Moving Soon? Here’s What Happens to Your Mail
Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, one of the biggest headaches is figuring out what happens to your mail.
We get it. You’ve got enough on your plate. That’s why we put together this no-fluff, easy-to-follow guide to answer all your questions about USPS mail forwarding, how long it lasts, and what your better options might be.
What is USPS Mail Forwarding?
When you move, USPS offers a service that reroutes your mail from your old address to your new one. It’s called mail forwarding, and it helps make sure you don’t miss anything important. Bills. Checks. Government documents. Even Aunt Karen’s annual birthday card.
How Long Does USPS Forward Mail?
The answer depends on whether your move is permanent or temporary.
Permanent Change of Address (COA)
- First-Class Mail and packages are forwarded for up to one year.
- Magazines and newspapers are forwarded for 60 days.
- After that, mail is returned to the sender with your new address for six months.
Temporary Change of Address (COA)
- Covers moves lasting 15 days to 6 months.
- Can be renewed twice, extending forwarding up to 30 months total.
Does Mail Forwarding Cost Money?
Mostly, it’s affordable.
- Online Change of Address: $1.10 fee for identity verification.
- In-person Change of Address: Free.
- Extending the forwarding period or using premium services may have additional fees.
Standard vs. Premium Forwarding
Standard mail forwarding is included with your COA request. Each piece of mail gets sent to your new address as it arrives.
Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) bundles all your mail and sends it weekly via Priority Mail. It’s more expensive but more convenient, especially for longer trips.
- PFS-Residential: Weekly mail bundles.
- PFS-Commercial: Flexible options for businesses.
Moving or Closing a Business Location?
How Business Mail Forwarding Works
Business mail forwarding is essential for companies that are relocating, operating remotely, or managing multiple locations. It ensures that important correspondence—like invoices, contracts, legal notices, and checks—continues to reach your team without interruption.
While USPS offers basic forwarding options, they may not be ideal for growing businesses. That’s why many companies choose virtual mailbox services like US Global Mail, which provide:
- A real street address.
- Instant digital access to scanned mail.
- Secure package handling.
- A professional business address for clients and partners.
What Mail Gets Forwarded?
USPS will forward some mail for free, but not everything.
- Forwarded Free: First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Periodicals.
- Forwarded With Fee: Media Mail.
- Not Forwarded: USPS Marketing Mail (ads, catalogs, etc.).
Can I Extend USPS Mail Forwarding?
If you’ve submitted a permanent COA, you can add 6, 12, or 18-month extensions (for a fee).
- Max forwarding time: 30 months total (with extensions).
- Temporary forwarding cannot be extended, but you can file a new request.
How Do I Do a Change of Address?
You can file your Change of Address online or in person.
- Online: USPS website + $1.10 verification.
- In Person: Fill out PS Form 3575 at the Post Office.
What If I’m Moving Abroad?
USPS won’t forward international mail unless you sign up for paid Premium Forwarding or use a virtual mailbox. You’ll need to submit your Change of Address request before leaving the U.S.
Can I Forward Someone Else’s Mail?
Yes—with proper authorization.
- Adults: Requires Power of Attorney.
- Children: Requires a birth certificate.
- Requests must be filed in person.
What Happens After Mail Forwarding Ends?
Once your forwarding expires, USPS stops sending your mail to your new address.
- For six more months, First-Class Mail is returned to the sender with your new address.
- After that, it’s delivered to your old address or returned to the sender without updates.
Best Alternative to Mail Forwarding: US Global Mail Virtual Mailbox
If you travel often, move a lot, or just want more control over your mail, a virtual mailbox is a smarter solution.
- 24/7 access to your mail.
- A real street address that works with all carriers.
- Secure, convenient, and private.
- Ability to read, ship, or shred mail online.
- Download and share mail with family members, CPAs, etc.
Why Choose US Global Mail?
We’ve helped over 80,000 people manage their mail from anywhere. Whether you’re moving temporarily or permanently, we make it easy to stay connected to your mail without stress.
- 20+ years of trusted service.
- Instant mail notifications.
- Affordable monthly plans.
While USPS mail forwarding provides a helpful buffer during a move, it’s ultimately a temporary solution. For a seamless, long-term way to manage your mail, a virtual mailbox is the way to go.
Whether you’re traveling frequently, living abroad, or simply looking for a smarter way to handle mail, US Global Mail offers the convenience, reliability, and peace of mind you need.
