Moving comes with a long to-do list, and “update my address” can feel like a minor checkbox. But what actually happens to your mail when you move? And what about the magazine subscriptions, streaming services, and gym memberships you’ve built up over the years? Here’s what you need to know before moving day.
How USPS mail forwarding works
When you file a Change of Address with USPS, the postal service reroutes eligible mail from your old address to your new one. You can complete the process online for a small identity verification fee of around $1.10 to $1.25, or in person at any post office for free using PS Form 3575. Either way, forwarding typically kicks in within 7 to 10 business days.
Tip: Submit your change-of-address request at least two weeks before your move so that forwarding is active before your first piece of mail arrives at the new address.
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?
Standard forwarding covers First-Class Mail and most packages for up to 12 months. Periodicals like magazines get just 60 days. If you need more time, USPS offers Extended Mail Forwarding for a fee, letting you add another 6, 12, or 18 months beyond the standard period.
When forwarding ends, USPS doesn’t just drop your mail. For the following six months, First-Class items are typically returned to the sender with a yellow label showing your new address, which helps companies automatically update their records on the back end.
What mail doesn’t get forwarded?
Not everything makes the trip to your new address. USPS Marketing Mail, which includes catalogs, coupon mailers, and promotional flyers, isn’t forwarded and may simply be discarded. Media Mail is forwarded, but you’ll pay the postage difference. Some senders also mark their mail “Do Not Forward,” which means it won’t reroute regardless of your COA on file.
Tip: Don’t rely on mail forwarding to catch marketing mail. Contact catalog and coupon senders directly if you want their content following you to the new address.
What happens to subscriptions when you move?
Magazine subscriptions get forwarded for up to 60 days, but that clock starts immediately. If you don’t update your address with the publisher directly, you’ll start missing issues right around the time you’re still unpacking boxes. The same logic applies to subscription boxes like meal kits and beauty boxes, which often require a manual address update in your account settings.
Even though streaming services and digital subscriptions don’t ship to your door, your billing address still needs to match what your bank has on file. If there is a discrepancy, your payment may be declined, and your service interrupted.
Tip: Log in to each subscription account and update both your shipping and billing addresses before your move date, not after.
Who should you notify when you change your address?
USPS forwarding buys you time, but it’s not a permanent fix. Use the forwarding window to work through everyone who has your old address on file. The most important ones to update:
- Banks and credit card companies
- Government agencies (IRS, Social Security Administration, DMV, voter registration)
- Insurance providers (health, auto, and home)
- Healthcare providers and pharmacies
- Employers and HR departments
- Online retailers like Amazon
- Utilities at both your old and new addresses
How do you transfer memberships when moving?
Gym memberships are where people most often get tripped up. Some gyms let you transfer your membership to a nearby location. Others treat relocation as a qualifying event for cancellation without penalty, especially if there’s no location within a specified distance. Check your membership agreement before your move date, and confirm any arrangements in writing.
Professional memberships, alumni associations, and club memberships follow similar logic. Most have a simple online address update, but some require a phone call or written request to process the change.
Tip: Review your gym contract before moving to understand your transfer or cancellation rights. A written confirmation protects you if a dispute occurs later.
Make your move easier
Moving comes with a long list of logistics, and staying on top of your mail is just one piece of the puzzle. The good news is that with a little advance planning – submitting your change of address early, updating your subscriptions before moving day, and working through your notification list during the forwarding window – you can avoid most of the common headaches. And when you’re ready to make the move itself, working with an experienced professional mover can take a lot of the stress off your plate, so you can focus on settling in rather than scrambling to keep up.