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Getting A New Forwarding Address For Your Move: The End All Guide

Whether you plan to move locally or across the country, there are a ton of details you need to think about! From packing your belongings and finding a great mover to turning off your utilities and arranging to have the cable set up at your new home—the list goes on and on.   

One essential task that many people don’t do early enough is to take care of their mail forwarding. Don’t make this mistake! It’s straightforward to do once you know.

Follow these simple tips for setting up your forwarding address.

How USPS Forwarding Works

When you move, the last thing you want is for the people who move into your old residence to start receiving your mail. Since you likely receive important stuff in the mail — like checks, bills, packages, and even jury duty, the carriers must know where to deliver it.

You’ll want to begin the process of forwarding mail to your new address several weeks before your move. It takes time for this to process, so don’t wait until the last minute. A good rule of thumb is to file your paperwork around the same time as when you book your moving company

If you’re making a permanent move, then you’ll use a change of address form. This will officially update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you’re moving temporarily, then you’ll use a mail forwarding service. This will allow you to designate a temporary mail delivery address from 15 days to one year.

Along with the appropriate form, you’ll need to provide a credit card to verify your identity. This is to help prevent fraudulent changes.

Once the form is processed, all mail that was previously sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new address. It’s that easy!

2 Ways to Set Up Your Forwarding Address

Now that you know how the process works, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it. You have two options.

1. File Your Request Online

The fastest and easiest way to fie your request is online. Go to USPS.com and complete their online change of address form.

You’ll need to enter your name, your old address, new address, and the date you would like the forwarding to begin. There’s a $1 charge to process the request online, and this amount will be charged to the credit card you use to verify your identity.

2. File Your Request In-Person

If you prefer, you can also go to your local post office in person. When you get there, request a Change of Address From 3575. It’s easy to fill the form out while you’re there and just hand it back to the postal worker.

If you choose this option, the USPS also waives the $1 fee.

Notify Essential People About Address

Make sure that you notify the people who sent you mail so that they can make the change on their end. Contact the following:

  • Tax Agencies
  • Social Security Administration
  • Gas and Electric Companies
  • Phone, Cable, and Internet
  • Other utilities
  • Employer
  • Bank and Credit Card Companies
  • Insurance Providers
  • Magazines and Subscriptions
  • Online Shopping Sites
  • Club and Organizations
  • Family and Friends

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be a Hassle

There’s enough for you to worry about when you’re planning a move. Don’t let getting your belongings safely to your new home stress you out!

You take care of your forwarding address, and we’ll take care of your move. Contact us today to request a quote and schedule your move.