
Moving to a new home can be a thrilling experience, but it also involves a lot of paperwork and logistical tasks. To make the process smoother, it's essential to update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The USPS provides a convenient online service, usps.com, where you can submit a change of address request. This service allows you to update your address for mail forwarding, which can take up to 7-10 business days to process.
You can also submit a change of address form to your local post office. The form, PS Form 3575, is available online or at your local post office, and it must be completed in duplicate, with one copy kept by the post office and the other returned to you with a confirmation receipt.
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USPS Overview
You can update your mailing address with the USPS, but you don't technically have to. However, if you don't, your mail will keep being sent to your old address.
The USPS Change of Address process is necessary to start mail forwarding to your new address.
Updating your address with the USPS will stop mail delivery to your old address and send it to your new one.
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Setting Up Mail Forwarding for Temporary Move
If you're planning a temporary move, you can set up mail forwarding with the USPS. You can request the mail forwarding service for a maximum of six months and a minimum of two weeks.
To start, you'll need to indicate the date when you want the postal service to stop forwarding mail to your temporary new address. Double-check the end date, when submitting your request online. This is crucial to avoid any confusion or delays.
You can also request extended mail forwarding and premium forwarding service through the USPS website. After you've utilized the change of address service, it takes about 7-10 business days. So, if you want to start receiving mail to your new address as soon as you move in, you can notify them about a week before you move.
Here's a quick rundown of the mail forwarding options for temporary moves:
Remember, mail forwarding with the USPS will be available in 7 to 10 days after submitting your change of address form. So, plan ahead and submit your request accordingly.
Notification Process
To change your address online, visit the official USPS website at USPS.com/move and fill out the change of address form.
You'll need to provide your old and new addresses, the effective date, and whether the move is permanent or temporary. A small fee of $1.10 is charged to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Next, update your insurance companies by contacting your home, rental, and car insurance companies to provide your new address and the effective date of your move. Include your account number, old and new addresses, and the date of your move to ensure a smooth transition.
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When Mail Forwarding Starts
After submitting your change of address form, the service will be available in 7 to 10 days. This means you need to fill out the form earlier to get all your mail.
You'll need to choose the proper day for the service to start forwarding your mail to the new address. Don't worry, your mail won't be redirected before then.
Once the service is activated, you can expect all your mail to be forwarded to your new address. It's a convenient way to stay on top of your correspondence while you're in transit.
Sending Out Notifications

As you're getting ready to move to your new place, it's essential to send out notifications to let everyone know your new address. You can create personalized cards or use online services to design and send digital announcements.
You'll want to include your new address, phone number, and any other important contact info, such as your email address and social media handles. This way, everyone can reach you at your new place.
For a wider circle of friends and acquaintances, think about sending out change of address notifications. You can use online services to design and send digital announcements, including your new address, phone number, and any other important contact info.
Here are some key people and organizations you should notify about your move:
- Friends and family
- Acquaintances and colleagues
- Service providers like banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers
- Government agencies like the USPS, IRS, and DMV
- Voter registration offices
Remember to include your account numbers, old and new addresses, and the date of your move when notifying your home, rental, and car insurance companies.
Online
You can easily change your address online at USPS.com, and it's the fastest way to do so. Just visit the website and click on the Quick Tools tab, then select Change My Address.

