When should you start forwarding mail
The age-old question of mail forwarding!
You should start forwarding mail when you're planning to be away from your primary address for an extended period, and you want to ensure that important documents, bills, and correspondence reach you safely. Here are some scenarios where you might consider forwarding mail:
- Moving to a new home: If you're relocating to a new address, you'll need to update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, and other relevant parties. Forwarding mail can help you receive important documents and bills at your new address.
- Traveling for an extended period: If you're going to be away from home for more than a few weeks, you might want to forward your mail to a temporary address, such as a friend's or family member's home, or a mail forwarding service.
- Military deployment or extended work assignment: If you're serving in the military or on an extended work assignment, you may need to forward your mail to a temporary address.
- Renovating or selling your home: If you're renovating your home or selling it, you may not want to receive mail at the address while it's being worked on or occupied by others. Forwarding mail can help you stay on top of important documents and bills.
- Changing your address due to a life event: If you're experiencing a life event like a divorce, separation, or inheritance, you may need to forward your mail to a new address.
When to start forwarding mail:
- For domestic moves, it's recommended to start forwarding mail 2-4 weeks before your move date to ensure that all important documents and bills reach you at your new address.
- For international moves, it's recommended to start forwarding mail 6-8 weeks before your move date to account for potential delays in international mail delivery.
How to forward mail:
- Contact the United States Postal Service (USPS) or your local post office to set up mail forwarding.
- Fill out a change of address form (PS Form 3575) and submit it to the USPS or your local post office.
- Provide your new address and the date you want the forwarding to start.
- Pay any applicable fees for mail forwarding services.
Remember to update your address with all relevant parties, including banks, credit card companies, loan providers, and subscription services, to ensure that your mail is forwarded correctly.