
Forwarding mail to a PO box can be a convenient way to receive mail while traveling or living in a different location. You can forward your mail to a PO box for a period of up to 6 months.
To forward your mail, you'll need to submit a change of address form to the US Postal Service. This form is available online or at your local post office.
The US Postal Service will then forward your mail to the PO box you've specified. This service is available for a fee, which varies depending on the type of mail and the length of time you want to forward it.
You can also use a mail forwarding service, which can forward your mail to a PO box or another address. These services often have their own fees and requirements.
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Cost and Pricing
The cost of renting a P.O. box is quite reasonable, ranging from $16 to $625 per rental period, depending on the location, size, and rental period chosen.

You can rent a P.O. box for three, six, or 12 months, with the option to renew or extend your rental period as needed. Keep in mind that it's usually more cost-effective to rent for a longer period of time, as the upfront cost is higher but the monthly rate is lower.
The cost of mail forwarding also varies depending on the service and length of time you need it for. For example, the cost of mail forwarding for a 12-month period within the same province is $98.00, while the cost for a 12-month period across provinces is $122.75.
Here's a breakdown of the costs for mail forwarding for moves pricing (residential):
For commercial users, the cost of mail forwarding can be significantly higher, ranging from $302.75 to $3,500.50 per 12-month period, depending on the volume of mail forwarded.
Pricing (Business)
Pricing for mail forwarding and P.O. box rentals can be a bit confusing, but it's worth understanding to make the most of these services.

The cost of a P.O. box depends on the location, size, and length of the rental period, with prices ranging from $16 to $625 per rental period.
Renting a P.O. box for a longer period of time, such as 12 months, is usually more cost-effective than renting for multiple short periods. For example, if you're going to be using your P.O. box for at least a year, it's better to choose the long-term option instead of renewing your rental every three months.
If you're a business looking to forward mail, the cost will depend on the volume of mail and the distance it needs to be forwarded. Here's a breakdown of the prices for mail forwarding:
Keep in mind that if you're a large commercial customer or need to forward more than 3000 pieces of mail in 12 months, or more than 1000 pieces in 4 months, you'll need to contact the service provider for a custom quote.
Pricing (Residential)

If you're planning a permanent move, you'll need to consider mail forwarding costs. Mail forwarding for permanent moves can be done through Canada Post, with prices varying depending on how far you're moving and whether you're within or across provinces. The cost for 12 months of mail forwarding within a province is $98.00.
The cost of mail forwarding also depends on whether you're moving internationally. If you're moving across provinces, the cost for 12 months is $122.75, and if you're moving internationally, it's $283.50. These prices are for 12 months of mail forwarding and are the best value for the price.
If you're moving within a province, the cost for 4 months of mail forwarding is $64.75. The cost for 4 months of mail forwarding across provinces is $80.50, and internationally it's $191.00.
Here's a breakdown of the costs for mail forwarding for permanent moves:
Step 2: Rent Your Box
Renting a P.O. box is a straightforward process, and you have two options to choose from.

You can reserve a P.O. box online through the USPS website. This is a great option if you're short on time or prefer to avoid in-person interactions.
To reserve a P.O. box online, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, you'll need to create a USPS online account if you don't already have one.
Once you've created your account, you'll be directed to fill out PS Form 1093. This form is available online, and you'll need to provide some basic information and agree to the terms and services.
You'll also need to enter your credit card information to secure your rental. Don't worry, this is a secure process, and your card information will be kept confidential.
After filling out the form and entering your credit card information, you'll need to print out a copy of your application and bring it to the post office in person.
The post office will verify your information, and you'll be all set to rent your P.O. box.
If you'd rather not rent a P.O. box online, you can also visit the post office in person to inquire about availability. This is a great option if you have any questions or prefer to interact with a post office worker.
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To rent a P.O. box in person, simply visit the location where you're interested in renting and ask about available sizes. A post office worker will provide you with the necessary form to fill out, and you'll need to bring two forms of identification.
Here are the key differences between renting a P.O. box online and in person:
* OptionOnlineIn PersonAvailabilityAvailable 24/7Post office hoursForm FillingFill out online, then printFill out in person with post office workerIdentificationBring two forms of ID to post officeBring two forms of ID with you
Note that USPS only allows one primary account holder per P.O. box, so be sure to choose carefully if you plan to share access with others.
Online Purchasing
If you're looking to buy mail forwarding online, you can do so by signing into your Canada Post account or signing up for one. To get started, you'll need to enter your address and identification information.

