Moving is easier when your mail follows you. In most countries, you can ask the national postal service to forward letters from your old address to your new one, and you can also tell important senders where to find you now. This guide explains how forwarding works, how to set it up, what it does not cover, and the smart way to update your address with the people who matter.

In short

Order postal forwarding and change your address with key senders right away. Start with bank, tax, healthcare, utilities, insurance, and employer. Use a PO Box or “care of” address if you’re between homes. Label your new mailbox and keep a one-page change list.

What “mail redirection” really does

Redirection tells the postal service to send letters that arrive at your old address on to your new address. You choose the start date and the length of the service. It covers ordinary letters and, in many countries, eligible registered items. It keeps a clear trail, so mail doesn’t get stuck with your former landlord or a new tenant. It does not replace changing your address with banks, tax offices, or delivery couriers. Think of redirection as a safety net while you update everyone.

How to set it up

You can set up forwarding online with your national postal service or in person at a post office. You’ll provide your old and new addresses, the names that should be forwarded (list every adult), a start date, and the duration. Bring ID (passport, national ID, or residence card) and, if requested, a simple proof of previous address (utility bill or rental contract).

If you’re moving from abroad, international forwarding is often available—allow extra time and expect longer delivery windows.

Sharing a mailbox with a partner, roommate, or children? Include all names. If the surname on your mailbox differs from the one on your ID, add a brief note with your application so the system recognizes the variation.

What forwarding covers and what it doesn’t

Forwarding works well for letters and, depending on local rules, some registered items. Parcels handled by private couriers do not automatically follow a postal redirect. Update the delivery address with the retailer or courier if a package is already in transit. Some official notifications have strict rules and may not be forwarded; if a notice instructs you to present ID at a post office or government office, follow the instructions on the card.

No name on the old mailbox, or the nameplate is wrong? Ask your landlord to label it correctly for a few weeks. Mail can’t be redirected if it never reaches your box in the first place.

Don’t rely only on forwarding: tell key senders directly.

Redirection catches most letters, but your real goal is to change your address at the source. Update these as soon as you can:

• Bank and card providers (statements, new cards, security letters)
• Tax authority (update your official tax address) and Social Security/Pensions
• Health: public health registry/clinic and any private insurer
• Local authorities (city hall/municipality) for local notices
• Driving licence and vehicle registry
• Utilities and internet providers
• Insurance (home, car, health) and any clubs or subscriptions
• Employer, pension provider, schools/universities (if applicable)

Do the bank and tax address early; these senders matter if something time-sensitive arrives.

If you’re between homes or staying short-term

No stable address yet? Rent a PO Box with the postal service and forward letters there until you move in. You can also use a trusted friend’s address with “c/o” (care of) for a short period. If you choose this route, notify senders when the temporary address ends and when your permanent one begins. Keep a simple note with dates so you don’t forget to switch.

Moving from another country

Set up forwarding in your current country to your new address abroad, and—if you expect a second move soon—set up forwarding again from your temporary address to your long-term home. Expect longer delivery windows on international forwards and avoid forwarding bank cards or sensitive ID if your home country’s postal rules advise against it. For those items, change the address with the sender instead.

A few habits that keep mail tidy

Put your name on the new mailbox as soon as you have the keys. Take a photo of the nameplate in case a building manager needs it. Keep a one-page list of every place where you changed your address, with the date. If a letter still arrives at your old address after you’ve updated your details, contact the sender and ask them to verify all their systems (some companies store addresses in multiple places).

When you might not need a forwarding service

You can skip formal redirection if your life is mostly digital and you’ve already switched your address everywhere that matters. On a short tourist stay with no contracts or bills, forwarding adds little. A friend who agrees to hold the odd letter and message can be enough for a few weeks. In these cases, spend your time updating addresses at the source and maintain a clean checklist to avoid misses.

Summary

Forwarding buys you time while you change your address where it counts. Set up a postal redirect, list every adult who needs coverage, and pick a sensible start date and duration. Then work through your short list: bank, tax, social security, health, utilities, insurance, and anything you buy regularly. Label your new mailbox, keep a change-log, and update couriers directly for parcels. Do this, and your letters will follow you without drama.

Takeaways (quick recap)

• Order mail forwarding with your national postal service and include all names on the box.
• Letters are covered; parcels/couriers need address changes with the sender.
• Update bank, tax authority, health records, utilities, and insurance as a priority.
• Use a PO Box or “c/o” address if you’re between homes.
• Put your name on the new mailbox and keep a change-of-address list.

Settlewell can help

Just go to the Forward your mail section on our website. Set up your forwarding today!