What do you do with previous owners mail

When you purchase a new home, you may find that it comes with a lot of mail and packages addressed to the previous owners. Here are some steps you can follow to handle this mail:

  1. Sort and prioritize: Sort the mail into categories, such as bills, junk mail, and important documents. Prioritize the mail that needs to be addressed immediately, such as bills or notices that require a response.
  2. Check for errors: Review the mail for errors, such as incorrect addresses or misspelled names. If you find any errors, you can contact the sender to correct the issue.
  3. Return to sender: If the mail is addressed to the previous owner, you can return it to the sender with a note explaining that the previous owner is no longer at the address. You can use a "Return to Sender" label or a note with the correct address.
  4. Forward to previous owner: If you know the previous owner's new address, you can forward the mail to them. You can use a forwarding service or a change of address form to ensure that the mail is delivered to the correct address.
  5. Recycle or shred: If the mail is junk mail or contains sensitive information, you can recycle or shred it to protect your identity and the environment.
  6. Keep important documents: If you receive important documents, such as property tax bills or insurance notices, you should keep them and update your records accordingly.
  7. Contact utility companies: If you receive bills or notices from utility companies, such as electricity or gas providers, you should contact them to update your account information and ensure that you are billed correctly.
  8. Check for outstanding debts: If you receive mail from creditors or collection agencies, you should investigate whether there are any outstanding debts that need to be paid.
  9. Notify the post office: Finally, you should notify the post office of the change of ownership and request that they update their records to reflect your new address.

Remember to always handle mail with care and attention to detail to ensure that you don't miss any important documents or bills.