How to Forward Your Mail When You Move

Not sure how to forward your mail when moving? Unless you’re planning to send out a mass moving announcement, it may take a while for friends and family to realize that you have a new address. Banks, credit card companies and government agencies also might not be aware that you’ve moved. To ensure that all mail is sent to your new address after the first year of moving, you’ll need to forward your mail with USPS. This way, everything from packages and letters to bills and magazines will be delivered to the right address. Here’s a quick rundown on how to forward your mail and why it’s so important.

Why forward your mail?

Whether you’re moving somewhere temporarily or permanently, you should opt to forward all of your mail when moving. This way, you won’t miss important correspondence from friends, family, government agencies or banks. All you need to do to forward your mail is fill out an official USPS change of address form.

How it works

Those making a permanent move can use this change of address form to officially update their address with USPS.
Those moving temporarily can use this mail forwarding service for anywhere from 15 days to up to a year.
Your identity will be verified using a credit card.
Once you select a date to begin forwarding your mail, all mail that is sent to your previous address will be re-directed to your new address.
Those forwarding their mail will receive a packet in the mail containing coupons that are helpful when moving.

Premium forwarding service

Those moving also have the option to choose Premium Forwarding Service Residential as opposed to regular mail forwarding. This is a temporary service that can be used for up to a year. All you have to do is pay a one-time enrollment fee and weekly fees thereafter, and USPS will hold your mail, package it, and ship it to you each week via Priority Mail® service. The service is $20.15 when you enroll or $18.15 when you enroll online. After that, the service is $20.10 for each week of service. For more information about Premium Forwarding Service Residential, check here.

How to forward your mail and change your address

Online

The easiest way to forward your mail when you move? Do it online! Simply go to USPS.com, select the “Quick Tools” tab and click on “Change My Address.” Once you’ve selected this tab, you’ll be redirected to the USPS Official Change of Address form. From there, you’ll enter the old address, new address and the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail. There will be a $1 charge to change your address online. This $1 charge to your credit card will be used to verify your identification to prevent fraud.

USPS will also give the option to receive coupons from popular furniture and home goods stores including Lowes, Casper, Crate&Barrel, CB2, Wayfair, Overstock, AllModern, Joss and Main, Rooms to Go, West Elm and more. In addition, when filling out your change of address online, you may be given the option to complete your voter registration application.

In Person

To change your mailing address, you can also go to the local post office in person and request the official change of address form 3575. All you have to do is fill out this form and give it to a postal worker at the post office. USPS should send you a confirmation letter to your new address within a week. If you decide to change your address in person, USPS will waive the $1 fee.

Other important change of address to-dos when moving

Establishing domicile – If moving to a new state and making it your main residence, you will need to establish legal domicile for tax purposes. To do so, you may need to fill out a Declaration of Domicile form. Make sure to look up your state’s specific requirements prior to moving.
Change IRS address – If you’re expecting a tax refund or other IRS mail, be sure to contact the IRS to change your address as soon as possible. Form 8822 allows residents to submit their new address at any time.
Change billing address with credit card companies – Most credit card billing addresses can be changed online. We recommend changing your billing addresses as soon as you move, so that you receive all necessary mail correspondence from your credit card companies.
Contact DMV to get a new driver’s license – Moving to a new state? If you intend to drive, you’ll need to update your driver’s license with the new address. To receive a new driver’s license, research local requirements before heading to the DMV. You’ll likely need to bring your existing driver’s license, proof of residency and social security card – among other forms of identification.
Update the Social Security Administration – If you receive social security retirement, disability benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you’ll need to change your address with the SSA in order to receive these benefits.
Voter registration – Make sure you register to vote after moving. To do so, contact your state election office to change the address associated with your voter registration card. You will then be assigned to a new polling place.
Magazine subscriptions – Do you receive magazine subscriptions in the mail? If so, make sure to change the address on file with all magazines and catalogs as soon as you move.

Planning to use a PO Box?

If you’re planning to use a PO Box, we suggest setting this up as soon as possible. To do so, simply sign up online and find an available PO Box in your new location. Choose the PO Box size you wish to rent and length of time you wish rent it. Once you complete the application, bring the printed form, your email receipt and two forms of ID to the post office. For more information about how to set up a PO Box when you move, check here.

Ready to move?

To find the right moving company to handle your next move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!