What to do with previous residents mail

When you move into a new home, you may find that the previous residents have left behind some of their mail, including bills, letters, and packages. Here are some steps you can take to handle the previous residents' mail:

1. Sort and prioritize: Sort the mail into categories, such as bills, letters, and packages. Prioritize the mail that needs to be addressed immediately, such as bills or important documents.
2. Check for important documents: Look for important documents like utility bills, bank statements, or credit card statements. These may need to be addressed or updated to reflect your name and address.
3. Return undeliverable mail: If you receive mail that is addressed to the previous residents, you can return it to the sender using the return address on the envelope. This is especially important for packages that may be returned to the sender if not claimed.
4. Forward mail: If you want to receive mail that was addressed to the previous residents, you can forward it to them using the US Postal Service's forwarding service. You'll need to fill out a change of address form and provide the previous residents' new address.
5. Dispose of junk mail: If the mail is junk mail or unwanted solicitations, you can dispose of it.
6. Keep a record: Keep a record of the mail you receive, including the date, sender, and contents. This can help you keep track of any important documents or bills that need to be addressed.
7. Contact the previous residents: If you're unable to contact the previous residents to return their mail, you can try contacting their neighbors or local authorities to see if they have any information about their whereabouts.

Some additional tips:

• If you're renting the property, be sure to check your lease agreement to see if there are any specific requirements for handling the previous residents' mail.
• If you're buying the property, you may want to consider hiring a professional to handle the mail and other tasks related to the property transfer.
• Be cautious when handling mail that may contain sensitive information, such as financial documents or personal correspondence.

Remember to always follow the instructions provided by the US Postal Service and any relevant local regulations when handling the previous residents' mail.