Most national postal services have online locators to help you find local branches. You can do an Internet search for “post office locator,” but some common branch locators include:US Postal Service: https://tools. usps. com/go/POLocatorAction!input. actionUK Postal Service: http://www. postoffice. co. uk/branch-finderCanada Postal Service: https://www. canadapost. ca/cpotools/apps/fpo/personal/findPostOffice
Print out Form PS 1093 before you go to apply for your PO box. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with what you’ll need and fill out necessary information. This way you’re not scrambling or scratching your head trying to fill out the form at the post office. Accepted forms of photo ID include: valid driver’s license or state issued ID card, armed forces, government, university ID card, passport, passport card, or alien registration card. Accepted forms of non-photo ID include: current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust, voter or vehicle registration card, Home or vehicle insurance policy. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source Getting the right ID necessary for your PO box can be tricky, but minors 16 - 17 years old can apply for passports with the proper documents without parental consent. [4] X Research source Your second piece of identification could be a state issued ID, which most states will issue you regardless of age with the proper documentation. [5] X Research source
Larger packages that don’t fit in your PO box will be indicated by a slip that will be put in your box by post office staff. Simply present this slip to the postal worker at the counter and your package will be given to you. [6] X Research source [7] X Research source
“I’m a collector and I buy a lot of stuff through online vendors. My parents were worried that something valuable might be stolen so they told me to come down here and get a PO box. " “This is part of a school assignment. I’m setting up a small business as my final project for my business class. “[8] X Research source Postal workers are within the scope of their duties to call or mail your parents to verify they know about your PO box purchase. Even with a good reason for your box, they still might want confirmation from your parents. If you are worried, get a friend in on this and tell them to expect a call from the post office.
Sometimes running through what you will say can help you be more comfortable with the situation. You might even benefit from writing a loose script of what you plan on saying when you rent your box. [10] X Research source
Make sure you get a copy of your receipt for the rented PO box. This will serve as verification that you paid in case you need proof. Additionally, a receipt may be required if you decide to cancel the service and get a refund. [11] X Research source [12] X Research source
There’s always a chance the first person you ask might say no. Make a short list of people who might be willing to help and rank them from most to least likely to help. This way you have backups ready, just in case. You’ll need to be careful about who you choose for this purpose; in some cases the person you ask might inform your parents of your plans. The simple act of asking someone to help you could get you in trouble with your parents.
You might say something like, “I’m ordering something for mom’s birthday. I want it to be a surprise. If she sees a package, she’ll know something’s up! Will you help me?"[13] X Research source
You might want to wait until less understanding people (for example, your friend’s parents or your aunt’s husband) are out of town or occupied with something out of the home. This way there is even less risk of your mail being discovered. You should also discuss with your accomplice what your story will be if the item you are having mailed gets found out. This way, if your mail is found out by someone else, inconsistencies in your story and the story of your accomplice don’t make others suspicious. Mailing something to an address without the homeowner’s approval and retrieving that mail could get you into trouble. Be sure you have permission before mailing anything to an address not your own.
Picking out a card and writing a short thank you message. This way when you go to pick up your item from your friend/relative’s house, you can exchange the thank you card for your mail. You could treat your friend or relative to a special lunch or dinner. This can be done as simply as saying, “Hey, I really appreciate you helping me out. Let me say thank you by taking you out to dinner this weekend. " Showing your appreciation isn’t simply good manners. Showing your gratitude will also make your accomplice will be more likely to help you again, should you need it.
Economy mail services sometimes don’t give you an option for mail tracking. In this case, you might consider paying a little extra for a premium shipping service. These usually include a tracking number with your mail order receipt. [14] X Research source [15] X Research source
If you and your parents don’t receive mail very often, you may want to place an order or two that your parents will be alright with first. Stagger these orders so each arrives on a different day. Then keep your eyes peeled for the delivery person to establish a general schedule. To confirm the mail delivery schedule most precisely, you may need to spend the day at home keeping on eye on the mail. This might require you to faking sick so you can stay home from school. The day your item is delivered, you might call the delivery service you are using to ask what time your item will be delivered. Simply say something like, “I have some errands to run today but I’m expecting a package/envelope. I was wondering if you could tell me about what time it might be delivered? My address is. . . “[16] X Research source
You might send your mom a text early in the afternoon saying something like, “Mom, what time are you and dad going to be home tonight? I’m starving already. When are we eating dinner?” You could order your secret item to be delivered while your parents are out of town to eliminate the risk of having your parents show up unannounced. Even if you find out last minute that your parents are going away for a day or two, next day shipping can help you get your item before your parents get home. [17] X Research source [18] X Research source [19] X Research source
For example, if your mother’s home when the mail comes and you’re worried you won’t be able to sneak your item past her, you might hide it under the doormat outside your home, in the bushes around your house, or somewhere else. Later, you can go outside with your backpack so it’s hidden when you go back inside. You might be able to smuggle your item into your home more easily with loose fitting clothes. Hoodie sweatshirts often have large pockets or a pouch where you can hide your item, or you could tuck it into the waistband of your pants.
