Understanding PO Box Notifications: Privacy and Family Dynamics

Your question revolves around the privacy and notification policies associated with P.O. Boxes. Let's break down the key points to provide clarity.

PO Box Notifications and USPS Policy

When you open a P.O. Box, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) does not notify your household or send alerts to your home address about the new box. This is because a P.O. Box is a separate mailing address, and the information regarding its ownership is not disclosed to others, including family members. If your mother is enrolled in a mail notification service that provides pictures of incoming mail, typically, this applies only to mail directed to your home address. Mail sent to a P.O. Box would not be included in that notification. Therefore, if you open a P.O. Box without your mother's knowledge, she would not receive any notifications about it.

Confirming with the USPS

To ensure accuracy, you should confirm this information with the Post Office. As mentioned earlier, the USPS offers guidelines for the delivery of mail with multiple addresses. It does appear that you can have a P.O. Box while still having mail delivered to your home, as long as you provide the necessary instructions.

Your Obligations and Rights

As a responsible adult, you have the right to manage your mail privately. If you are over 16, your mother has no right to intercept your post without your consent. If you decide to open a P.O. Box, you can do so through the Royal Mail or USPS, and they are not required to disclose the existence of your P.O. Box to your mother, father, or any other resident of the household, unless legally mandated to do so.

Cost and Privacy Benefits

Opening a P.O. Box does come with a cost, as you will need to pay a fee for its use. However, if the information you receive through your P.O. Box is highly sensitive, the privacy it offers may be worth the fee. The only potential giveaway might be the reduction or cessation of post at the household address, assuming your mother does not receive pictures of incoming mail through her own subscription service.

If you find this scenario applicable, you can take a proactive approach by notifying your mother of your intentions to maintain the privacy of your communication. This can help avoid any misunderstandings or conflict.

For detailed guidance, you can refer to the USPS website or contact your local post office for more information.