One of the most important and often overlooked tasks when moving house is to inform the post office moving house. The last thing you want is for your mail to be lost in the system, or delivered to your past address. There are all sorts of complications that can arise from failing to receive your mail in a timely manner, such as missing bill payments, incuring late fees, or even cancelation of services. If your great aunt sends your birthday card to wrong address, someone else may end up with your gift card! Thankfully, this simple process can be checked off your to do list with a few quick steps.

Inevitably, you will forget to tell someone about your new address, it is almost impossible to remember every person and business that sends you mail on a regular or annual basis so a moving house mail redirect plan is the only way to ensure all of your mail makes it to your new residence. Here is a list of many typical organisations that you may need to get in touch with to inform them of your new address:

One of the most important of course though is the postal service.

First, you will need to decide the most efficient way to update your address with the post office. Options include a form submitted online, or in person at any post office. Many people choose the ease of submitting a form online from any computer with an Internet access. However, some may require special assistance, prefer to do things in person, or stop in on their regular trip to buy stamps. Regardless of the submission method, allow three full business days to process the form.

Online
To update your address online and have the post office forward your mail, go to the Auspost website here. Here you will find a page dedicated to redirecting and holding mail. There are several things to consider before applying. How long would you like the post office to redirect your mail? Options include 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. There is a fee for each option starting with $30.80 for one month and increasing to $133.45 for twelve months for individuals moving locally. Discounted Concession Rates are available for eligible individuals. Rates may be different for individuals moving overseas. You should also consider who will be receiving mail at the new residence. Be sure to include your spouse and children if applicable.

In Person
If you prefer not to submit your information online, you can also apply in person for a moving house redirect at a local post office. You will need to take a photo ID with you. Suggested IDs include Australian driver's license or passport. If you cannot provide a valid photo ID, you can provide two documents. One must have your name and Australian residential address. The other must show your signature. Bring these documents and any applicable fees to the post office. There you will be instructed on the proper forms to complete to tell the post office moving house. Again, remember to allow three business days to process the information.

After you have informed the post office of your intent to move, the next item on your moving house mail checklist is to update your address with individuals and businesses (utilities providers for example) that regularly send you mail. Begin by making a list of people that you wish to keep in contact with. Many people choose to send out cards announcing their upcoming move, however a simple phone call will also do the job. After you have thought of individuals, consider businesses that send you mail. Don't forget your creditors, banks, magazines or other publications, employers from the past year, and scheduled shipments. Most of these places will include on their latest piece of mail a change of address form, phone number, or website. As you receive mail during the months to come, create a list and set aside time each week to any previously missed. Obviously there will be different things to consider when either moving locally or moving to an overseas address.

Redirecting mail when moving house in seven steps.

1. Choose to submit your request online or in person.
2. Select a time frame to redirect your mail.
3. Complete the necessary form.
4. Submit proper identification.
5. Pay the appropriate fees.
6. Let individuals and businesses know you're moving.
7. Update your address as your mail is redirected.

Once you have finished this task, you can have confidence that your mail will be redirected to your new residence in a timely manner. As you update your address with the necessary people, your mail will no longer need to be forwarded. At this time, you can relax knowing that all of the changes have been made. Moving house can be overwhelming, even if you have done it several times. Redirecting mail is just one of the many steps in our complete moving house checklist.