If you are planning to move soon, one of the most important things to consider is how to ensure that your mail is forwarded to your new address. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a mail forwarding service that allows you to have your mail sent to your new address for a certain period of time. But how long can you rely on USPS mail forwarding?
The USPS offers temporary mail forwarding for up to 12 months for both domestic and international moves. This means that your mail will be forwarded to your new address for a year after you submit a change-of-address request. During this time, any mail sent to your old address will be re-routed to your new address. This can be extremely helpful in ensuring that you do not miss any important mail during your move.
After the initial 12 months of mail forwarding, the USPS offers an option to extend the service for an additional six months. This extended period can be useful for those who anticipate a longer transition period or who may need more time to update their address with all relevant parties.
However, it is important to note that USPS mail forwarding is a temporary solution and should not be relied upon as a long-term mail delivery option. It is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to update their address with all relevant parties, including banks, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and more. Failure to update your address with these parties can result in missed or lost mail, which can have serious consequences.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that USPS mail forwarding does not include packages or parcels. If you are expecting a package to be delivered to your old address, you will need to update your address with the sender or arrange for the package to be re-routed through a different service.
In conclusion, USPS mail forwarding can be a valuable service during a move, but it is important to remember that it is only a temporary solution. It is crucial to update your address with all relevant parties and not rely solely on mail forwarding for an extended period of time. By staying organized and proactive in updating your address, you can ensure that your mail is delivered to the right place in a timely manner.