In most cases, the postal clerk will inform you of one of two options:
A yellow paper will be left in your PO box informing you to come to the counter to retrieve your box. The postal clerk will give you the key to a lock box in the lobby, and you unlock it to retrieve your parcel. The key remains with the lock box for the next person who needs to retrieve a large item.
The parcel will be placed in a parcel locker, and a key to the locker will be placed in your PO box. Alternatively, a notice will be left for you to go to the counter and retrieve your package from the clerk.
Another option is that the postal service will store the package in a different place, and you’ll have to go up to the counter to receive the package instead of opening up your PO box with the key.
Parcel Locker Boxes in the Lobby
The postal service also maintains parcel locker boxes in the lobby. If a package is too large for your PO box, they may leave a key in your box. You match it up with the right parcel locker or they’ll leave you a notice, and you will go to the counter, where the clerk will retrieve it for you.
Duration and Process
Making sure you’re aware of the steps and duration of the process is crucial. The USPS keeps packages in the post office for 15 days. So, if your package is too large for your PO box, you have 15 days to pick it up.
One of two things can happen. It can be placed in a parcel locker for you, or a notice is left for you to go to the window and retrieve it. If the parcel is larger than the largest available parcel locker or if it requires a signature upon delivery, a notice is placed in your PO box instructing you to call for the item at the retail window.
By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can efficiently handle the situation and avoid unnecessary inconvenience.