Have you asked yourself, “How do you get mail when you live in a skoolie or van?”
I’ve got the answer for you! There are a number of mail forwarding options available for those living in a
The Mail Forwarding Service We Use
We have been using US Global Mail since 2021 to handle our mail forwarding needs.
We like them because it’s an easy to use service, affordable, the customer service team is friendly, and they offer scanning and check forwarding services.
Get a free month of service if you sign up with US Global Mail using our code: INGRID-KPHDX9GG.6ML
Mail Forwarding Service Options
A common list of mail forwarding services include:
1. USPS
The USPS offers two types of mail forwarding options on their website:
- Temporary (6 month maximum)
- Permanent.
- General Delivery (My van-life friend, Bekah, with Treks with Beks has a fantastic article on her experience using the USPS General Delivery service while living on the road.)
Cost
It costs $1 to set up.
Recommended supplementary service
Instead of relying on the USPS mail forwarding service completely, we chose to go with a mail forwarding service that offers a virtual mailbox, scanning services and check forwarding, especially since we are running a business. Unfortunately that is just not something USPS offers or is easily accessible, if they do.
2. US Global Mail
Editor’s Choice
Get a free month of service if you sign up with US Global Mail using our code: INGRID-KPHDX9GG.6ML
When we decided to forward all of our mail, I searched for a service that offered a permanent mailing address because we needed to forward our business mail as well as residential mail, and offered a user-friendly virtual mailbox.
Sometimes when you forward your business mailing address, you cannot use a P.O. Box for permanent addresses, so we needed a real mailing address.
We decided on US Global Mail because they offered us:
- A permanent mailing address
- Check forwarding
- Scanning services
- Great customer service
- Dedicated mailbox (no mail sharing)
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Long-term mail storage (45 days for individuals; 180 days for business)
Mailing address location
We chose a mailbox location in Texas, because it was the cheapest option and location didn’t really matter. You can also get mailboxes in other states too. Honestly, the address does not matter to me as long as I get my mail.
We’ve never had a delay with our mail when we requested, and they also offer scanning services and check forwarding services that we use. Those services came at an additional fee.
Pricing
Individual pricing starts at $9.99 per month per person (paid annually), and business pricing starts at $29.95 per month [multiple companies and names] (paid annually).
Was it easy to set up the US Global Mail service?
It was simple to set up the service. The residential accounts we were able to authorize in our own names. We needed to have some notary signatures for our business accounts since we were signing as officers on the businesses.
Eco-friendly
US Global Mail plants a new tree for every new member that registers!
3. Amazon lockers
Shopping on Amazon in the United States has become second nature. Since the introduction of Amazon lockers, it makes shipping to you much easier when you have a mobile dwelling.
The times we did use the Amazon lockers, we were satisfied that our products arrived on time and in the designated storage before we moved on to our next destination in our school bus conversion.
4. Friends and Family
This is my least favorite option because so many things can go wrong. Also, I don’t think this is a good long term solution, unless you just don’t have a lot of mail (ie. bills) needing timely delivery.
I would say this is a great solution for short term mail and a great way to reconnect with friends and family when you’re on the road. It kind of gives you the excuse to see someone.
FAQs to How do you Get Mail when you Live in a Skoolie or Van?
Can I forward a check to my bank, if I don’t live in the same state?
Yes, you absolutely can forward a check via mail to your bank, if there are no branch locations close to you.
If you have the check in your hand, the best option is to use mobile deposit using the bank’s app. If that option isn’t available, contact your bank to get their best mailing address and what information they need from you before mailing.
If you’re using a mail forwarding service like US Global Mail (this is who we use), then simply tell them where you need it forwarded it. You’ll need to fill out a form that gives them a limited power to endorse the check on your behalf before forwarding it to your bank.
Conclusion to “How do you get mail when you live in a skoolie or van?”
I hope this post thoroughly answered the questions you have about “How do you get mail when you live in a
I would love to hear your comments below.
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