Being on the road and moving about creates a few issues for us full-timers and work campers. Depending on how often you are moving and your length of stay at each location, the solutions can be different and the options are numerous.

Let’s start with the full-timer, in travel mode.

  • Flexibility is key: For this, having your mail delivered and held as General Delivery through the USPS works the best. Be sure to consider lead time and the 30-day limit policy for holding General Delivery mail. First get an address with forwarding service. If you have a motorhome, the FMCA is a best bet. As a member, and for a fee you will get a mailing address in Cincinnati, OH. They will hold your mail and then forward to an address you give them via First Class. There is an $8 charge per month plus postage fees per forward.
  • Escapees, another great organization for full-timers has a service as well. Escapees has a number of service levels as can be seen here. Their services involve a ‘personal assistant’, who will do many other tasks for you, based on an hourly rate.

In either case, a call with an address is what starts the process for mail. So, if you know you will be in Winslow, AZ on Friday, then on or before Monday, make the call and give them the address. Whether it be a general delivery or the campground you will be staying at.

Let’s now consider the Work Camper with a seasonal position.

  • Getting a P.O. Box can be handy for a seasonal stay.
    Rent a Post Office box for the season: It's not very expensive, and you avoid the waiting in line for General Delivery. However, new Homeland Security regulations require 2 approved forms of ID. Save time – have them with you for each name at the box.
  • Mail forwarding by the Post Office: you can have your mail forwarded to your PO Box. File a temporary change of address. This can be done online or at a post office. If done online there is a $1 charge, but you get confirmation within minutes. If done via mail, it can take a week or so. Forwarding typically only adds about 2 to 3 days to the mailing time. For mail you want faster, you should give the sender your new PO Box address and have them mail it directly. A little caveat, the post office will hold mail for 30 days, and then return to sender.
  • Rely on a family member. If you have a permanent address with family, you can always have them box up a week’s worth mail and resend on to you.

General delivery. For those not familiar with this service, the Post Office will hold mail at General Delivery for a month awaiting your arrival. Have your mail addressed to you in care of General Delivery, Town, State Zip. Upon arrival, just check in with the postmaster and present ID. Very nice for travel, so long as you know where you will be!

Get more tips from Bill Whetstone on Work Camping

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