USPS Address Change: Understanding Mail Forwarding and Confirmation
When you change your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS), it's important to understand how mail forwarding works and the steps you should take to ensure that your mail is properly redirected. This guide will help you navigate the process, including the steps to take if you don’t receive a confirmation letter, the types of mail that are typically forwarded, and how to manage unwanted mail.
Understanding the Change of Address Process
The first step in changing your address with USPS is to submit a Change of Address (COA) form. Once this form is processed, you will receive a confirmation letter at your original address. This letter serves as verification that your address change has been recorded and can be used as a valuable record for your personal and professional needs. It is strongly recommended to receive this confirmation letter before moving to ensure you have all the necessary information at hand.
Types of Mailies USPS Generally Transfers
Not all mail is forwarded automatically through a COA change. USPS only forwards first-class mail that is properly endorsed. This includes presorted first-class and priority mail. For instance, if you receive a large volume of non-first-class mail, such as bills, magazines, or other types of mail, you should begin monitoring it closely at least a year before your move. It's essential to keep copies of these important items to avoid losing them.
To manage these types of mail, consider using a service like Informed Delivery. Informed Delivery allows you to monitor your non-first-class mail through email or the Informed Delivery app. By doing so, you can stay informed about the mail that you would like to continue receiving and those that you may want to exclude. Additionally, you can use Informed Delivery to stay informed about past resident mail, which is often sent to the new occupant instead of being forwarded to your new address.
Handling Unwanted Mail
If you don't take action to adjust your mail settings, you may continue to receive unwanted mail at your old address. USPS sends a notice to the original address to help verify that the change of address order is legitimate. This notice can be a valuable tool to ensure that the change has been correctly processed. However, if you don't receive any confirmation or notice, you should contact USPS directly to resolve the issue.
To better manage your mail and reduce the number of unwanted items you receive, follow these tips:
Request subscriptions to be canceled: Many services offer an "unsubscribe" or cancellation option. Doing this will prevent further mail from being sent to your old address. Place a mailbox access limit: If you rent a mailbox, contact your local post office and request a mailbox access limit. This can help reduce the number of mailings you receive. Notify the sender directly: Some companies may not automatically update their records. It's a good idea to notify these companies directly so that they can update their mailing list and stop sending you mail.Conclusion
Understanding the ins and outs of the USPS COA system is essential for a smooth move. By taking the necessary steps to ensure that your mail is properly redirected and managing unwanted mail, you can make the transition as stress-free as possible. Remember to check the mailbox or look for any confirmation letters at your old address to verify that your change of address has been processed correctly. Utilizing services like Informed Delivery and staying vigilant about your mail can go a long way in ensuring that your move is as seamless as possible.