How long does it take to get mail forwarded

So, your move is finally over and you’re ready to start your new life in your new home. You have unpacked your items and set up your new place, met the neighbors and explored your new surroundings – everything is as it should be.

Except you get no mail. It’s been a week or so after the move and you haven’t received a single letter or package at your new address.

Why could that be happening? What could be the reason for not getting mail after moving?

Well, the USPS handles millions of mail pieces every day, so it’s easily possible for a letter or package to get lost. But if all your mail is missing after the move, then something is clearly wrong – most probably, your mail is still going to your old address.

What can you do then? How to get your mail and prevent further problems?

Read on to find out what to do if you’re not receiving mail after moving.

Make sure you changed your address with the USPS

Changing your address is one of the many important tasks you need to take care of when moving to a new place. Fortunately, it’s fast and easy to complete – all you have to do is fill out a change-of-address (COA) form, either online or at your local post office. Once your request is processed, your mail will be redirected to your new address. (See also: How to change your address when moving)

If you don’t file a change-of-address request, your mail will continue to arrive at your old address – so you won’t be getting it after the move.

If you changed your address with the USPS, but your mail is still missing, you need to verify that the request went through.

How long does it take for mail to be forwarded to a new address?

First, you need to consider the date of your mail forwarding request – it can take up to 10-12 business days for the USPS to redirect mail from your old address to your new address, so you need to be sure that enough time has passed after you’ve submitted the request. (You’re recommended to file your change-of-address form at least 2 weeks prior to your move so your mail starts arriving at your new home immediately after the relocation.)

If it’s been longer than 12 business days, then there is some issue and you need to find out what is wrong.

Your first step is to check the status of your mail forwarding request and, if necessary, modify your COA order. To do so you’re going to need your USPS Confirmation Number.

Where to find your USPS Confirmation Code

When your mail forwarding request is processed, you’ll receive a Confirmation Letter that contains your USPS Confirmation Number.

If you submitted your change-of-address request online, you’ll receive a Change of Address Confirmation containing your Confirmation Code via email.

If you don’t have your USPS Confirmation Code, you’ll have to visit a Post Office in person (and provide a photo ID) in order to check the status of your request and/or make changes to your COA order.

How to check the status of your change-of-address request and modify it, if necessary

1. Visit the USPS official change-of-address website.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the link entitled “View or Edit” (next to the question “Have you already changed your address?”).

3. Fill out the fields for your unique confirmation number and new zip code and click “Submit”.

4. You will see your address change order:

• If your change-of-address form shows a status of Pending, then the USPS has not yet finished processing it;
• If you notice a mistake (in your mail forwarding start day, your address, etc.), you can edit the corresponding field(s) – or reach out to the Customer Support team and have them make the necessary modifications;
• If your change-of-address form shows a status of Completed, the USPS has already processed your order. You need to contact your local post office (at your old address) for additional assistance.

How to get mail that was sent to an old address

If your mail is sent to your old address and the new residents say that it’s not theirs, it will be returned to the local Post Office.

• If the USPS has a forwarding address (in case you filed a change-of-address form), your mail will be forwarded to your new address;
• If not, the Post Office will hold any accumulated mail for up to 10 calendar days – you can collect your mail from there within that time period (you’ll need to provide an ID). After ten days, First-Class mail will be returned to the sender and other mail items will be discarded.

In the event of a local move, it may be a good idea to ask the new occupants of your old home to keep any mail sent to you at your old address and go pick it up once a week or so.

What to do if you’re missing mail after moving

If you’re expecting a letter or package at your new address but it’s not arriving, there are several ways to try to find it:

1. Check its status – If your mail has a tracking option, your first step is to go to USPS tracking and check the current status of your mail (the sender can give you the tracking number – and most online orders have tracking numbers);
2. Complete a USPS Help Request form – If you can’t check the status of your mail, or the status says “delivered” even though you got nothing, you’re advised to fill out a Help Request form – it will be forwarded to your local post office and they will try to locate your missing mail;
3. Submit a Missing Mail Search Request – If you still haven’t received your mail after seven business days, you need to submit a Missing Mail Search Request – so your mail is searched for within the USPS missing package and mail inventory. Your search request has to include several important details – sender and recipient addresses, mailing date, tracking number (if available), receipt (if it’s an online purchase), size and type of mailing container or envelope, description of the contents, etc. The USPS will send you an email confirmation when they receive your request and begin their search. They will also send you periodic updates about the search.

So, how to make sure you get your mail after moving? Change your address with the USPS at least 2 weeks before your move, be careful not to make a mistake in your COA request, and verify that the request went through. If any issues arise, contact your local post office for assistance.

When you know how to forward mail after moving the right way, there should be no problems and you should start receiving your mail at your new address. May it bring good tidings!

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