How To

How to Forward Your Mail

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(4 Ratings)

Don't let people lose track of you when you move. Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Obtain a change of address order form from your local post office or the U.S. Postal Service's Web site (usps.com). Do this about one month before you move.
Step 2

Complete the change of address order form and include a start date to forward your mail from your old address to your new one.
Step 3

Return the completed form to the postal service or leave it with your outgoing mail.
Step 4

Receive a confirmation letter from the U.S. Postal Service.
Step 5

Understand that the postal service will forward first-class, priority and express mail to your new address for 12 months at no charge and periodicals for 60 days at no charge.

Tips & Warnings

You'll need to specifically request mail forwarding of your third-class mail, such as catalogs, books, and advertisements that weigh more than 16 ounces.
If you move outside your local area, you're responsible for forwarding charges for fourth-class parcel-post packages and for nonpriority mail items that weigh more than 16 ounces.