How to Set Up Mail Forwarding: Moving, Vacationing, or Just in Transition

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Are you moving soon, taking a vacation, or just in transition? Mail forwarding is a service that allows you to have your mail sent to a new address without having to update your mailing address with every sender. This process can be a little confusing, but don’t worry – we’re here to help!

In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps of setting up mail forwarding for your next move or vacation. We’ll also explain why it’s important to have mail forwarding in place even if you’re only away from home for a short period of time.

1. What is mail forwarding, and why would you need it?

Put simply, mail forwarding is a service that allows you to have your mail sent from your old address to your new address. If you move, go on vacation, or are otherwise in transition, this can be a handy way to make sure you don’t miss any important mail. Mail forwarding can also help prevent your personal details from falling into the wrong hands – if your mail is sent to an outdated address, it could be intercepted by someone looking to commit fraud.

There are two main types of mail forwarding:

  • Redirection: This is a temporary service that can be used for up to 12 months. It’s perfect for those who are in between homes or going on an extended vacation.
  • Permanent change of address (PCOA): This is a more permanent solution for those who have permanently changed their address. You can use this service for up to three years.

Temporary Mail Forwarding (Redirection) 

Temporary mail forwarding is ideal for short-term relocations, vacations, or transitional periods when you plan to return to your original address.

  • Duration: Available for a minimum of 15 days and up to 12 months.
  • Best for:
    • Extended vacations or seasonal moves (e.g., snowbirds traveling for the winter).
    • Temporary work assignments or relocations.
    • Individuals in between homes or waiting to finalize a permanent address.
  • How it works: USPS or private forwarding services redirect your mail to a temporary address and stop forwarding once the designated period ends.

Permanent Mail Forwarding

Permanent mail forwarding is designed for those who have permanently changed addresses and need to update their mailing information with senders.

  • Duration: USPS offers permanent forwarding for up to three years, but it’s intended to be a transition while you update your address with individuals and businesses.
  • Best for:
    • Individuals or families moving to a new home.
    • Businesses relocating to a different address.
    • Retirees or digital nomads who no longer have a fixed residence.
  • How it works: Your mail is forwarded indefinitely, but you are expected to notify contacts of your new address to ensure continued mail delivery.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re leaving your home temporarily and plan to return, temporary mail forwarding is the best option. If you are moving permanently, setting up permanent forwarding ensures you don’t miss any important mail while you update your address with key contacts.

For those who move frequently or need more flexibility, private mail forwarding services offer additional features like virtual mail scanning and package forwarding, giving you better control over your mail.

2. Who Can Benefit from Mail Forwarding Services? 

Mail forwarding is a valuable service for many situations. Whether you’re relocating, traveling, or managing mail for a business, forwarding ensures you receive important correspondence without interruption. 

If this sounds like you, you might benefit from mail forwarding services:

  • Individuals Moving to a New Home – If you’re in the process of relocating, mail forwarding ensures you don’t miss bills, financial statements, or personal letters before updating your address with every sender.
  • Frequent Travelers and Snowbirds – Whether you travel for work, take extended vacations, or split time between residences, mail forwarding keeps you connected to essential documents and deliveries.
  • Businesses and Remote Professionals – Businesses that change locations or operate remotely can use mail forwarding to maintain a professional mailing address without missing critical client communications.
  • Students and Temporary Residents – College students living in dorms, military personnel on deployment, or temporary workers in a new city can stay on top of mail without worrying about address changes.
  • Estate Executors and Caregivers – Those managing mail for a loved one’s estate or overseeing mail on behalf of elderly parents can use mail forwarding to centralize correspondence securely.

Regardless of your situation, mail forwarding helps keep your mail secure and accessible, reducing the risk of lost or delayed deliveries.

mail forwarding

3. How to Set Up Mail Forwarding For Your Current Address

There are a few different ways to set up mail forwarding for your current address. The best way to do this will depend on your situation.

If you’re moving:

You can set up mail forwarding through USPS or your mail provider by filling out a change of address form. You can do this online, over the phone, or in person at your local post office.

If you’re going on vacation:

If you’re going on vacation, you can ask a friend or family member to collect your mail for you, use a Mail Hold service through USPS, or set up automatic forwarding with your email provider.

If you’re in transition:

If you’re in transition and not sure where you’ll be living long-term, you can use a Mail Forwarding service like Earth Class Mail. This type of service allows you to have your mail sent to a secure location where it will be scanned and emailed to you.

4. How to Keep Your Mail Forwarding Service Updated

Once you have your mail forwarding service set up, there are a few things you can do to make sure it runs smoothly.

First, keep your mailing address updated with everyone who sends you mail. This includes businesses, government agencies, financial institutions, and online retailers.

Second, check your mail regularly – especially if you’re using a temporary mail forwarding service. This will help ensure you don’t miss any important mail.

Finally, be sure to cancel your mail forwarding service when you no longer need it. This will help prevent any unwanted mail from being sent to your new address.

FAQ: Your Mail Forwarding Questions Answered 

Mail forwarding can be a convenient solution, but it also comes with questions. Here are some common FAQs to help you understand how the service works:

1. How long does mail forwarding last?
USPS offers temporary mail forwarding for up to 12 months and permanent change-of-address forwarding for up to three years. Private mail forwarding services may have different timeframes.

2. How much does mail forwarding cost?
USPS charges a small fee for address changes and forwarding services. Private mail forwarding providers may offer different pricing based on features like mail scanning, secure storage, and package forwarding.

3. Can I forward mail to an international address?
 Yes, USPS provides international mail forwarding, but additional fees apply. Many private mail forwarding services also offer international options with package consolidation.

4. What happens if I don’t set up mail forwarding?
 Without mail forwarding, your mail may be returned to the sender, delayed, or delivered to your old address. This can lead to missed bills, lost packages, and security risks if sensitive information is exposed.

5. Can I update or cancel mail forwarding?
Yes, you can modify or cancel your mail forwarding request through USPS online or in person. Private mail forwarding services typically allow you to adjust your preferences as needed.

6. Will mail forwarding work for all types of mail?
Most first-class mail, periodicals, and packages can be forwarded, but certain items like bulk mail, magazines, and promotional flyers may not be included. Check with your provider for details.

7. Can businesses use mail forwarding?
Absolutely! Businesses can use mail forwarding to maintain a consistent mailing address when relocating, expanding, or operating remotely. Some services even offer virtual mail management.

If you have additional questions, contact your mail provider or visit their website for more details on forwarding options.

Get Started with Mail Forwarding Today!

Mail Boxes Times makes mail forwarding simple and hassle-free. Whether you need temporary forwarding while traveling or a permanent mailing solution, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today at (310) 276-5076 or visit our Beverly Hills location to set up your service!