How long can you forward mail
The length of time you can forward mail depends on the type of mail and the forwarding service you use. Here are some general guidelines:
USPS Forwarding Service: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a forwarding service that allows you to forward mail to a new address for up to 12 months. You can request a forwarding service online or at a local post office. The fee for this service is $1.05 per package or $0.65 per piece of mail.
USPS General Delivery: The USPS also offers a General Delivery service, which allows you to receive mail and packages at a post office without a permanent address. You can use this service for up to 30 days.
Private Mail Forwarding Services: Private mail forwarding services, such as those offered by companies like EarthClassMail or Mailbox Forwarding, typically offer longer forwarding periods, often up to 1-2 years or more. These services usually charge a monthly or annual fee, which can range from $10 to $50 or more per month, depending on the service and the volume of mail you receive.
International Mail Forwarding: If you're forwarding mail internationally, the length of time you can forward mail may be limited by the destination country's customs regulations and the forwarding service's policies. Some international forwarding services may only allow forwarding for a specific period, such as 6 months or 1 year.
Important Notes:
- Forwarding mail can be a convenient way to receive mail while you're away, but it's essential to keep in mind that mail forwarding services may not be able to forward all types of mail, such as packages that require a signature or mail that is too large or heavy.
- You should also be aware that mail forwarding services may not be able to forward mail that is addressed to a specific person or business, only to a general address.
- If you're forwarding mail for an extended period, you may need to update your forwarding information periodically to ensure that your mail is delivered correctly.