What do i do with previous owners mail
When you purchase a new home, you may find that it comes with a mailbox full of mail addressed to the previous owner. Here are some steps you can follow to handle the previous owner's mail:
- Sort and prioritize: Go through the mail and separate it into categories, such as bills, junk mail, and important documents. Prioritize the mail that needs to be addressed immediately, like bills or notices that require a response.
- Check for important documents: Look for documents that may be important to you, such as:
- Utility bills or statements
- Loan or mortgage documents
- Insurance policies or claims
- Tax-related documents
- Notices from government agencies
- Contact the sender: If you receive mail that is addressed to the previous owner, but is still relevant to you (e.g., a utility bill), contact the sender to update their records with your name and address.
- Return undeliverable mail: If you receive mail that is clearly addressed to the previous owner and is no longer relevant to you, you can return it to the sender as "undeliverable" or "return to sender." This will help prevent the sender from sending future mail to the wrong address.
- Shred or recycle junk mail: Most junk mail can be safely shredded or recycled. Be sure to check with your local recycling program to see what types of paper products are accepted.
- Keep important documents: If you receive important documents that are relevant to your new home, such as property tax records or homeowner association documents, keep them in a safe and organized place.
- Notify the post office: If you're concerned about receiving mail intended for the previous owner, you can notify the post office and ask them to forward any mail addressed to the previous owner to your new address.
Remember to always handle mail with care, and be mindful of any sensitive or confidential information that may be contained in the mail.