A $1 charge will be applied for online address changing, which also serves as your identity verification. This charge will be made on your credit card.
You'll be redirected to the Change of Address form page, where you'll need to provide your old address, new address, and the date you want to start forwarding your mail.
The USPS website will also offer you options to receive coupons from various stores, such as Wayfair, Casper, and Lowes, among others.
A small fee of $1.10 is charged to verify your identity and prevent fraud, as mentioned on the USPS website.
Move Types
Move Types are categorized by the type of service you need. Local moves typically involve moving within a 50-mile radius and can be done in a day or less.
You can choose from three main types of moves: Local, Long Distance, and International.
Local moves are usually less expensive than long distance moves, and can be done on a weekend or weekday.
Long distance moves involve moving across state lines, and can take several days to complete.
International moves involve moving to a foreign country, and require special documentation and customs clearance.
Some moves may require additional services, such as storage or packing, which can be arranged through the USPS.
Security and Safety
The United States Postal Service takes your data extremely seriously and uses multiple methods to prevent it from being leaked or accessed by unauthorized parties.
Encryption tech is used to ensure their server is unbelievably secure. This means your personal information is protected from hackers and other malicious actors.
To further verify your identity, the USPS requires credit or debit card address verification when making changes to your address. This adds an extra layer of security to the process.
You can also use a third address for validation when sending in an online change of address request. This helps ensure your new address isn't required until at least a week afterward, allowing time for your validation letter to reach your previous address.
Notifying Insurance Companies
Notifying insurance companies is a crucial step in ensuring your coverage and premiums are up to date. This includes home, rental, and car insurance companies.
To update your address with your insurance companies, you'll need to provide your new address and the effective date of your move. Your account number, old and new addresses, and the date of your move should also be included.
Home and rental insurance coverage and premiums may change based on your new location, so it's essential to contact your insurance companies promptly. This will help prevent any lapses in coverage or unexpected changes to your premiums.
Is My Information Safe and Secure?
Your information is in good hands, especially when dealing with the United States Postal Service. They take data security very seriously and use multiple methods to protect it.
Encryption tech is one of the methods they use to keep their servers unbelievably secure. This ensures that your personal data remains safe from unauthorized access.
To further prevent data breaches, the USPS uses credit or debit card address verification. This adds an extra layer of security to their online services.
If you're sending a change of address request online, you can use a third address for validation. This helps prevent fraudulent requests and ensures that your new address isn't required until at least a week afterward.
Cost and Expectations
When planning a move, it's essential to consider the costs involved. The cost of moving depends on the distance, weight, and services required, with local moves typically costing less than long-distance moves.
According to the USPS, the average cost of a local move is around $200-$300. This can vary depending on the services needed, such as packing and storage.
A move's overall cost can be reduced by downsizing and decluttering before the move.
Cost of Permanent Request

The cost of requesting a permanent change of address is relatively low. It costs $1.10 to order one change of address.
If you're planning to move permanently, you'll need to choose this option on the change of address form. Mail forwarding technically lasts for six months, but you can extend it for an extra six-month period, making a year, thanks to the Postal Service.
This type of move is perfect for those who plan to return after a year, as it allows you to extend mail forwarding without needing to fill out another change of address form. Just supply the date you'd like to terminate mail forwarding and you're all set.
Expectations After Filing
After filing your change of address, you can expect a Customer Notification Letter (CNL) or Welcome Kit to arrive at your new address a week before forwarding begins.
You'll receive a confirmation code within the letter that you can use to modify or cancel your order. You can also apply online to get your confirmation code faster via email.
The "head of the household" should file using their full name and signature, as it's their responsibility to file the change of address.
Utilities and Services
Moving to a new home means transferring or updating your utilities and services.
You'll need to take steps for your gas, electric, water, sewer, phone, cable, and internet services.
First, start by contacting your current utility providers to schedule a final reading and disconnection of your services.
Next, set up or transfer your services to your new home by contacting the utility providers for the area you're moving to.
For phone and cable services, you may need to schedule an installation at your new home.
Be sure to update your account information with your new address to avoid any service disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a movers guide packet from the USPS?
To obtain a free Mover's Guide packet from the USPS, visit your local Post Office with a valid ID and fill out the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet.
What to do at post office when moving?
When moving, visit your local US Post Office to fill out a 'change of address' form, ensuring your mail is forwarded to your new address. This simple step prevents mail from being lost or stolen.
Sources
- https://www.usglobalmail.com/blog/how-to-change-your-mailing-address-with-the-usps/
- https://www.movingapt.com/how-to-forward-your-mail-when-you-moving-out-of-state/
- https://www.leadsplease.com/mailing-lists/usps-change-of-address
- https://nelsonwesterberg.com/guides/where-to-change-address-when-you-move/
- https://aliasflip.com/blog/usps-change-address-name/
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