Make sure your post is forwarded to your new address
Make sure your post is forwarded to your new address
Moving home can be exciting, but it also comes with a long list of practical tasks. One of the most important is making sure your post follows you to your new address. Missing letters, bills or important documents can cause unnecessary stress, but with a bit of planning, you can make sure everything arrives where it should. Here’s how to do it.
Set up mail redirection with Royal Mail
The easiest way to ensure your post reaches you after you move is to use Royal Mail’s Redirection service. You can set it up online or at your local Post Office. You’ll need to provide proof of identity and your old and new addresses.
You can choose to have your mail redirected for 3, 6 or 12 months, and you can extend the service if needed. It’s best to apply at least five working days before you move, so the redirection starts on time. The service covers most types of post, including letters and parcels, but not all advertising mail or unaddressed leaflets.
If you’re moving abroad, Royal Mail also offers an international redirection service, so your post can follow you overseas.
Update your address with key organisations
While mail redirection is a great safety net, it’s still important to update your address directly with the organisations that send you post. This ensures your details are correct in their systems and avoids delays once your redirection ends. Start with the most important ones:
- Banks and building societies – to make sure statements and new cards reach you safely.
- HMRC and DWP – to keep your tax and benefits information up to date.
- Your employer and pension provider – so payslips and correspondence go to the right place.
- Insurance companies – for car, home and health insurance policies.
- Utility providers – gas, electricity, water, broadband and mobile phone companies.
- GP, dentist and other healthcare providers – to receive appointment letters and reminders.
- Subscriptions and memberships – magazines, charities, gyms or clubs.
It can help to make a checklist of everyone who sends you post and tick them off as you update your details.
Don’t forget your online accounts
Many people now receive bills and notifications by email or through online portals. When you move, take a moment to update your address in your online profiles – for example, on shopping sites, streaming services and delivery apps. This will prevent parcels being sent to your old address and save you time later.
If you use online banking or government services such as GOV.UK, make sure your contact details, including your phone number and email address, are also current.
Temporary moves and students
If you’re moving temporarily – for example, for university, a short-term job or a stay abroad – you can still use Royal Mail’s Redirection service. Simply choose the period that matches your stay. If you’re a student, it’s often worth redirecting your post to your term-time address and then back home again during holidays.
Check your old address after moving
Even with redirection in place, it’s possible that some post may still arrive at your old address, especially if it’s sent by organisations that don’t use your full name or if it’s unaddressed mail. If possible, check your old letterbox for a short time after moving, or ask the new occupants to let you know if anything arrives for you. A friendly note in the postbox can make this easier.
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Make your move stress-free
Arranging for your post to follow you is a small step that can save you a lot of hassle later. Once you’ve set up redirection and updated your address with the right people, you can focus on settling into your new home – unpacking, decorating and getting to know your new neighbourhood.
A well-organised move means fewer surprises – and that includes your post.
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