Hello, Seattle homeowners! Today, we’re going to talk about a small but crucial detail when selling your home in our beautiful city: forwarding your mail. It may seem like a simple task, but ensuring that your mail reaches you at your new address is essential. Let’s explore how to make this process seamless.

Why Forward Your Mail?
When you’re in the midst of selling your Seattle home and planning a move, it’s easy to overlook the importance of your mail. However, there are several compelling reasons to forward your mail:

Stay Connected: Forwarding your mail helps you stay connected to essential documents, bills, and personal correspondence.
Avoid Missed Payments: It prevents missed bill payments and avoids late fees, which can negatively impact your credit score.
Receive Important Documents: You might receive important documents during the transition period, like tax-related forms or legal notices.

When Should You Forward Your Mail?
It’s best to initiate the mail forwarding process at least a week or two before your move-out date. This gives the post office ample time to update their records and start redirecting your mail to your new address.

Here’s How to Forward Your Mail:

Step 1: Visit Your Local Post Office

To start the process, visit your nearest post office or go online to the official USPS website. You can find your local post office by searching online or using the USPS locator tool.

Step 2: Fill Out a Change of Address Form

You can obtain a Change of Address (COA) form at your local post office, or you can complete it online through the USPS website. The form will ask for details such as your old address, new address, and the date you want mail forwarding to begin.

Step 3: Pay a Small Fee

The USPS charges a small fee for this service, usually under $2, which helps verify your identity. You can pay this fee online or at your local post office.

Step 4: Choose the Duration

You can specify how long you want your mail forwarded. It can be as short as 15 days or as long as one year. If you’re uncertain about the duration, consider forwarding your mail for a few months to ensure you don’t miss anything important during the transition.

Step 5: Inform Important Contacts

While the USPS will redirect most of your mail, it’s a good practice to inform important contacts directly. Reach out to your bank, credit card companies, and any subscriptions you have, providing them with your new address to update their records.

Step 6: Keep an Eye on Your Mail

Once you’ve initiated the mail forwarding process, keep an eye on your mail to ensure it’s reaching your new address correctly. This will help you catch any issues early and address them with the post office if necessary.

Additional Tips:

Notify the Post Office Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to forward your mail. Starting the process a couple of weeks before your move ensures a smoother transition.

Update Your Address: Update your address with other institutions, such as your employer, insurance companies, and any online shopping accounts.

Redirect Packages: If you regularly receive packages, consider redirecting them through a package forwarding service or contacting the sender to update your address.

Monitor Your Mailbox: After you move, keep an eye on your mailbox at your old address for any lingering mail. Some items might not get forwarded, so it’s a good idea to check periodically.

In summary, forwarding your mail is a simple yet crucial step when selling your Seattle home. It ensures you stay connected, avoid missed payments, and receive important documents during your transition. By following these steps and staying proactive, you’ll ensure that your mail reaches you at your new address without any hiccups.

Stay tuned for more valuable tips and insights on selling your home in Seattle. We’re here to guide you through every aspect of the real estate journey!