Royal Mail has highlighted a simple solution for customers tired of taking in deliveries for neighbours or worrying their own parcels will be left next door when they are out. The postal service offers an official opt-out sticker that can be displayed on or near the letterbox, signalling to staff not to leave mail with a neighbour or ask the homeowner to accept someone else's post.
How the Sticker Works
Customers who apply online will receive a sticker to display on or near their letterbox. This signals preferences to delivery staff, meaning Royal Mail will not deliver your mail to a neighbour or ask you to accept their mail. If customers need extra or replacement stickers, these can be ordered using the online form.
Alternatively, Royal Mail said that if you still want your items left with a neighbour but are unable to accept their undelivered mail, you can simply tell the postperson when they knock. The choice is yours.
What Happens to Undelivered Mail
Royal Mail explained that any mail items that cannot be delivered will be returned to the customer's local Royal Mail Delivery Office for them to collect or arrange redelivery. If someone has changed their mind, they simply need to remove the sticker.
Opting Out of Unaddressed Mail
Sharing further advice for customers on the Royal Mail website, the postal service explained that people can opt out of Royal Mail Door to Door to stop unaddressed mail from being delivered. Customers can find the form online and complete it, then send it to the address listed on it.
Royal Mail said: "We'll action your request within six weeks of receiving your completed form. Your opt-out will last for a period of two years. During this time, every effort will be made to prevent the delivery of Door-to-Door items by Royal Mail."
After two years, to keep the opt-out, customers need to complete a new application form to confirm they still live at the address and want to continue opting out of Door-to-Door deliveries. More information is available on the Royal Mail website.
