There are many things to consider during a move—canceling former utilities, contacting banks and schools, looking for professional movers in Wilmington, NC, and (most importantly) changing your address.
Keeping on top of all these to-dos is hard! It can be especially frustrating when your mail keeps getting lost even after you change your address properly. However, by addressing this issue right away, you can get your life at your new home back on track (pun intended).
Why Isn’t My Mail Reaching My New Address?
If your mail isn’t reaching your new address, it could be due to two factors:
- You did not change your address with USPS
- The mail is yet to be forwarded to a new place
Most people might expect forwarded mail to start arriving immediately. However, USPS may take up to 10–12 business days to reroute mail from your previous address to your new one. You should ensure enough time has elapsed since you made the request.
To prevent any delays, you are advised to submit your change-of-address form at least two weeks before your move. That way, your mail will begin to arrive at your new residence as soon as the move is complete.
How Do I Change My Address at USPS?
Changing your address is quick and straightforward. You only need to complete a change-of-address (COA) form at your local post office or online. After your request has been handled, your mail will be sent to the new address you provided.
If you don’t submit a change-of-address request, your mail will continue to arrive at your old address. Make sure to confirm the request was successful if your mail has not been arriving at your updated address after changing it with USPS.
How to Check the Status of Your Change-of-Address Request
- Go to the official USPS website to change your address.
- Click the “View or Edit” link (next to the question “Have you already changed your address?”) at the bottom of the page.
- Enter your new zip code and unique confirmation number (which you most likely received by email when you filed your change-of-address request) and click “Submit.”
This will enable you to view your order for changing your address.
- If the status of your change-of-address form is “Pending,” it means that the USPS has not yet completed processing it.
- If you notice a mistake (in your mail forwarding start day, your address, etc.), you can edit the corresponding field(s) or contact the Customer Support team and have them make the necessary modifications.
- If the status of your change-of-address form is “Completed,” the USPS has already processed your order. For more help, contact your neighborhood post office (at your previous address).
Get Your New Life on Track After Relocating with Movers in Wilmington, NC
USPS delivers millions of pieces of mail every day (371.3 million to be precise), so one package getting lost is not uncommon. But if all your mail suddenly starts to go missing after the move, then something is probably wrong with your address. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new life.
At Pink Zebra, we understand that moving involves countless details beyond just transporting your belongings. If you’d like to learn more about how our experienced movers in Wilmington, NC, can help make the process seamless, give us a call!