Posted on 13 March 2018

While many aspects of modern life have gone digital, the existence of 'snail-mail' is still apparent - and in many ways still necessary.

For those who go on long business trips overseas, or who work as 'digital nomads', or who simply go on long sabbaticals, receiving physical letters and packages can be tricky.

Luckily, there are a number of solutions available so you can get hold of that all-important cheque, or find out that the HMRC or Student Loans Company want to talk to you!

Online Mail Forwarding

You can enlist the services of an online mail forwarding firm to deal with your mail. These companies function as your own personal mail-room, scanning documents so you can view them online and arranging mail forwarding to locations of your choosing. This means if you know you're going to be in Singapore in three weeks time, you can have any important mail sent ahead. Do a quick Google search and you'll find a choice of UK-based companies offering this service.

These companies may offer services such as:

• Opening and scanning letters so they can be viewed online
• Mail forwarding
• Shredding document
• Depositing cheques into bank accounts
• Holding mail for you

Aside from important letters, this type of service can work well if you order something online. Simply have the package sent to your online mail forwarding company, then ask them to send it to an address of your choosing.

Places you might have a package/post sent to:

• Local post office
• Hotel or hostel
• A Couchsurfing contact
• FedEx, UPS, DHL or Mailboxes Etc.

No matter where you are in the world, you'll always find at least one of the above.

While using a mail forwarding company has associated costs, it can end up being more efficient than relying on a friend or relative to organise your post. And if you are expecting a lot of mail, asking someone you know to help could be a rather large favour.

As is so often the case, the modern world has come up with some handy solutions to make managing your life overseas easy - even if you live out of a backpack or suitcase.

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