Stopping Mail Forwarding After Closing a PO Box: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

When you decide to close your PO box and relocate, one of the most common concerns is how to manage the influx of mail sent to your old address. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to stop mail forwarding after your PO box is officially closed and how to handle specific types of mail, such as non-first class mail and marketing material.

Understanding Mail Forwarding Policies

When you close a PO box, any mail that arrives after the closure Typically won’t be forwarded unless you specifically set up forwarding with the USPS (United States Postal Service). However, it is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure that no mail is forwarded to your new address.

Steps to Take

Here are the steps you should follow to ensure that no mail is forwarded to your current address:

Confirm PO Box Closure: Make sure your PO box is officially closed and that there are no active forwarding requests associated with it. You can check this by visiting the USPS website or contacting your local USPS office. Do Not Set Up Forwarding: If you have not set up mail forwarding from your PO box to your new address, you can rest assured that any mail sent to the closed PO box will be returned to the sender or disposed of by the postal service. Check with USPS: Contact your local USPS office to confirm that no forwarding has been set up and that your PO box is officially closed. You can also use the USPS website to track the status of your PO box closure.

Handling First and Non-First Class Mail

It’s important to understand the differences between first and non-first class mail to effectively manage your mail forwarding needs.

First Class Mail

First class mail includes presorted first class mail, forever/stamp metered presidential mail, priority mail, special handling mail, and any envelope or package with an endorsement containing the following keywords: “Electronic,” “Address,” “Return,” “Change,” or “Forwarding” followed by “Service Requested.”

To stop first class mail forwarding after closing your PO box, you should:

Notify senders of your new address directly to ensure that they update their mailing lists. Wait for 12 months, as USPS Change of Address (COA) is active for 18 months (12 months forward, 6 months return-to-sender).

Non-First Class Mail

Non-first class mail includes marketing and junk mail, presorted standard mail, and charity, political, and non-profit mail. These types of mail continue to be delivered to your former PO box address due to the nature of the USPS system.

To manage your non-first class mail, follow these steps:

Update Your Address: Notify each mailer of your new address to ensure their databases are updated. Remove Your Name: If you continue to receive unwanted mail, contact the company and request to be removed from their mailing list. Always check for the presence of “or current resident” in the endorsement, as it might indicate that you are the current resident. Use USPS Informed Delivery: Register your address with USPS Informed Delivery to receive daily emails for incoming mail and packages, including past resident mail. Use this service to request the removal of mail from specific senders.

Handling Specific Types of Mail

When dealing with specific types of mail, such as mail from companies or individuals, you should follow these guidelines:

Google the Return Address: To find the email address or contact information, search the return address online. If you are unable to locate an email address, use the ‘Contact us’ or ‘Live Agent’ options on their website. Contact Senders Directly: Write a polite email to the sender requesting the removal from their mailing or marketing lists. Use the template shown in the section above.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage the mail forwarding process after closing your PO box and changing your address. Remember to confirm the closure of your PO box, ensure no forwarding is set up, and handle both first and non-first class mail appropriately.