How to forward previous owners mail

The joys of inheriting a previous owner's mail! Forwarding their mail can be a bit of a hassle, but it's an important step to ensure that you receive any important correspondence and to prevent identity theft. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to forward previous owners' mail:

Method 1: Forward Mail through the USPS

1. Gather necessary documents: You'll need to provide proof of identity and ownership of the property. This can include a copy of the deed, property tax bill, or a notarized letter from the previous owner.
2. Fill out the USPS Form 1583: You can download and print the form from the USPS website or pick one up at your local post office. Fill out the form with the following information:
   • Your name and address
   • The previous owner's name and address
   • The dates you want to forward mail (e.g., from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022)
3. Sign and date the form: Make sure to sign and date the form in the presence of a notary public.
4. Submit the form to the USPS: Take the completed form to your local post office and submit it to the mail carrier or a postal clerk. They will verify your identity and ownership of the property.
5. Pay the forwarding fee: The USPS charges a fee for forwarding mail, which varies depending on the type of mail and the length of time you want to forward it. The fee ranges from $1 to $10 per month.

Method 2: Forward Mail through the Previous Owner's Mail Carrier

1. Contact the previous owner's mail carrier: Reach out to the mail carrier who delivered mail to the previous owner and ask if they can forward the mail to you.
2. Provide necessary documents: The mail carrier may request proof of identity and ownership of the property, similar to the USPS method.
3. Agree on a forwarding period: Discuss with the mail carrier how long you want to forward the mail and agree on a specific period.
4. Pay any applicable fees: The mail carrier may charge a fee for forwarding the mail, which can vary depending on the type of mail and the length of time you want to forward it.

Tips and Reminders

• Make sure to forward mail as soon as possible to prevent important correspondence from being lost or stolen.
• Keep a record of the mail you receive and forward, in case you need to verify the authenticity of any documents.
• If you're forwarding mail for a specific period, make sure to update your address with the USPS or the previous owner's mail carrier when the forwarding period ends.
• Consider setting up a mailbox or post office box to receive mail, especially if you're not planning to live at the property full-time.

By following these steps, you should be able to forward previous owners' mail and ensure that you receive any important correspondence.