Post Re Direct

[Soph01]

Hi. Im going on holiday for 3 weeks and im a bit worried about post building up and if a bill arrived i could miss the payment deadline. I only have a small post box too. What do you suggest?

[KARL]

This is something I am very familiar with - the best option is to have someone regularly check the incoming mail, provided you have someone willing and able to do this (a neighbour or a friend). I have a collection of envelopes which call for no action other than piling them up (direct debit stuff, statements, etc.), other stuff may need description/notification by e-mail and/or opening. The person will need a key to get at the delivered mail and he/she must be diligent/conscientious and reliable - if he/she misses something that may be important (doesn't alert you) then the whole thing can become a disappointment. It is a good idea to leave behind one form of ID acceptable to the Post Office in case something comes in that needs collection from them because if it sits around too long then it may be sent back.

Failing this, I think it is possible to come to an arrangement with Royal Mail that can get around the uncertainty you face

[-SharonA-]

Many a time I've been on holiday and missed final payment dates. Just pay on your return. Or if you pay online direct to say BT and you can see when the next bill is due enabling you to pay it in advance.

[Maydup]

I don't think you'll miss anything much by being away for 3 weeks. It would be different if it were 6 weeks or more, but if you are still concerned look ahead to that period and contact those companies for whom payments would be due. Either set up a direct debit or make an arrangement ahead of time. Avoid using your credit card for example in the month prior, so no bill is due.

It is also possible to have post held for you by Royal Mail. Use the keepsafe service while you are away to save it building up on your door mat.

http://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/keepsafe

[Old_Geezer]

I'd not worry about bills. They simply send a second demand in red threatening you and you then swear at their tone and impatience. Surely you don't get so much mail that it'd prevent you opening your front door on your return ?

[mikey4444]

This is where good neighbours show their mettle !

In 2014, I was away in my caravan in Cornwall for the whole of December. My neighbours checked that nothing was sticking out of the letter box for me, although I did have an awful lot of Xmas cards to open when I came home !

Bills shouldn't be a problem....check all your utilities and find out if you will be expecting any while you are away. Most people these days pay their gas, electric, water, Council Tax and telephone a regular amount each month by DD and I would be lost without that facility

[rsvp]

I regularly go abroad for 6 weeks + and just pay bills before I leave (pd cheques usually) not a problem. As for post biulding up either re-direct it, use the keep safe option or arrange for someone to empty the box.

[Canary42]

Use Royal Mail Keepsafe

http://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/keepsafe