The post office redirect mail
The joys of moving and dealing with mail redirection!
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a service called "Mail Forwarding" or "Address Change Forwarding" that allows you to redirect your mail to a new address. Here's how it works:
Why redirect mail?
When you move to a new address, you may not be able to receive mail at your old address anymore. This can be a problem if you have bills, important documents, or packages sent to your old address. Mail forwarding helps ensure that you receive your mail at your new address.
How to redirect mail:
To redirect your mail, you'll need to:
- Fill out a change of address form: You can download and print a form from the USPS website or pick one up at your local post office. The form will ask for your old and new addresses, as well as your name and other identifying information.
- Submit the form: Take the completed form to your local post office or mail it to the USPS address listed on the form.
- Pay the fee: There is a fee for mail forwarding, which varies depending on the type of service you need. The fee is currently $1.05 for 6 months or $3.15 for 12 months.
- Wait for your mail to be forwarded: The USPS will forward your mail to your new address for the duration of the forwarding period you selected.
Types of mail forwarding:
The USPS offers two types of mail forwarding:
- Permanent Forwarding: This service forwards your mail to your new address for as long as you need it. You'll need to renew your forwarding order every 12 months.
- Temporary Forwarding: This service forwards your mail to your new address for a specific period, such as 6 months or 12 months. You can choose the duration of the forwarding period when you submit your form.
What mail is forwarded:
The USPS will forward most types of mail, including:
- First-Class Mail
- Priority Mail
- Priority Mail Express
- Periodicals (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
- Packages
However, some types of mail may not be forwarded, including:
- Mail that requires a signature upon delivery
- Mail that is too large or too heavy for forwarding
- Mail that is sent to a post office box
Tips and reminders:
- Make sure to update your address with your bank, credit card company, and other relevant parties to ensure that your mail is forwarded correctly.
- Keep your forwarding order active for at least 30 days to ensure that all of your mail is forwarded.
- If you're moving internationally, you may need to use a different type of mail forwarding service, such as a mail forwarding company.