What to do with someone's mail when they move

When someone moves, it's essential to handle their mail properly to ensure a smooth transition. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do with their mail:

  1. Forward their mail: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a mail forwarding service that allows you to forward their mail to their new address. You can do this online or by visiting a post office. The fee for forwarding mail is $1.05 per package or $0.30 per piece of mail.
  2. Hold their mail: If the person is moving temporarily or won't be at their new address for a while, you can request that the USPS hold their mail at the post office. This way, their mail will be stored safely until they're ready to collect it.
  3. Redirect their mail: If the person has a PO box, you can redirect their mail to their new address. The USPS will forward their mail to their new PO box.
  4. Notify the post office: Inform the post office about the person's move and provide them with their new address. This will ensure that their mail is forwarded correctly.
  5. Update their address with relevant parties: Inform the following parties about the person's address change:
    • Banks and credit unions
    • Credit card companies
    • Loan providers
    • Insurance companies
    • Utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.)
    • Subscription services (magazines, streaming services, etc.)
    • Online retailers
  6. Check for undeliverable mail: After the person has moved, check their old mailbox for any undeliverable mail. This might include bills, letters, or packages that were sent to their old address.
  7. Dispose of unwanted mail: If the person doesn't want to keep certain mail, such as junk mail or catalogs, you can dispose of it responsibly.

Remember to handle the person's mail with care, as it may contain sensitive information. If you're unsure about what to do with a particular piece of mail, you can always consult with the USPS or the relevant party.