Change of address vs forwarding mail

Change of Address

A change of address is a formal process where you notify the United States Postal Service (USPS) of a change in your mailing address. This is typically done when you move to a new home, apartment, or office. When you file a change of address, the USPS updates your address on all mail sent to your old address, and the mail is forwarded to your new address.

Here are the benefits of filing a change of address:

  1. Guaranteed delivery: The USPS will forward your mail to your new address, ensuring that you receive important documents, bills, and packages.
  2. Convenience: You don't need to notify individual companies or organizations of your address change.
  3. Reduced risk of lost mail: The USPS will hold mail at the post office for a certain period before returning it to the sender if it cannot be delivered to your new address.

Forwarding Mail

Forwarding mail is a temporary solution to receive mail at your old address while you're still in the process of moving or setting up your new address. This is often used when you're moving to a new home, but your utilities, internet, or other services haven't been transferred yet.

Here are the benefits of forwarding mail:

  1. Temporary solution: Forwarding mail is a quick and easy way to receive mail at your old address while you're still in the process of moving.
  2. No need to notify everyone: You don't need to notify individual companies or organizations of your address change, as the USPS will forward your mail to your new address.
  3. Flexibility: Forwarding mail can be set up for a specific period, such as a few weeks or months, giving you time to settle into your new home.

Key differences

  1. Duration: A change of address is a permanent update, while forwarding mail is a temporary solution.
  2. Notification: With a change of address, you notify the USPS, while with forwarding mail, the USPS notifies the sender of your new address.
  3. Mail handling: With a change of address, the USPS updates your address and forwards your mail to your new address. With forwarding mail, the USPS holds your mail at the post office and forwards it to your new address.

In summary, a change of address is a permanent update to your mailing address, while forwarding mail is a temporary solution to receive mail at your old address while you're still in the process of moving.