You can choose the length of service you need, and then pay with your credit card. This is a convenient option if you're short on time or prefer to avoid a trip to the post office.
If required, you'll need to visit the post office with your barcode to complete the process. This is an additional step that's worth being aware of.
Here's a comparison of the online and in-person purchasing options:
By choosing the online option, you can save time and complete the process from the comfort of your own home.
How to Set Up
Setting up a P.O. box is a straightforward process. You can rent a P.O. box online or in person at your local post office.
To rent a P.O. box online, you can follow the link provided by the USPS to make an online reservation. You'll need to choose your box size and rental period, and then make a USPS online account if you don't already have one. The online process will guide you through the rest of the steps.
Rental periods for P.O. boxes are available in three month, six month, and 12 month options. The cost of a P.O. box varies depending on the location, size, and rental period, ranging from $16 to $625 per rental period.
You can also rent a P.O. box in person at your local post office. A post office worker will provide you with the necessary forms to fill out, which will require two acceptable forms of identification. Be sure to bring these with you.
Here are the steps to rent a P.O. box in person:
- Go to the location where you want to rent a P.O. box and inquire about what sizes are available.
- Choose your box size and rental period, and fill out the application form provided by the post office worker.
- Bring two forms of identification to complete the application process.
Note that USPS only allows one primary account holder per P.O. box, so be sure to designate a single person as the main responsible party for the box.
Limitations and Considerations
You'll need to notify senders of your new address manually if you only want some mail to direct to your P.O. box.
A standard change of address applies to all incoming mail, so it's not suitable for forwarding only specific types of mail.
You can forward mail from your existing delivery address to your P.O. box online, over the phone, or in person at your local post office.
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Limitations with USPS
USPS mail forwarding is not a foolproof way to change your address because it has limitations. If the mail isn't sent to your specified name on file, the system might not catch it.
Setting up a USPS Change of Address mail forwarding service only redirects mail sent through USPS, not mail from other carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL.
You should consider changing your address directly with vendors or services you work with, in addition to setting up a USPS forward mail service.
You can't print the form needed to set up mail forwarding at home, so you'll need to visit your local post office to get it.
To forward mail to a P.O. box, you'll need to notify senders of your new address manually, since a standard change of address applies to all incoming mail.
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Should I Use a Private Service?
If you're considering using a private mail-forwarding service, be aware that some are scams.

The USPS warns customers about this, so it's essential to do your research.
Private mail-forwarding services are offered by third-party websites that aren't affiliated with the USPS.
Business owners might find these services helpful for getting an office building address or additional administrative support.
To ensure you're using a reputable company, check online reviews and its Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
Understanding P.O. Box
A P.O. box is a physical mailbox rented from a post office, where you can receive mail and packages.
You can rent a P.O. box for a monthly fee, which varies depending on the location and size of the box.
P.O. boxes are usually located inside a post office or a secure facility, and you can access them during business hours.
You'll need to provide identification to rent a P.O. box, and some post offices may require a deposit or a minimum rental period.
The benefits of using a P.O. box include receiving mail and packages without having to be physically present, and keeping your home address private.
Define Your Requirements

To define your requirements for a P.O. box, you'll want to consider the size of your box and the location of your box. The size of your box will depend on what you're using it for, and the U.S. Post Office offers five different sizes to choose from.
If you're using your P.O. box for business or receiving flat rate boxes, you'll likely need a larger size. For example, Size 1 – X-Small can only accommodate 10-15 letter-sized envelopes or up to 2 rolled magazines.
You'll also want to think about the frequency of pick-ups and how often you'll be visiting the post office. If you only plan to visit every couple of weeks or once a month, you'll need a larger box to accommodate more mail.
The location of your P.O. box is also crucial, and you'll want to choose a location that's convenient for you. You don't have to rent a box in your own ZIP code, but you should consider a location that you can easily access.
How Does Work?

Mail forwarding is a convenient service that ensures you don't miss out on important correspondence during your transition to a new address.
USPS will diligently forward your mail for up to 12 months, giving you ample time to update your address with other organizations.
You'll need to separately update your address with other service providers, as mail forwarding only applies to USPS mail.
USPS updates their records with your old and new addresses when you submit a change of address request.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer all my mail to my PO Box?
To update your address and transfer mail to your PO Box, visit your local Post Office with a valid ID and fill out a PS Form 3575. A retail associate will verify your identity and process your change of address request.
Can I send mail directly to a PO Box?
Yes, you can send mail directly to a PO Box, but only through USPS, as it's the only postal service that ships to PO boxes. However, some carriers like FedEx SmartPost offer delivery service to PO boxes with USPS handling the final leg.
Sources
- https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-get-a-p-o-box-and-other-p-o-box-basics/
- https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm
- https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/personal/mail-forwarding.page
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/moving/how-to-forward-your-mail
- https://www.usestable.com/blog/how-does-mail-forwarding-work-with-a-usps-change-of-address
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