How to redirect your post when you move house
A Royal Mail redirect sends post addressed to your old home on to your new one. It catches anything you forgot to update. Apply online at least 5 working days before you move.
- When
- 2 to 4 weeks before you move
- How long
- About 10 minutes
- Cost
- From £45 for 3 months, with a smaller charge for each extra adult. Under-16s are free.
What you'll need
- Both addresses and your move date
- The full name of everyone whose post should be forwarded
- A payment card
What to do
Apply on Royal Mail's website
Choose a personal redirection and enter both addresses. You may be asked a few questions to confirm who you are.
Add everyone in the household
Each person is added by name. If someone has used another surname, add that too.
Choose how long
You can pick 3, 6 or 12 months. Longer costs more but gives you time to catch the once-a-year letters, such as insurance renewals.
Use it as a to-do list
Each forwarded letter is from someone who still has your old address. Update them as the letters arrive.
If you skip this
Bank statements, bills and official letters keep going to your old address, where they can be lost or opened by whoever lives there now. That's a route to identity fraud.
Where to do it
Questions people ask
- How much notice does Royal Mail need?
- Apply at least 5 working days before you want it to start. Earlier is safer.
- Is there a cheaper rate?
- Royal Mail has a lower concession price for people who get Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
- Does it forward parcels?
- It covers post delivered by Royal Mail. Parcels sent with other couriers aren't included, so update your delivery addresses with shops too.
This is one job. There are about twenty more.
Tell us when and where you're moving and get the full list, in the order to do it.
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