Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Knowing how to forward your mail when moving keeps letters reaching you during the transition. The USPS change of address takes a few minutes and forwards standard mail for months.
Step: Go to USPS.com or moversguide.usps.com
Step: Choose a temporary or permanent change of address
Step: Enter your old and new addresses
Step: Pay the small identity verification fee online
Step: Pick a start date a couple of weeks ahead
Step: Save the confirmation code and email
Step: Update senders directly since forwarding is temporary
Step: Watch for the welcome kit at your new address
Setting up USPS mail forwarding.
When: Submit the request about 2 weeks before move-in.
Watch out: Do not rely on forwarding forever; USPS forwards standard mail for a limited time and does not forward most packages, so update senders directly.