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May 14, 2021

3 Essential Ways To Manage Your Mail When Moving

Often, people expect that changing their mailing address when making a household move will be a seamless experience. That’s not always the case. Mail delivery ranks among the most frustrating aspects of moving. Between the general public’s lack of knowledge about the postal service, planning oversights, and common missteps, relocating can turn into a mail quagmire. If you are moving anytime soon, these are essential mail management tips to consider.

1. How to Forward Your Mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers two methods for forwarding your mail — online or in-person. This mechanism typically comes into play when you expect a relatively short stint somewhere before moving into your new living space. People building new homes with short-term rentals commonly use this option.

The mail-forward option allows you to have letters and packages delivered to a secondary address for up to three months. Internet users can go to the USPS website and change their address in about 10 minutes after establishing an account. Brick-and-mortar post offices usually have a hard copy form you can also fill out. Once you select a date and verify your identity, anything that would go to your old address gets rerouted to the temporary one. Filling out the form often triggers helpful information to be sent to your new address.

2. How to Hold Your Mail

One of the underused options involves stopping important mail in its tracks. This mechanism proves beneficial for people concerned bills will arrive late, and you’ll incur penalties or miss deadlines. The USPS allows residents to have mail held at the local office for personal pickup. If you are not moving far away, filling out the USPS Hold Mail form online or in-person can make the transition less stressful.

3. How to Change Your Mailing Address

Like mail forwarding and holds, the USPS offers both online and hard copy change of address options. An increased number of people prefer the online resource because it provides real-time benefits. After filling out your name, address, and zip code, the USPS sends an electronic confirmation code. You’ll need to input that along with the new zip code to verify and implement the change.

One of the benefits stems from editing or canceling the change of address by going back online. This can save a great deal of inconvenience if your new living space isn’t ready, a closing date changes, or you decide not to move. Of course, quickly fixing an error means you’ll receive mail. It may be worthwhile also to change your address with the following organizations.

IRS: If you expect a tax refund, contact that IRS, and change your address using Form 8822 or the most suitable option.
DMV: If you move to a new state, you will need to change your driver’s license. Failure to do so can result in a fine. Bring your proof of residency, secondary forms of ID, and your license to the DMV.
Voter Registration: Moving to a new state tasks voters with registering in their community. You cannot legally vote in your previous state if you procrastinate on this issue.

Keep in mind that the USPS can take up to 10 days to begin rerouting your mail. That’s why it’s crucial to make necessary mail updates at least two weeks before moving.