Royal Mail customers across the UK who are expecting Christmas deliveries before December 25 may want to "opt out" of Safeplace. Safeplace is available on all Tracked 24 & 48 and Royal Mail 24 & 48 products, with no additional charge, and it means customers can still have their goods delivered even when they're out.
However, in the run-up to Christmas Day, some people might not want parcels left in a Safeplace - especially if you've just moved and don't yet know the best spot. You may also want to keep gifts hidden from kids or other family members until you're home, or you might simply prefer that deliveries aren't left on your doorstep.
How to opt out of Safeplace
According to Royal Mail, if you don't want your postie to leave your parcel in a Safeplace, you should "download the Royal Mail App. Here you can opt out of Safeplace". This means your postie will "know to use alternative delivery options for your items if you're not in."
If you are unable to use the Royal Mail App, the company can "set an accessibility requirement (but not a Safeplace) on your behalf" - just contact them and your "postie will select a Safeplace automatically for you when appropriate to do so." You can also contact them with any concerns about not wanting a Safeplace.
What counts as a Safeplace?
If you are not at home to accept delivery, Royal Mail says it "may deliver your item to a Safeplace location at the address without a specific instruction from you. In that case, it will only be if our postie deems the location to be within our guidelines."
It explains that a Safeplace is a "secure, weatherproof area of the property that is out of sight and easily accessible." It stresses that "requests to place parcels in recycling bins are not considered as a Safeplace by Royal Mail." It adds that other bins, "doorsteps and underneath parked cars" are also areas it would not consider safe.
If you are a "vulnerable customer" and your postie knows this, Royal Mail says that "they will always try to take this into account when choosing a Safeplace for your item and position it in an easily accessible location for you."
When Safeplace isn't used
Royal Mail can't leave an item in a Safeplace if it's unsafe for the postie to reach the spot, if the item could be damaged by bad weather, if the location is not secure (like a doorstep or recycling bin), or if the item needs a signature, age, or ID verification.
If you need extra support, Royal Mail says it's committed to helping customers - including anyone with accessibility needs. You can contact the team, and they can help you arrange a safe place, how to opt out, or allow more time to answer the door if you have a disability so you don't miss a knock at the door.
