PO Box Alternatives - No Fixed Address

xdivino on 15/12/2023 - 17:58
Last edited 18/12/2023 - 08:59 by 1 other user

Hi All,

I'm going to be helping a friend who's inbetween homes or rentals for a short while and she's in a position where the only close by PO Box with Aus post is a Large size one as all the smaller sizes are taken or in use. She'll be house sitting and pet sitting for a few months between a few locations so constantly changing addresses isn't ideal either.

Are there any PO Box alternatives that are free or some good temporary mailing address solutions?

I currently use the Parcel Lockers but they're not going to work for mail items, which there will be very few mail items anyway just official bills and documents once a blue moon etc. The Parcel lockers work fine for the bigger stuff and she can access them

The other option would be a PO Box further away approx 45km so it's a trip, not sure if there's solutions to e-mail/text when there's an item to collect as well, I saw something on the Auspost site but might have been for the larger options/parcels etc.

Most stuff is e-mailed anyway so it's kinda $200+ a year for a mail box.. :/

Home & Garden Mail Forwarder

Comments

  • Godric on 15/12/2023 - 18:12
    +8

    Temporary re-direct to your address?

    • xdivino on 15/12/2023 - 19:32

      I offered but she wasn't keen since i'm not around much and the paperwork might be important stuff. I.e Citienship, legals and medicals.
      Last resort if we can't get an option going, but was hoping there would be an alternative option or lower cost competitor to the PO box etc.

      • AustriaBargain on 15/12/2023 - 22:07

        Give her a copy of the key to your home letterbox so she can check it herself when you're not around?

        • xdivino on 15/12/2023 - 22:19

          Long trip to check the mail from WA to NSW

  • Protractor on 15/12/2023 - 18:41
    +1

    Homelessness is an issue, so either get your friend to ask directly at the chosen PO or do it yourself. There must be a temp solution in the current crisis.If the friend is an Australian citizen, she should contact her or the local member and seek support if it gets complex dealing with APost.

    There may be a possible solution found in this article (scroll down)
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-24/homeless-queensland-m…

    • CurlCurl on 15/12/2023 - 18:55
      +1

      Homelessness is an issue

      Where did the OP say she is homeless?

      • Nugs on 15/12/2023 - 19:02

        you are right, she might own several rentals
        .

      • Protractor on 15/12/2023 - 19:34

        OP did not.Did I imply that?

        But most ppl here would get what I am referring to. In a time where there are so many homeless ppl (it's a live issue, are you not aware ???) you would think the national postal service would have a working and affordable plan for ppl with NFA for whatever reason.

    • xdivino on 15/12/2023 - 19:30

      Not homeless perse, but without a home at the moment or inbetween leases etc.
      It's tricky but citizenship is almost there too.
      Will be housesitting for a bit and/or similar style accomidations for a few months to save up and get going.
      I've offered help where i can but just seeking if there's alternatives to the PO Box setup

      • Protractor on 15/12/2023 - 19:43

        What's so tricky? What are we not aware of in this scenario that makes this so difficult? Has this "non citizen friend" NOT got a consulate who can help or fellow countrymen/women to rely on , in the correct state??
        Is their visa current? Is she working on a tourist visa?

        • xdivino on 15/12/2023 - 19:48

          Multiple factors at play and personal in nature that has caused her to not have accomidations for the moment or waiting until something becomes available.

          Only other address would be overseas that won't likely work for mailing of some documents.

          Keeping it deliberately vague but the ask is simply are there other options besides using a "Po box" or my address for the short term..

          Seems like the answer is no, but will take it up with AusPost and the MP if we can't get anything. Hopefully AusPost can offer up the larger PO Box short term at the price of small till one is available.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 15/12/2023 - 18:59
    +3

    Help your friend by receiving their mail? Seems obvious

    • xdivino on 15/12/2023 - 19:26

      I Offered that but i'm in another state and not likely to be reliable mail place with work movements etc.
      Last resort options I suppose.

  • st1ng on 15/12/2023 - 19:08

    I'm probably missing something bleeding obvious from the OP, but Aus Post offer mail redirection.

    https://auspost.com.au/receiving/manage-your-mail/redirect-h…

    • xdivino on 15/12/2023 - 19:28

      yeah redirecting to where is the problem, not going to have a permanate address otherwise, but PO Box seems to be the only option really if we can make it happen with the Post Office. Shame about the cost element as well for redirect and po box as not ideal financial situation but will help out where I can.

  • Enterz on 15/12/2023 - 20:11
    +8

    I would look into Post Restante, which is where the main post office holds letters for you

  • onetwothreefour on 15/12/2023 - 20:52
    +3

    When I was a backpacker I used to get mail sent to the hostel I was staying at.

  • snapper17 on 16/12/2023 - 19:38

    you can also use a virtual office. they collect the mail scan and email it to you

  • cookie2 on 17/12/2023 - 07:01
    -2

    I don't want to sound harsh but $200 per year is nothing compared to the cost of renting a room, house or mortgage. If someone cant afford this currently, or sort it out themselves while they await citizenship, that just makes me wonder about the citizenship itself. Even on a student visa you can work and also responsible for having enough funds to support self.
    The MPs and any discounted services or options should be there for citizens and permanent residents, not just anyone.
    Get them to pay the $200 and be grateful they don't have to go back to the country that they lived in before.

    • xdivino on 17/12/2023 - 11:23

      $200 a year is nothing?
      You know this is OzBargain not whirlpool or OzSpend right?

      Also I love this type of comment, just goes to show how disconnected some people are from reality. She will be in a good position soon and might take 6mths to a year and she’s contributing more to Australia than most ever would do. Sometimes people get in a hole, I hope your not shifted to a position where you need help cause by the sounds of your reply and the time you put in to posting that reply you must be fun at parties.

  • CurlCurl on 17/12/2023 - 10:27

    I don't want to sound harsh but $200 per year is nothing compared to the cost of renting a room, house or mortgage. If someone cant afford this currently, or sort it out themselves while they await citizenship, that just makes me wonder about the citizenship itself. Even on a student visa you can work and also responsible for having enough funds to support self. The MPs and any discounted services or options should be there for citizens and permanent residents, not just anyone.
    Get them to pay the $200 and be grateful they don't have to go back to the country that they lived in before.

    Isn't it amazing when people think they know a strangers circumstances.

    • xdivino on 17/12/2023 - 11:25
      +1

      It’s really sad time and effort went in to a post like that.

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