Going on vacation is exciting, but it can also be stressful when you think about all the things you need to take care of before leaving. One of the most important tasks to complete is ensuring that your mail is forwarded while you’re away. Here’s everything you need to know about how to forward your mail while on vacation.
What is Mail Forwarding?
Mail forwarding is a service provided by the postal service that allows you to redirect your mail from your old address to a new address. This service is useful if you’re moving or if you’re going on vacation and won’t be able to collect your mail for an extended period.
How Do I Forward My Mail?
To forward your mail, follow these simple steps:
1. Visit the USPS website: Go to the official website of the United States Postal Service (USPS), and select “Change of Address” under the “Quick Tools” section.
2. Fill out the form: Once you are on the Change of Address page, fill out all relevant information, including your old address, new address, and the date you want your mail forwarding to begin.
3. Select forwarding options: You will then be asked whether this move is permanent or temporary. Select “Temporary” if you only want to forward your mail during your vacation period.
4. Pay a fee: You will then be prompted to pay a fee for this service. This fee can vary depending on how long you want your mail forwarded and whether you want any additional services such as priority mail forwarding.
5. Confirm change: Once payment has been made, confirm that all information entered in step 2 above was correct and submit it!
6. Relax! Your mail will now be forwarded from your old address to the new one during the period specified in step 3.
How Long Does The Process Take?
Once USPS receives notification of a change of address, it can take up to seven business days for mail forwarding to begin. However, it’s important to note that USPS only forwards mail for a limited period, typically between 15 days and six months depending on the service you choose.
How Do I Cancel or Extend Mail Forwarding?
To cancel or extend your mail forwarding service, visit the USPS website and select “Edit or Cancel an Existing Change of Address” under the “Quick Tools” section. You will then be prompted to enter your confirmation number and the new dates you want your mail forwarding to begin or end.
Conclusion
Forwarding your mail while on vacation is an essential task that should not be overlooked. By taking advantage of USPS’s mail forwarding service, you can rest assured that your mail will be waiting for you when you return from your trip. Follow the simple steps outlined above, and enjoy a stress-free vacation!