When you are moving, there are so many vital tasks to complete. There are many things to do, including packing, gathering moving boxes, or hiring a professional moving company.
Unless you relocate often and are a pro at moving from one home to another, vital tasks can easily be forgotten.
One common task that often doesn't get done promptly is forwarding your mail. We will be looking at how to make an address change with the post office so your mail is promptly delivered to your new home.
Mail forwarding is a convenient service allowing you to receive your mail at a different address than your primary one. It is useful when moving to a new location temporarily or permanently.
What is Mail Forwarding and How Does It Work?
Mail forwarding is a service provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that redirects your mail from your old address to your new address.
You can choose to forward your mail for a specific period or indefinitely. To start the mail forwarding process, complete a Change of Address (COA) form online or at your local post office.
How to Change Your Address at the Post Office
To change your address with the post office, you can fill out a COA form online at USPS.com or visit your local post office to complete a paper form.
The form requires your old and new address, the date you want the forwarding to start, and your contact information. You can receive a confirmation email or letter verifying your changed address.
How to Forward Your Mail to a Temporary Address
If you are moving temporarily, you can forward your mail to your temporary address for six months. You can extend the forwarding period for another six months if needed.
To forward your mail to a temporary address, you must fill out a COA form with your temporary address and the date you want the forwarding to start.
How to Forward Your Mail to an International Address
If you are moving out of the country, you can forward your mail to your new address using the USPS International Mail Forwarding service.
You must complete a COA form and select the International Mail Forwarding option. The service is available for six months and can be extended for another six months.
Who to Inform You're Moving
When you're moving, you must let people know you're changing your address. This includes businesses, government agencies, and individuals who send you mail or need to contact you. Having a change of address checklist can be essential in keeping you on track.
Here are some people, businesses, and entities to let know you will be moving:
1. Post Office: As mentioned earlier, you must change your address with the post office to forward your mail to your new address. You can do this online or in person at your local post office.
2. Bank: You must update your bank with your new address. This is especially important if you receive paper statements. You can do this online or by visiting your local branch.
3. Utilities: Contact your utility companies, including gas, water, electricity, and internet service providers, to let them know your new address. This will ensure that your services are transferred or canceled at the old address and activated at the new one.
4. Employer: If you're moving to a new city or state, you must let your employer know your new address. This is important for tax purposes and for receiving important work-related mail.
5. IRS: You must update your address with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to receive any tax refunds or notices. You can do this by filing Form 8822.
6. DMV: If you're moving to a new state, you must update your driver's license and vehicle registration. You'll need to visit the DMV in person to do this.
7. Insurance companies: Notify your car insurance, health insurance, and home insurance companies of your new address. This will ensure you receive any bills or important documents at the correct address.
8. Friends and family: Let your friends and family know your new address so they can stay in touch and send you mail or packages.
9. Subscription services: If you subscribe to magazines, newspapers, or other services that send you physical mail, you'll need to update your address with them.
10. Government agencies: You may need to update your address with government agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Department of State, depending on your situation. Check with each agency to see what steps you need to take.
Final Thoughts
There are many things to do before moving, so don't forget about your mail.
Mail forwarding is a convenient service that can save you time and hassle when moving. Following the steps mentioned above, you can easily change your address with the post office and forward your mail to your new address.
Don't forget to update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and other important contacts to ensure you receive all your mail at the right address.