Changing a Massachusetts Address With The USPS
When you are moving, you need to do a mountain of things, from hiring movers to packing your house to notifying everyone of your move.
Of course, one of the most vital things is changing your Massachusetts address. Whether you are moving out of state or just down the street it is one of the essential tasks you need to complete.
We will take you through everything you need to know about an address change with USPS. By the time you're done reading, you'll be a pro at changing your Massachusetts address.
Steps For Changing Your Massachusetts Address
Let's look at the simple steps you must follow to change your address in Massachusetts with the post office. There are two methods. You can either go to the nearest post office and fill out the forms in person or online.
The first thing you will need to do is fill out the correct form. There is a change of address form for individuals, families, and businesses.
Individual Change of Address Form
Individual change of address form. The individual change of address form is the appropriate form to use when forwarding mail for one person or when multiple people in the same household are moving to different locations.
Family Change of Address Form
Having to fill out a form for each family member would be silly, so the postal service has made moving as a family easier. The family change of address form allows everyone to forward their mail. The only hitch is you need to have the same last name and be moving to the same address.
Business Change of Address Form
The United States Postal Service wants businesses to change their address using a specific form. The company's owner or someone showing proof of having the authority to change the address will be required.
Massachusetts Change of Address Forms That Must Be Done in Person
There are some circumstances where you must complete your Massachusetts address change forms in person at the post office.
It is advisable to check with your local post office about your change of address under any of the following scenarios:
- Families or individuals moving out of the country must submit a change of address form to the USPS in person.
- A family or individual moving from a business to a residence must show up in person.
- Individuals, and families of businesses changing to a post office box as their primary address.
- When individuals are leaving their businesses.
- When addresses are a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA).
Is The Massachusetts Address Change Form Free?
It will be free if you are filling out the address change form in person. When making an address change in Massachusetts online, there will be a small fee of around a dollar.
Should Your Address Change in Massachusetts Be Done in Advance?
It's a good idea to submit your change of address form ahead of time so that the postal service has ample time to forward your mail.
Once your home has gone pending and the contingencies have passed, you should be confident in filling out the forms.
When you complete your change of address form, you can fill in your intended moving date (labeled as the date to start forwarding), so your mail will be delivered at your specified time frame.
Keep in mind that the service is not foolproof, and some behind-the-scenes work needs to be done, so your mail might not start forwarding until a few days after you wanted it to.
It helps to get your mail forwarding as soon as practical. It is not uncommon for vital pieces of mail to get sent to your previous address when the mail change is not completed expeditiously.
How Long Does Mail Forwarding in Massachusetts Last?
Having your mail forwarded to your new address does not last forever. You can expect most of your mail to be forwarded for a year.
According to USPS, mail forwarding services will include priority mail, first-class mail, and first-class package services for 12 months. However, magazines and newspapers will only be forwarded for 60 days. This service gives individuals a year to update their address with family, friends, businesses, and other entities.
The Postal Service doesn't want to forward your mail endlessly, so it is imperative to take off your change of address forms with everyone you can possibly think of that needs to be notified.
Final Thoughts on Massachusetts Mail Forwarding
You should now have a much better understanding of how to change your address and forward your mail in Massachusetts.
Taking care of your address change is a crucial step in the moving process going smoothly. It is one of the most important things to check off on your home closing checklist.
Getting it done as soon as possible will increase the chances of that happening.
Did you enjoy this advice on changing your address in Massachusetts? See other real estate articles on News Break for more timely tips and advice. Bill often writes about general real estate, mortgages, finance, moving, and home improvement.
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