Embracing the Joy of Physical Mail
For many, the digital age has made traditional mail seem outdated. However, for someone who identifies as Gen Z, there’s something undeniably special about receiving a handwritten letter or a postcard in the mailbox. I recently moved to a new state and sent out 15 pieces of mail, mostly postcards, to friends and family. It was a way to share my new address and also an excuse to use those stamps featuring manatees that I had collected over the years.
Mailing items is a regular part of my routine. I always send handwritten birthday and thank you notes, and my best friend, Sydney, and I have maintained a long-distance letter-writing tradition since we’re now 1,119 miles apart. Additionally, I’ve developed a habit of sending myself a postcard whenever I travel, which has become a fun little travel tradition.
With so much mail being sent and received, it’s natural to wonder what’s coming next. If you’re like me and enjoy knowing what’s arriving in your mailbox, there’s a service that can help: USPS Informed Delivery. This free service from the United States Postal Service allows you to see grayscale preview images of your incoming letter-sized mail before it even arrives. You’ll also get tracking updates on packages and outgoing mail, making it easier to stay informed without leaving your home.
How to Set Up and Use Informed Delivery
If you’re interested in using this service, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before signing up, make sure that USPS Informed Delivery is available for your address. Most residential addresses qualify, but some apartment buildings or PO boxes may not. To check eligibility, visit the USPS Informed Delivery page and click “Sign up for free.” Enter your email address and physical address to see if the service is available for you.
Step 2: Create a USPS Account
If your address is eligible, you’ll need to create a USPS.com account (or log in if you already have one). Visit USPS.com, click “Sign in,” and choose “Create account” if you don’t have one. Fill out your information, including name, address, email, and mobile number. Make sure the address you enter matches your mailing address exactly.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
To protect your mail and identity, USPS will ask you to verify that you live at the address you’re registering. Most people can complete this through an online identity verification process that may involve answering a few questions based on their credit history. If this doesn’t work, USPS may ask you to complete the process in person at a local post office.
Step 4: Start Using Informed Delivery
Once set up, you’ll start receiving daily emails from USPS with images of the mail that’s on its way. You can also check the Informed Delivery dashboard online or through the USPS Mobile app, available for iOS and Android. Here’s what you’ll see:
- Grayscale images of letter-sized mailpieces (usually the front of the envelope).
- Package tracking updates for incoming parcels.
- Notifications about outbound mail if you’re using USPS tracking services.
Note that not all mail is scanned. Larger items, magazines, or handwritten envelopes may not show up in previews, but most standard letters will.
Tips for Using Informed Delivery
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using Informed Delivery:
- Keep an eye out for interactive content. Some businesses include clickable offers or links in their scanned mail previews.
- Use it to spot missing mail. If something shows up in your preview but not in your mailbox, it may be delayed or misdelivered.
- Get alerts on the go. The USPS mobile app is especially handy for real-time updates on package deliveries.
By taking advantage of these features, you can stay informed and make the most of your postal experience. Whether you’re looking to track a package or simply want to know what’s coming in your mailbox, Informed Delivery offers a convenient and efficient solution.