What Happens When Mail is Sent to Your Old Address?

It can be both inconvenient and potentially frustrating when your mail is sent to your old address. However, understanding the procedures and ensuring your change of address is properly filed can help mitigate these issues.

Does the Post Office Forward Mail to Your New Address if They Send It to Your Old Address by Mistake?

Yes, the post office will forward mail sent to your old address if you have filed a change of address request. When you submit this request, the postal service will redirect your mail to your new address for a specified period, typically 12 months for first-class mail. This ensures that any mail sent to your old address will be directed to your new address.

However, there are some specific scenarios to be aware of:

Specific Person at Old Address: If the mail is addressed to a specific person at the old address and there is no forwarding order in place, it may not be forwarded to your new address. Replacement Carrier: If your old address has a replacement carrier instead of a regular carrier, there is a chance that your mail may not be correctly redirected. This is due to the replacement carrier not being aware of the forwarding order. Mail Going Through Machines: The post office uses automation to sort most mail items. However, not all mail will go through the sorting machines. Flat items such as magazines and carrier presorted mail may bypass the sorting machines and be delivered by the carrier directly.

Handling Undeliverable Mail

Historically, unknown clerks at Mail Processing Offices (MPOs) would attempt to figure out undeliverable mail. In modern times, this process has evolved, and undeliverable mail is more likely to be returned to the sender. In certain cases, if the carrier at the old address corrects the mail without returning it, it may be redirected to the new address.

In some instances, carriers might deliver mail to the old address due to changes in their routes or shifts. For example, on a carrier's day off, a replacement carrier might deliver mail, unaware of the forwarding order. In such cases, the mail will likely be returned to the sender the next day. Subsequently, if the sender or a family member retrieves the mail and then forwards it to the new address, it solves the issue.

Tips to Ensure Proper Redirection

To avoid having mail sent to your old address:

File a Change of Address Form: Ensure that you file a change of address form with the post office to redirect your mail to your new address. Handling Specific Addresses: If the mail is addressed to a specific person, ensure that a forwarding order is in place to guarantee it is redirected. Note the New Address: If the new address is noted on the old address, take care to hide the old barcode to prevent the post office from scanning and delivering the mail to the old address. Carrier Presorted Mail: Be aware that magazines and other flat items might bypass the sorting machines and be delivered directly by the carrier. Ensure that these items are also forwarded to your new address if necessary.

Properly managing your change of address can minimize the issues of mail being sent to your old address. Always ensure that you adhere to the procedures provided by the post office and keep track of any changes in your mail delivery process.