This USPS mail forwarding checklist is for the practical mail step before you move. It helps you decide when to submit forwarding, what to update directly, and what to watch for after mail starts arriving at your new address.
Important disclaimer: This article is a general life-admin checklist for U.S. residents. It is not legal, financial, tax, election, or professional advice. USPS rules, fees, identity checks, and available services can change. Always verify details on USPS.com or USAGov before you submit personal information.
Quick USPS mail forwarding checklist
Use this USPS mail forwarding checklist as the short version. If you are busy packing, finish these items first.
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the right forwarding start date | Mail should begin moving near the date you actually leave. |
| 2 | Use the official USPS change-of-address page | It helps avoid unofficial lookalike sites and extra charges. |
| 3 | Update important senders directly | Forwarding is temporary support, not a permanent account update. |
| 4 | Watch for missing mail after the move | Some mail may not forward or may need a direct address change. |
| 5 | Keep confirmations | They help if you need to check, correct, or cancel a request. |
Official links for this USPS mail forwarding checklist
| Task | Official source |
|---|---|
| Forward mail or change address with USPS | USPS: Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address |
| General address-change guidance | USAGov: How to change your address |
| USPS change-of-address basics | USPS FAQ: Change of Address – The Basics |
Before you submit mail forwarding
Before you start the USPS mail forwarding checklist online, make sure the basic details match your move. A small typo can send mail to the wrong place or delay the request.
- Old address, including apartment, unit, or lot number.
- New address, including apartment or unit number.
- Forwarding start date.
- Whether the move is for one person, a family, or a business.
- A safe way to save the confirmation number or email.
If you share a household, do not assume one request fits everyone. Names, last names, and household type can matter, so check the official USPS instructions before submitting.
Step 1: use USPS forwarding as a temporary safety net
Mail forwarding is useful because it gives you time to update your address with companies, agencies, and people who send you mail. But it should not be your only address-change step.
For a broader household list, keep our change of address checklist open too. That page covers IRS, DMV, voter registration, banks, insurance, utilities, and everyday accounts.
Step 2: update high-priority senders directly
A USPS mail forwarding checklist works best when you pair it with direct account updates. Start with anything that could affect money, government mail, identity documents, insurance, or time-sensitive notices.
| Sender type | Direct update to check |
|---|---|
| Government and IDs | IRS, state DMV, voter registration, passport or vital-record agencies when relevant. |
| Money accounts | Banks, credit cards, loans, payroll, retirement accounts, payment apps. |
| Insurance | Auto, renters, homeowners, health, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance. |
| Home services | Electric, gas, water, trash, internet, phone, subscriptions, and final bills. |
| Health and family records | Patient portals, pharmacy, school records, caregiver accounts, and pet records. |
Step 3: save proof and check your first deliveries
After you submit a forwarding request, save the confirmation in your moving folder. During the first few weeks, check whether important mail is reaching the new address.
- Save the confirmation number or email.
- Check mail at the new address regularly.
- Watch for mail still going to the old address, if you can safely check.
- Update the sender directly when forwarded mail arrives.
- Keep a short list of accounts that still need attention.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an unofficial change-of-address site instead of USPS.com.
- Submitting the wrong apartment or unit number.
- Choosing a start date that is too early or too late.
- Thinking forwarding updates banks, agencies, and insurers automatically.
- Forgetting to update billing and shipping addresses separately.
- Not saving the confirmation details.
Scam and privacy reminder
Moving creates a lot of address-related messages. If an email or text asks you to update personal information, do not click unexpected links. Open USPS.com, the official agency site, or the company app yourself.
Be especially careful with pages that look like official mail-forwarding services but charge extra fees, use confusing buttons, or ask for unnecessary personal information.
FAQ
Is USPS mail forwarding enough after a move?
No. It can help redirect some mail, but you should still update important senders directly. Banks, insurers, agencies, utilities, and subscriptions may keep using the old address until you change it with them.
Where should I start a USPS change of address?
Start from the official USPS forwarding page or from USAGov’s address-change page. Avoid ads and lookalike services.
Should every person in the home submit the same request?
Check the USPS instructions for your situation. Household, family, individual, and business moves can be handled differently, so verify before submitting.
Final USPS mail forwarding checklist
Run through this USPS mail forwarding checklist before your move date and again after mail starts arriving.
| Task | Done |
|---|---|
| Old and new addresses checked for typos | _____ |
| Forwarding start date chosen | _____ |
| Official USPS page used | _____ |
| Confirmation saved | _____ |
| IRS, DMV, voter registration, and key agencies reviewed if relevant | _____ |
| Banks, insurance, utilities, payroll, and subscriptions updated directly | _____ |
| First forwarded mail checked after the move | _____ |
| Any remaining old-address mail added to a follow-up list | _____ |