Postal Letter

Changing mailing address with the USPS? single or family?

Guys, I am moving from the bay area to southern cal on 10/24. I would like to start changing my mailing address now with the USPS. I have already changed my address individually with my company, medical, magazine, etc. As for changing with the USPS...should I change as a single or family? My wife and I have different last names; she hasn't changed her last yet, still using her maiden name. Any suggestions from recent movers would be awesome! thanks!!!

Public Comments

1. Change of address cards can be filled out at the poat office for free. get one for each of you since she still uses maiden name. all mail will be forwarded to your new address
2. Just list both names on the address change form.
3. Go Ahead and change your address if she wants to wait let her.but i m with you i like to change ahead of time so that i know that my mail will get there on time!
4. You should get the moving kit from the post office for both of you.
5. Check the family box. Also include all names for that address on one card. Magazines/catalogs are rarely forwarded, unless it's subscription and stamped on the front label. Consider having a neighbor check the mailbox until new residents move in. Then consider giving them a pre-stamped envelope to mail you some of your stuff. Make sure you give the landlord/new residents your new address. They'll just have to write your address on the envelope and put it back in the mailbox. Call every number you have for all mail and get your address changed - forwarded mail isn't very reliable. And set up online accounts to pay for all your bills, it will make the transaction go smoother. Moved 15 times in 22 yrs!
6. Check the family box. here: Changing your address from the US postal service: https://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS
7. Do yourself a big favor and use the paper form. The electronic COA (change of address) system is not working well, so see your Letter Carrier and get TWO cards. One card for your name, which you can submit NOW and one for your wife's maiden name that she is still using. Mark each card as "Family" to avoid any confusion. Its best to let the USPS know about two weeks ahead of time so tell your wife to leave herself some lag time. Nowadays the Letter Carriers have to wait for a confirmation sticker to come back from the COA office before forwarding any mail so the lag time is very important to having an uninterrupted flow of mail.
8. You need to file two forms which can either be done on paper at any Post Office or through USPS.COM. I am assuming that no one with either of your last names is wanting to continue to receive mail at the old address. If that is true the process is simple. Fill out two COA's (change of address) both marked family for your last name and your wife's maiden name. If you expect to receive any mail under a business's name you must also fill out a separate COA. Mark the effective date as 10/24/2006 and submit it in the next couple of days so that it gives the postal service a couple of days to get it into the system.