With all the mail the USPS has to deliver on a daily basis, there are bound to be mistakes.Write "Not at this address" on the envelope or package if it's addressed to someone who doesn't live there.All you have to do is give the mail back to the delivery person or drop it off at the mailbox.You can refuse and return mail if you don't want it.
Step 1: Don't write at this address on the envelope or package.
Print "Not at this address" on the item if you get mail to the correct address but the recipient doesn't live there.Don't write "Return to sender"Cross it out if you see a barcode.This will make sure that the item doesn't come back to you.The address should not be erased or crossed out.If you keep getting mail addressed to someone who doesn't live at your address, you should contact your local post office.They can help make sure you don't get misdelivered mail.
Step 2: Return the mail piece to the delivery person.
When your mail carrier makes a delivery, return the mail piece to them and tell them that the person it was addressed to doesn't live there.You can put the item back in the mailbox and put a red flag up.Next time your mail carrier delivers the mail, they should pick it up.
Step 3: If you can't give it to the deliverer, put it in a collection box.
If you want to give the item back to the mail carrier, you can put it in a USPS mail collection box.The post office will either forward it to the sender or collect it.The USPS has a page where you can find the nearest collection box.
Step 4: Return the item to your mailbox.
If you get a piece of mail delivered to the wrong address, that usually means that the mail delivery person put it in your mailbox by mistake.Put the misdelivered item back in the box after you pick up your mail.The flag on your mailbox tells your mail carrier that you have outgoing mail in the box.If you get a Priority Mail Express item that has been delivered to the wrong address, you can request a number for the reporting unit by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.You can call the number to get instructions on how to return the item.
Step 5: If you prefer, return the item to the delivery person.
You can give the misdelivered piece back to the mail carrier if you happen to be around.It was delivered to the wrong address.You can bring the item to the post office.
Step 6: Don't write anything on the item.
Don't write "Return to sender" or any other messages on the package when you return the item.The address and other information on the item should not be erased.The item could go to the wrong address if it is marked or erased.The post office has an authorized "Return to sender" mark if the item needs to be returned to the sender.The former mail recipient is no longer living at this current address so you can post a note outside of the residential mailbox.The individuals name can be seen on the mail.
Step 7: Write "refused" on the item and send it to the mail carrier.
You can refuse most mail and have it returned to the sender.Write "Refused" on the package and send it back to the mail carrier.If you opened the item, you won't be able to do this.Most mail items can be refused after they've been delivered.
Step 8: If it is accountable mail, check the delivery notice for "refused".
You have to sign for accountable mail.If you check the box labeled "Refused" on the delivery notice that your mail carrier gives you, you can refuse some mail.If your mail carrier left you a delivery notice to sign in your mailbox, you should sign it and put it back in the mailbox.Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, Certified Mail and items insured for more than $200 are some of the common types of accountable mail.After they've been delivered, most types of accountable mail can be refused.If you want to return one of these items, you need to repackage it and send it back with new postage.
Step 9: If you opened it, repackage it with new postage.
It is not possible to simply write "Refused" and send it on its way if you already opened the item.Place the item inside a new box, envelope, or wrapper to be addressed to the sender.You will need to put new postage on the item.Mail the item as usual after it's repackaged.If you return damaged or unwanted items, the seller may be able to give you a pre-paid shipping label or compensate you for the postage.