When to start mail forwarding

Mail forwarding can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your mail while you're away from home, whether it's for a short trip or an extended period. Here are some scenarios where you might consider starting mail forwarding:

  1. Moving to a new address: If you're relocating to a new home, you can set up mail forwarding to ensure that important documents, bills, and packages are forwarded to your new address.
  2. Going on a long trip: If you're planning a trip that will last several weeks or months, mail forwarding can help you stay on top of your mail and avoid missing important documents or packages.
  3. Selling or renting a property: If you're selling or renting a property, mail forwarding can help you stay informed about any mail or packages that arrive at the property.
  4. Military deployment or extended travel: If you're a military personnel or traveling for an extended period, mail forwarding can help you stay connected with your loved ones and manage your mail while you're away.
  5. Business or commercial purposes: If you're a business owner or entrepreneur, mail forwarding can help you manage your business mail and packages while you're away from the office.

When to start mail forwarding:

  1. At least 2-4 weeks before your departure: This allows time for the post office to set up the forwarding service and for any mail that arrives during this period to be forwarded to your new address.
  2. As soon as possible after a move: If you're moving to a new address, set up mail forwarding as soon as possible to ensure that any mail that arrives at your old address is forwarded to your new address.
  3. Before a long trip: If you're going on a long trip, set up mail forwarding a few weeks before your departure to ensure that any mail that arrives during your trip is forwarded to your temporary address.

How to set up mail forwarding:

  1. Visit your local post office: Go to your local post office and speak with a representative to set up mail forwarding.
  2. Fill out the necessary forms: You'll need to fill out a mail forwarding form, which will require your old and new addresses, as well as your contact information.
  3. Choose your forwarding options: You can choose to forward mail for a specific period, such as 6 months or 1 year, or indefinitely.
  4. Pay the fee: There may be a fee associated with mail forwarding, which will vary depending on the post office and the length of time you want to forward your mail.

Remember to keep your mail forwarding setup up to date and notify the post office of any changes to your address or forwarding preferences.