What Should You Do If You Get Someone Else’s Mail in Lubbock?

I opened my front door to find a package on my porch that I didn't order.

For about three seconds, I thought maybe the universe had finally decided to reward me with something special for being a decently functioning adult human.

Then I looked at the name.

Dang it.

Not my name.

Suddenly, I'm standing there holding a package that belonged to a stranger, wondering what the hell I was supposed to do with it.

This happens all the time. Addresses get entered incorrectly, or the postman makes a teensy mistake, and sometimes your mail ends up at the wrong home.

So, what should you do next?

What To Do If You Get Someone Else's Mail in Lubbock

red and white mail box

First, don't open it.

I know.

You're curious.

I was too.

Even if the package is specifically shaped like something you've been dying to have (a brand new guitar), do not open it.

If it's regular mail, USPS recommends marking something on it like "Not at this address" or "Not for this person" and returning it to the post office or putting it back in your mailbox.

If you accidentally open it, USPS says to mark it "Opened by mistake," sign it, and return it.

For a package, you could also contact the carrier and let them know that it came to the wrong address. Unless you actually know the neighbor it was supposed to go to, there's no reason to play detective on your block or try to track them down on Facebook.

If something shows up at your home without your name on it, don't assume it's a little special gift from God.

It's somebody else's. Do the right thing and get it back to them so everyone can move on with their day! And if there is no fanfare thanking you for being a good person, I'll do it now: THANK YOU!