How can you redirect post so you always receive important deliveries?
When moving to a new house it’s easy to forget to update all of our friends, services and online accounts with the new address right away. As we settle in, important information, secure details and even packages and deliveries are still being delivered to the old address.
Setting up a postal redirect is an easy way to make sure you receive all of your post. You can also find our guide on who to update when you move home here to make sure you haven’t missed anyone.
What is mail redirection?
Movers have the option to instruct Royal Mail to redirect post addressed to them to their new address. This can be in the UK or overseas, and you can set up a temporary redirect if you’re moving away for a short time.
How do I redirect my post when I move?
In the UK, postal redirection is handled directly by Royal Mail. You can arrange to redirect post through their website. If you prefer, you can also apply in person at a Post Office branch or by post via this form.
It can take five days for the redirection to start, so aim to set it up a week before you move.
The cost of redirecting your post depends on where you are moving, how many people’s post you want to have redirected and how long you want it to last. Prices start from £36 for a three-month redirection for one person.
How much does it cost to redirect post?
|
Redirect Length |
Main Applicant (UK) |
Extra Person (UK) |
Main Applicant (International) |
Extra Person (International) |
|
3 Months |
£36 |
£8.50 |
£133 |
£25 |
|
6 Months |
£53 |
£10 |
£191 |
£27.50 |
|
12 Months |
£76 |
£11 |
£275 |
£30 |
Can you redirect post for free in the UK?
There’s currently no way to set up a free postal redirect in the UK. However, if you are setting up a postal redirection for a family any members under 16 can be added to the main redirect request for free.
There are also concessionary discounts available for those in receipt of certain benefits. You can read more about the discounted rates here.
If you want a free way to make sure you don’t miss any important utility bills, use Please Connect Me to inform all your suppliers of your move. The straightforward process lets you transfer and set up your new accounts so you don’t miss a closing bill or refund.
What mail can’t be redirected?
Some kinds of post can’t be redirected in the UK. They include:
- Deliveries people who weren’t living at the old address
- Personal mail from a business address
- Items addressed ‘To the occupier’
- Mail delivered by other courier services such as Parcelforce
- Mail addressed to a nursing home, hall of residence, hospital or similar multi-occupied premises
- Mail from a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address
- Items addressed internationally that are larger than letter size or clearly contain goods
- Restricted goods sent in the UK using Royal Mail Tracked 24 and 48 hr services
- Any mail the law prohibits from redirection
