How long is mail forwarded when you move
When you move, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a mail forwarding service to help you receive your mail at your new address. The length of time that mail is forwarded depends on the type of forwarding service you choose and the distance between your old and new addresses.
Here are the general guidelines for USPS mail forwarding:
- Permanent Forwarding: This service is available for up to 12 months. You can request permanent forwarding for a specific period, and the USPS will forward your mail to your new address for that duration.
- Temporary Forwarding: This service is available for up to 3 months. If you're moving temporarily, you can request temporary forwarding, and the USPS will forward your mail to your new address for a maximum of 3 months.
- Forwarding for a Specific Period: You can also request forwarding for a specific period, such as 6 months or 1 year. The USPS will forward your mail to your new address for the specified duration.
Keep in mind that the USPS may not be able to forward mail that is:
- Too large or heavy to be forwarded (e.g., packages, boxes)
- Fragile or requires special handling
- Contains perishable items (e.g., food, plants)
- Has a special delivery or signature required
It's also important to note that the USPS may not forward mail that is:
- Returned to sender due to an incorrect address
- Undeliverable due to a change in your address
- Containing a forwarding fee (some mailers may charge a fee for forwarding)
To set up mail forwarding, you'll need to:
- Fill out a change of address form (PS Form 3575) and submit it to the USPS.
- Provide your old and new addresses, as well as your name and any other relevant information.
- Pay a small fee for the forwarding service (currently $1.05 per month for permanent forwarding).
Remember to update your address with the USPS, your bank, credit card company, and other relevant parties to ensure a smooth transition to your new address.