Forwarding mail after moving
The joys of moving! Forwarding your mail is an essential step to ensure you receive important documents, bills, and correspondence after relocating. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you forward your mail:
Why forward your mail?
- Prevent missed payments or important documents
- Ensure you receive important packages and deliveries
- Keep your new address private (if you're moving to a new home or apartment)
How to forward your mail:
- Fill out the USPS Change of Address form: You can download the form from the United States Postal Service (USPS) website or pick one up at your local post office. Fill it out completely and accurately, including your old and new addresses.
- Provide identification: You may need to provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove your identity.
- Choose your forwarding period: Decide how long you want your mail to be forwarded. You can choose from 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months.
- Submit your form: Take the completed form to your local post office or mail it to the USPS address listed on the form.
- Verify your forwarding: After submitting your form, verify that your mail is being forwarded correctly by checking your mail regularly.
Additional tips:
- Forward your mail online: You can also forward your mail online through the USPS website. This option is available for a fee.
- Notify your banks and creditors: Inform your banks, credit card companies, and other creditors of your address change to ensure they update their records.
- Update your address with online services: Notify online services, such as Netflix, Amazon, and subscription boxes, of your address change.
- Keep your old address active: Keep your old address active for a few months to ensure you receive any outstanding mail or packages.
Fees and limitations:
- USPS Change of Address form: There is no fee for forwarding your mail using the USPS Change of Address form.
- Online forwarding: The fee for online forwarding is $1.05 per month for 1 month, $1.35 per month for 3 months, or $1.65 per month for 6 months.
- Limitations: The USPS will not forward mail that is too large or too heavy, such as packages or large envelopes. Additionally, some mail services, like UPS and FedEx, may not forward packages.
By following these steps, you'll ensure a smooth transition to your new address and receive your important mail and packages without any issues.