Sort advertising left after a houseguest
A houseguest who stayed at your address may have had advertising mail sent there. After they leave, that mail is still addressed to them, and what you can do with it depends on their say-so.
What to do with it
- Keep advertising addressed to your former guest apart from your own mail.
- Contact the guest and tell them what arrived. They may want it forwarded or may want to submit their own requests.
- Act only on what they have authorized, and only for ordinary advertising. Leave statements, notices, and financial papers alone.
- If you cannot reach them and the mail keeps coming, ask your local post office what handling it recommends.
Why short stays do not give you authority
Someone who stayed briefly is not a resident whose mail you manage. Forwarding, discarding, or submitting requests for their mail without their knowledge may not be appropriate, however long they stayed. Let them decide, and if they cannot be reached, the post office is the place to ask.
Reach out first
A short message to the guest usually settles it. They may already know the mail is coming and have a preference. Handling only your own advertising keeps things simple. See the photo guide for your own pieces.
Instructions for the next step
Have an unwanted advertisement ready?
Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.
Try one request free