What to do with mail when moving abroad

When moving abroad, it's essential to take care of your mail to avoid any issues or inconvenience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you manage your mail during your international relocation:

1. Forward your mail:
   • Contact the United States Postal Service (USPS) or your local post office to set up mail forwarding. You can do this online, by phone, or in person.
   • Provide your new address abroad and the duration of your forwarding request (e.g., 6 months, 1 year).
   • You'll receive a confirmation letter with a unique forwarding number.
2. Choose your forwarding options:
   • Forward all mail: Receive all your mail, including bills, junk mail, and packages.
   • Forward only important mail: Receive only essential mail, such as bills, checks, and important documents.
   • Forward nothing: Stop mail delivery altogether, but be aware that you may miss important documents or bills.
3. Notify relevant parties:
   • Inform your bank, credit card company, loan providers, and other financial institutions about your move.
   • Update your address with online services, such as Netflix, Amazon, and subscription boxes.
   • Notify your employer, school, or university (if applicable).
4. Consider a mail holding service:
   • If you're moving to a country with a different postal system or language, you might want to use a mail holding service.
   • These services receive and hold your mail until you're ready to receive it or until you can arrange for it to be forwarded to you.
5. Pack essential documents:
   • Keep important documents, such as your passport, ID, and insurance cards, with you or send them to your new address.
   • Consider scanning and digitizing important documents to reduce the risk of loss or damage.
6. Set up a new address:
   • Once you've settled in your new location, update your address with the USPS or your local post office.
   • Ensure you receive mail and packages at your new address.
7. Monitor your mail:
   • Regularly check your mail forwarding account or online tracking to ensure your mail is being forwarded correctly.
   • Report any issues or missing mail to the USPS or your local post office.

Additional tips:

• Be aware of customs regulations and restrictions on mail forwarding, especially if you're moving to a country with strict regulations.
• Consider using a mail forwarding service, like EarthClassMail or Mailbox Forwarding, which can help you manage your mail and packages more efficiently.
• Keep a record of your mail forwarding requests and confirmation numbers for future reference.

By following these steps, you'll be able to manage your mail effectively during your international relocation and ensure a smooth transition to your new life abroad.