Moving into a new Boston condo or Beacon Hill apartment can be one a stressful milestones in life and with it comes a to-do list a mile long. Today, I will highlight a few of those Boston real estate to-do list items that relate to you mail and monthly bills.
How do you complete a change of address?
The fastest and most efficient method of completing the change of address and mail forwarding form is the website. If you complete the task via the Official USPS Change of Address website, there is a $1 identity verification fee. A credit or debit card will be required to pay the fee and complete the identity verification. Be wary of third party websites that offer this service as they often charge up to $40.00 and are not affiliated with the USPS.
A second option is to call 1-800-ASK-USPS. This option also requires a credit or debit card payment of $1 to complete an identity verification.
Last, there is a paper form available at your local post office. The form number to ask for is 3575 and with this option there is no fee!
Once you have completed any of the above listed options, you should receive a confirmation letter and Welcome Kit at your new address within 5 business days. The Welcome Kit includes helpful information for new residents, a community guide, special offers, and coupons relevant to your new address.
During the change of address process, you are able to sign up for Informed Delivery, a digital preview of your mail and packages in a daily e-mail. Informed Delivery also gives you the ability to track packages.
How Long Does Forwarding Last?
For permanent changes of address, forwarding lasts a different amount of time depending upon the type of mail.
- 12 Months: First Class Mail bills, invoices, personal correspondence, and reply mail
- 12 Months: Priority Mail Express merchandise, printed material
- 60 Days: magazines, newsletters
- Only forwarded IF the mailer specifies forwarding instructions: Advertisements, catalogs, retail offers
- 12 Months: USPS retail ground mail
- 12 Months: Library mail, bound printed matter, and media mail®
What Next?
Once you’ve completed the official USPS change of address form, you’ll want to be sure that you update your address a few other places as well. This way, the transition from one address to the next will be seamless even when the mail forwarding service ends. Be sure to check and update your address with the following places, if needed:
- Credit card companies, other bills (tip: make a list of all bills you receive to ensure you don’t miss any!)
- Banks
- Magazines and Catalogs
- Friends and Family
- Professional Organizations & Clubs
- Driver’s License and/or ID
Bottom Line
At Ford Realty we hope all our clients enjoy their new Beacon Hill apartment or their new Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Midtown, North End or Seaport condo.
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