User Rules for Mail Forwarding

Be sure to let the post office know to forward your magazines so that you don't miss an issue during your extended vacation. reading her magazine image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com

Whenever you change addresses, you will probably want to have the post office send your mail along to your new address. Simply pick up a mail forwarding kit at your local post office, fill out the card and drop in into a mailbox; problem solved. There are other occasions, however, when you may want your mail forwarded temporarily, or mail to one person at your residence forwarded but the rest delivered as usual. Navigating these special circumstances can be confusing, but rest assured that the USPS has already established a definitive set of user rules for mail forwarding.

Temporary Mail Forward Rules

When you are filling out your change of address card, note that you have the option of a permanent or a temporary change. If you have more than one home and will only be at your second address for the winter, you should indicate a temporary change of address on Question 2 of the form. Then you must fill in the date on which you would like the temporary forward to end and mail delivery to resume to your regular address. The postal service limits a temporary mail forward to 15 days to 6 months, which you can extend to 12 months maximum. You must fill out an additional temporary order at the end of six months to extend your forward six months longer.

Permanent Mail Forward Rules

If you are on a mail route, your mail will follow you no matter where you move, provided you have filled out a change of address card. Mailbox Peak image by Brandon Wagner from Fotolia.com

If you are moving to a new address permanently, do not provide a date on the change of address form when the forward should conclude. The postal service's policy is to keep your forwarding address on file for 18 months, after which period you should have informed all your senders of your new address. Beyond this time frame, the postal carrier will return your first-class mail to the sender and dispose of any bulk mail addressed to you at your old address.

Premium Forwarding Rules

If you plan to be away from home for a minimum of two weeks up to a year, USPS offers a fee-based mail forwarding service. Your regular postal carrier will collect all of your mail and send it to you at your forwarding address once per week in a first-class package. If any mail is too large for the box, such as packages, the carrier will forward it as soon as it arrives at your primary address. Fees for this Premium Forwarding service requires $15 for setup and $13.95 per week while you are away.

Partial Mail Forwarding Rules

Some mail is too important to keep until you return home. old love letter image by Rog999 from Fotolia.com

If only some of members of your household are moving, such as college students who want to receive their mail at the dorm, each person who wants forwarding must fill out a change of address card, checking the "Individual" box on Question 1 of the form. It is also a good idea to clarify verbally for your carrier who will be leaving and who will be at home so you do not experience a confusion-generated mail delay.

References

• USPS FAQ: Temporary Change of Address
• USPS: Premium Forwarding