Redirect Your Post With Royal Mail
Moving homes or offices can be a daunting task, with a myriad of responsibilities to juggle. One of the most crucial tasks, often overlooked, is ensuring that your mail reaches you at your new address. Enter Royal Mail's redirection service—a reliable solution to ensure you never miss an important letter or package.
Why Redirect Your Post?
Security: In today's digital age, the importance of safeguarding personal information cannot be overstated. Unattended mail can be a goldmine for identity thieves. By redirecting your post, you ensure that sensitive information, such as bank statements or personal letters, doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Convenience: Amidst the chaos of moving, the last thing you want is the hassle of tracking down lost mail. Redirecting ensures that everything from bills to birthday cards reaches you without a hitch.
Professionalism: For businesses, a missed invoice or contract can have significant repercussions. Redirecting mail ensures continuity, portraying a professional image to clients and stakeholders.
What is Royal Mail Redirection?
Royal Mail, with its rich history spanning over 500 years, has been the backbone of the UK's postal system. Recognising the challenges faced by movers, they introduced the redirection service. This service is designed to forward your mail from your old address to your new one, ensuring a seamless transition. Whether you're moving across the street or to a different city, Royal Mail has got you covered.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Redirecting Your Post with Royal Mail
- Determine the Need
- Gather Neccessary Documents
- Visit the Royal Mail Website or a Local Post Office
- Fill Out the Redirection Form
Determine the Need
Before you begin, decide if your move is temporary or permanent. This will influence the duration for which you'll need the service.
Gather Necessary Documents
To redirect your post, you'll need the following information to begin the redirection process:
- The names of everyone who requires their mail to be redirected
- The date of birth of everyone who needs their mail redirecting
- The address and postcode of your old address
- The address and postcode of your new address
- At least 5 working days’ notice prior to the date when the redirection should start
- A valid credit or debit card
Visit the Royal Mail Website or Local Post Office
While the online process is convenient, visiting a post office can provide personalised assistance.
You can complete the online process here.
If you want to visit a post office, you will first need to download an application form. It is advisable that you print this form out and complete it ahead of heading to a post office to save time. If you are unable to print out the form, the post office will be able to provide one for you. You can find a local Post Office branch here. You will need to provide two forms of proof of identity (one from List A and one from List B), which shows the address you're moving from:
- These need to be original documents and not photocopies.
- For bills and statements, they must be dated wtihin the last six months
- If everyone applying shares the same surname, an ID is only required for the person applying at the branch
- If those applying do not share the same surname, two forms of ID are needed for each different surname (one from List A and one from List B - these are detailed below).
| List A | List B |
|---|---|
| Debit/Credit Card | Two different utility bills within the last 6 months. These must be original documents, and not a photocopy or on a mobile phone |
| Driving Licence | Bank, building society or credit union statement/passbook within the last 6 months |
| Passport | Original mortgage statement within the last 6 months |
| Bank or Building Society Book | Original credit card statement within the last 6 months. |
| EU Member State Identity Card |
|
| Birth Certificate (Under 16s only) |
|
How much does Royal Mail Redirection Cost?
Redirecting your post with Royal Mail comes with a fee, which varies based on the duration of the service you choose:
| Length of Redirection | Fee for the Lead Applicant | Fee for an Extra Person |
|---|---|---|
| Redirection within the UK | ||
| 3 months | £36 | £8.50 |
| 6 months | £53 | £10 |
| 12 months | £76 | £11 |
| Redirection Oveseas | ||
| 3 months | £133 | £25 |
| 6 months | £191 | £27.50 |
| 12 months | £275 | £30 |
Prices within the UK are exempt from VAT. Prices for oversea addresses are zero rated for VAT.
Tips and Recommendations
Start Early: Begin the redirection process at least a few weeks before your move. This ensures a seamless transition and gives Royal Mail ample time to process your request.
Notify Checklist: Create a list of all organisations, friends, and family to inform about your address change. This includes banks, utility providers, and subscription services.
Complementary Services: If you're going on holiday and don't want to redirect mail to a different address, consider Royal Mail's Keepsafe (mail holding) service. It keeps your mail safe until you return.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
What if my mail isn't being redirected?
Ensure you've provided the correct old and new addresses. If the problem persists, contact Royal Mail's customer service:
Royal Mail Redirection Help Centre
Can I change the redirection address midway?
Yes, but there might be an additional fee and some paperwork involved. It's best to decide on a stable redirection address from the start.
How can I extend the redirection period?
You can extend the service by applying online or at your local post office. Make sure to do this before your current redirection service expires.
Conclusion
Changing addresses, whether for personal or professional reasons, is a significant life event. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Royal Mail's redirection service offers peace of mind, ensuring that your mail reaches you promptly. By taking proactive steps and understanding the process, you can make your move a tad bit easier, with one less thing to worry about.