How to Change Your Address and Forward Mail When You Move to a New Place

Moving to a new rental apartment is an exciting chapter, but it comes with its fair share of logistics. One crucial task that often slips through the cracks is updating your address and ensuring your mail is forwarded correctly. Missing important mail or experiencing delays can cause unnecessary stress. From bills to packages, maintaining a seamless connection with your postal service is essential for every renter.

Whether it’s ensuring your new address is updated across all services or avoiding sensitive documents falling into the wrong hands, being proactive will save you time, frustration, and potential headaches. To help you navigate the process, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your address when you move and forward mail to a new one.

How to change your address and forward mail

Moving doesn’t have to feel like navigating a maze of lost letters and missed packages. By following these straightforward steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.

Step 1: Notify the United States Postal Service (USPS) about your new address

Notifying USPS is the cornerstone of ensuring that your mail gets forwarded to your new address. Fortunately, the USPS process is straightforward and efficient.

1. Visit the USPS website: Head over to the USPS Change of Address page. The online process is user-friendly, guiding you step-by-step. The form asks for essential details such as your old and new addresses, your name (as well as the names of those moving along with you), your move date, and whether the change is temporary or permanent.

2. Identity verification: USPS requires identity verification to ensure address changes are authorized. This is a quick, one-time process completed during the online application to ensure your privacy and security. To have your identity verified online, you will need a valid email address and a credit or debit card. Also, you must pay a $1.10 identity verification fee, and the billing address on your credit card must match either your old or new address. If you’re unable to verify your identity online, USPS will email you instructions along with a barcode. Simply take the email and an acceptable photo ID to your local Post Office to complete the process.

3. Confirmation and tracking: After submitting your request, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details, including the start and end dates for mail forwarding (scroll down to the second part of this guide to learn about how to forward mail). It’s important that you keep this confirmation email for your records. You can also track your mail forwarding status or make changes if necessary.

4. In-person option: If you prefer to handle things offline, you can visit your local post office and request a PS Form 3575, which is the official change of address and mail forwarding request form. Simply fill it out and submit it along with an acceptable photo ID to a postal clerk, who will verify your identity and then process your request. Alternatively, you can complete a change of address by phone. All you need to do is call 1-800-ASK-USPS (by dialing 1-800-275-8777 on your phone) at no charge. This is a self-service option available 24/7, but USPS representatives are also available to guide you through the process.

Moving soon? Don’t forget to notify USPS about your address change at least two weeks before the scheduled move date! This gives the postal service enough time to process your request and make sure your mail forwarding kicks in right on schedule — no missed letters or important packages to worry about.

Step 2: Understand mail forwarding options

Now that you’ve learned how to change your address, it’s time to arrange your mail forwarding. USPS offers several mail forwarding options designed to meet different needs. Let’s browse through these options to help you choose the best fit for your move:

1. Temporary forwarding: This option is ideal if your move is not permanent. Whether you’re on a short-term lease or transitioning to another location soon, this service forwards your mail piece by piece for a specific period of time (a minimum of 15 days up to a maximum of six months, with an optional six-month extension).

2. Permanent forwarding: If you’ve moved for the long haul, choose the permanent forwarding option. Your mail will be forwarded piece by piece for up to a year, during which you’ll need to notify senders directly of your new address.

3. Premium forwarding service: For renters expecting frequent or important mail deliveries, this service consolidates your mail and forwards it weekly in one single shipment. While it comes with an additional fee, it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to miss out on packages or urgent correspondence.

4. Business vs. individual forwarding: If you’re moving your home and business simultaneously, you’ll need to submit separate address change requests for each. This ensures your business correspondence doesn’t get mixed up with personal mail.

Forgot to file a change of address request before moving? Here’s what happens: Your mail carrier will collect any accumulated mail at your old address and leave a notice letting you know it’s available for pickup at your local post office. They’ll hold your mail for up to 10 calendar days, but after that, most items will be sent back to the sender. Any mail that can’t be forwarded or returned will unfortunately be discarded — so don’t skip this important step!

Step 3: Update your address with key organizations

Changing your address with USPS is just the first step. To avoid disruptions in services and ensure everything flows smoothly, make sure to update your address with these key organizations next:

1. Financial institutions: Notify your bank, credit card companies, and loan providers of your new address. Missing important financial statements could lead to fees or missed payments.

2. Utilities and service providers: Update your address with your electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone providers to avoid interruptions in service. Some utility companies allow you to transfer services online, making the process even easier.

3. Your employer and government agencies: Don’t forget to update your address with your employer as well as government entities like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — for which you must fill in form 8822 — as well as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Social Security Administration. This ensures you receive important documents like tax forms or updated licenses.

4. Healthcare providers: Notify your doctors, dentists, and health insurance providers so they can update your records. You don’t want to miss important reminders or billing notices.

5. Subscriptions and memberships: Update your address for magazine subscriptions, meal delivery services, gym and club memberships, and online shopping accounts. This will ensure that you continue to enjoy your favorite services without interruptions.

When changing your address, it’s a good idea to create a detailed list of everyone who needs to be notified of your new information. As you work through the list, cross off each entity to stay organized and confident that all your bases are covered for a smooth transition.

Step 4: Notify friends, family, and acquaintances

Your loved ones are an important part of your life, no matter where you live, so keeping them updated with your new address is essential to staying connected. Making sure they know where to reach you is easy. Here are some simple and effective ways to share your new address with family and friends:

1. Send a moving announcement: Consider sending out digital or physical moving announcements. These can be as simple as a text or as creative as a custom card. Include your new address and any additional contact information.

2. Personalized messages: For close friends and family, a direct email, call, or text is a great way to share your new address. It’s also an opportunity to catch up and maybe even extend an invitation to visit your new home.

3. Forward unexpected mail: To ensure you don’t miss any mail, consider asking trusted neighbors or the new residents at your old address to forward any stray mail to your new address. A thoughtful thank you goes a long way in showing your appreciation for their help!

Keeping your network updated with your new address not only ensures you won’t miss important mail but also helps maintain and strengthen your personal connections during the move.

Step 5: Double-check for missed mail

Even the most thorough planning can result in the occasional piece of mail being sent to your old address. Here’s how to handle this:

1. Use USPS Informed Delivery: The USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that allows you to preview scanned images of your incoming mail. It’s an excellent way to ensure everything is arriving at your new address.

2. Ask for help at your old address: If you know the new tenants or have a trusted neighbor at your old address, ask them to keep an eye out for your mail. Arrange for them to forward it to you or hold it until you can retrieve it.

3. Monitor key senders: Make a list of regular senders (see Step 3) and follow up to confirm they’ve updated their records with your new address.

4. Follow up with USPS: If you notice delays or missing mail, contact USPS to troubleshoot any issues with your forwarding request. You can reach out online, by phone, or at your local post office.

Being proactive and keeping a close eye on your mail is key to making sure nothing important slips through the cracks when you move. By staying on top of things, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Changing your address and forwarding your mail doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when moving. With a little early planning, you can enjoy a smooth experience as you transition to your new rental apartment. Whether it’s your very first move as a renter or one of many, staying organized will help you avoid hiccups and stay connected.