Over the years, I’m often asked how we get mail and packages as full-timer RVers who travel all around the USA and Canada for months at a time. So to answer that question, I’ve put together a list of nine methods we have used.
Being Canadian and snowbirding in the USA during the winter adds a few more challenges but we have found many different solutions that work for us. I hope you find this information helpful if you are just starting out as full-time RVers or heading out for an extended camping trip.
How We Deal with Mail and Packages Video
1) Family Member’s Home Address
Most of my essential mail goes to my sister’s home address, which I use as my official residence for banking, insurance, and tax purposes. Canada lacks any other way I know of to be a full-time traveling RVer. She opens the mail and sends a picture of it if it looks important. However, she gets hardly any these days as things are mostly email or online.
2) UPS Store Mailbox Rental
I spend several months each year in the Campbell River area of Vancouver Island, so I rent a mailbox at the local UPS store. For $20 bucks a month, I get a street address where I can have any packages or regular mail sent. When something arrives, I get an email. They will also forward me things via UPS parcel.
3) Canada Post Flex Delivery
Canada Post has many of what they call “Flex Delivery Locations” for package pickup when away from home. Using my sister’s address as my address, I signed up for a Flex Delivery account and can have packages sent to a Flex Address. For example, the Canada Post outlets in drug stores are often Flex Delivery Addresses for package pickups. They will accept packages that can be sent to a PO box address. So, shipping choices are somewhat limited.
4) UPS Access Point or FedEx Onsite Locations
When traveling in the USA, I often use UPS Access Point and FedEx OnSite locations to have packages sent for me to pick up there. They are found in many different retail locations, like drug stores. UPS and FedEx often have customer centers in larger towns as well.
5) Amazon Hubs or Lockers
I often use pickup locations called Hubs and Lockers for getting Amazon packages. Hubs are similar to UPS/FedEx locations found in retail stores. Lockers look like giant metal filing cabinets. They are usually located outside select corner stores and gas stations. You scan an emailed bar code or enter its number, and the access door swings open.
6) RV Friend’s Home Address
I have developed numerous RVing friendships over the years of full-time RV traveling. When passing through their town, we often stop and visit. These friends are usually more than happy to help me out if I need to have a package sent to their place. It comes in handy for oversized or heavier boxes that many other of my delivery options won’t take.
7) US Postal Service General Delivery
If the mail or package is coming via the USPS, most towns have the “General Delivery” option. You address the mail to its location, then pick it up using your ID like a driver’s license. I found an easy way to look for a general delivery post office is to search Google Maps for the post offices in the area. Then click the website link and look for the services offered at the location.
8) RV Park/Campground Office Address
I find if you ask, many RV parks allow package delivery to the office or even right to your campsite. It is usually for courier company packages like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc. Regular Canada Post/USPS is generally not allowed. Other than sometimes for long-term RV site rentals.
9) Rural Town General Stores
Finally, if you ask around in tiny rural towns, you may find a location the locals use to have packages sent to. Places like this are often the general store or gas stations.