Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a long list of responsibilities. From packing furniture to arranging utilities, there are countless details to manage before settling into your new space. One task that deserves special attention is updating your mailing address.

If you forget to notify the United States Postal Service (USPS), important bills, government letters, bank statements, and personal correspondence may continue going to your previous address. Fortunately, the USPS change of address process is straightforward and can be completed online or at a local Post Office.

Whether you are moving across town, relocating to another state, or temporarily staying somewhere else, knowing how to change your mailing address when moving can help make the transition smoother. This guide explains the process, the required form, and other important steps to protect your mail.

What Is a USPS Change of Address?

A USPS change of address is a request that tells the United States Postal Service you are moving from one mailing address to another. Once processed, USPS forwards eligible mail from your old address to your new location.

This service is useful for people changing residences, families relocating together, and individuals who need temporary mail forwarding during a short-term move.

However, changing your address with USPS does not automatically update your information with banks, employers, insurance companies, or government agencies. You must notify those organizations separately to ensure their records remain accurate.

When Should You Submit a Change of Address?

One of the most common moving mistakes is waiting until after relocation to update your mailing address. It is better to arrange forwarding before you leave your current home.

USPS recommends submitting a change of address approximately two weeks before moving. You can request a future start date so forwarding begins around the time you move into your new residence. A change-of-address request can generally be submitted up to 90 days before the effective date and up to 30 days after the move.

A practical timeline looks like this:

• Two to four weeks before moving: Gather your new address details and submit your request.
• Moving week: Confirm that important organizations have your new information.
• After moving: Check that forwarded mail is arriving and update any accounts you missed.

Planning ahead gives you time to correct mistakes and reduces the chance of missing important correspondence.

How to Complete the USPS Change of Address Online

The online method is convenient for most domestic moves. It allows you to submit your request from home without visiting a Post Office.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official USPS Website

Use the official USPS change-of-address service rather than an unfamiliar third-party website. The Postal Service warns that some websites charge substantially more than the official identity-verification fee.

2. Select Your Moving Category

Choose whether the request is for an individual, an entire family, or a business. If family members share the same last name and are moving together, a family request may be appropriate.

3. Enter Your Address Information

Provide your complete old and new mailing addresses. Include the house number, street name, apartment or suite number, city, state, and ZIP Code where applicable.

Double-check every detail before continuing. A missing apartment number or incorrect ZIP Code can create delivery problems.

4. Choose Permanent or Temporary Forwarding

If you are moving permanently, select the permanent option. If you are relocating for a limited period, choose temporary forwarding and provide the required end date.

Temporary forwarding can be useful during extended travel, seasonal relocation, or a short-term housing arrangement.

5. Complete Identity Verification

USPS requires identity verification for online change-of-address requests. Depending on the process available to you, this may involve a mobile phone verification and a valid credit or debit card.

The online identity-verification fee is $1.25 as of September 2026. This is separate from the cost of mail forwarding.

6. Save Your Confirmation

After submitting your request, keep the confirmation details in a safe place. They may be needed if you want to review or manage your change-of-address order later.

What Is Form 3575?

Form 3575, officially called the Change of Address Order, is the paper form used to request mail forwarding through USPS.

If you prefer not to submit your request online, you can obtain the form at a local Post Office, usually through the Mover’s Guide packet. You complete the required information and return it according to USPS instructions.

The form typically asks for:

• Your name or business name.
• Your old mailing address.
• Your new mailing address.
• The effective date of the move.
• Whether the move is permanent or temporary.
• Your signature and date.

When completing Form 3575, write clearly and check that all address details are accurate. For a temporary move, make sure the forwarding end date is included.

Is Form 3575 Free?

Submitting a paper change-of-address request at a Post Office is generally free. The $1.25 identity-verification fee applies to the official online process, not the paper form.

If you are unsure which method is suitable for your situation, speak with a USPS representative before submitting the request.

What Happens After You Change Your Address?

Once your request is processed, USPS begins forwarding eligible mail according to the selected start date. The length of forwarding depends on the type of mail.

First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express generally receive forwarding for 12 months. Periodicals, such as magazines and newspapers, generally receive forwarding for 60 days. Marketing Mail may only be forwarded when the sender specifically requests it.

These forwarding periods are designed to give you time to update your address directly with organizations that send you mail.

Remember that forwarding is not a replacement for changing your address everywhere else.

Organizations You Should Notify After Moving

Completing the USPS change of address is an important first step, but it should be part of a larger moving checklist.

Financial Institutions

Update your address with banks, credit card companies, lenders, investment providers, and retirement account administrators. This helps ensure statements and financial notices reach the correct location.

Government Agencies

Notify the DMV, vehicle registration office, voter registration authorities, and relevant federal or state agencies. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to update tax records, Social Security information, or veterans benefits.

Insurance Providers

Contact your auto, home, renters, health, and other insurance providers. An accurate address helps keep your policy information current.

Employers and Payroll Departments

Your employer should have your correct mailing address for tax documents, payroll records, and other employment-related correspondence.

Utilities and Subscriptions

Update your electricity, water, internet, streaming services, magazine subscriptions, and membership accounts. This prevents bills and notices from continuing to go to your old home.

Healthcare Providers

Doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers should also receive your new address so records and important communications remain accurate.

A simple rule is to update any organization that sends you something important, especially documents related to money, employment, healthcare, or government services.

How Self Storage Can Help During a Move

Changing your mailing address is only one part of a successful relocation. If your move involves downsizing, temporary housing, or a delay between leaving your old home and entering your new one, you may also need a secure place for your belongings.

This is where self storage can be useful.

Instead of forcing every box into your new home immediately, you can place furniture, seasonal items, and extra household belongings in a storage unit while you organize your move.

For residents planning a move in Amarillo, Texas, Amarillo Self Storage offers a practical option for storing belongings during a transition. A storage unit can help keep your living space organized while you focus on updating your address and settling into your new home.

If you are preparing for a relocation, consider arranging storage before moving day so you have a plan for items that cannot immediately fit into your new space.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)

How do I change my mailing address when moving?

Submit a USPS change-of-address request online through the official USPS website or complete Form 3575 at a local Post Office. Provide your old address, new address, and the appropriate forwarding start date.

Is USPS change of address free?

The paper process at a Post Office is generally free. The official online process has a $1.25 identity-verification fee as of September 2026.

Can I change my address before moving?

Yes. USPS allows you to submit a request before moving and schedule a future start date. Filing early helps ensure mail forwarding begins around your relocation date.

Does USPS automatically update my address with banks?

No. USPS forwarding does not update the records of banks, employers, insurance providers, or other organizations. You must contact each organization separately.

What is Form 3575 used for?

Form 3575 is the paper Change of Address Order used to request mail forwarding through USPS. It is available at local Post Offices.

Conclusion

Moving to a new home involves more than packing boxes and transporting furniture. Keeping your mailing information accurate is essential for receiving important documents and avoiding unnecessary delivery problems.

The USPS change of address process makes it easier to redirect eligible mail, whether you submit your request online or use Form 3575 at a Post Office. By filing ahead of time, checking your details, and notifying important organizations separately, you can reduce the stress of relocation.

If your move also requires temporary storage, a local facility such as Amarillo Self Storage can help you manage extra belongings while you transition into your new home. With the right preparation, changing your mailing address when moving becomes a simple task rather than another last-minute responsibility.