Did you know that you can redirect post when you move to make sure you don’t miss any important deliveries?
When moving to a new house it’s easy to forget to update all of your friends, services and online accounts with the new address right away. As you settle in, important information, secure details, packages and other deliveries might still be being sent to the old address.
Setting up a postal redirect is an easy way to make sure you receive all of your letters and parcels. Then, use our guide on who to update when you move home to make sure you haven’t missed anyone.
What is mail redirection?
Movers can instruct Royal Mail to redirect any post addressed to them to their new home. 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 sending this form to the Royal Mail Redirection Centre, PO BOX 944, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5DB.
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 mail you want to have redirected and how long you want the service to last. Prices start from £39.50 for a three-month redirection for one person.
 How much does it cost to redirect my post?
|
Redirect Length |
Main Applicant (UK) |
Extra Person (UK) |
Main Applicant (International) |
Extra Person (International) |
|
 3 Months |
 £39.50 |
 £9.50 |
 £146.50 |
 £27.50 |
|
6 Months |
£58.50 |
£11 |
£210.50 |
£30.50 |
|
12 Months |
£84 |
£12 |
£302.50 |
£33 |
Prices are correct as of October 28th 2024. No VAT applies to postal redirection.Â
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 household members under the age of 16 can be added to the main redirect request for free.
Concessionary discounts are also available for those receiving certain benefits. You can read more about the discounted rates here.
For 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 to 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
When can I apply for postal redirection?
You can arrange to redirect post to your new address from six months before your move. You can also set up redirection for up to six months after the move but will be asked to provide additional details as a security measure.
How many people’s post can I redirect?
You can set up redirection for as many people as live in the property, there is no upper limit. However, to arrange a postal redirection for more than 8 people you will need to visit a Post Office branch in person. You’ll need to provide the full name and date of birth for every person included in the redirection instruction.
What happens at the end of the postal redirection?
At the end of the period you have paid for, Royal Mail will reach out to see if you still wish to redirect post to your new address. If you do, you’ll have the option to renew the service for another 3, 6 or 12 months. If not, the redirection will end and any future deliveries addressed to you at your old home will be sent there.
