How to Redirect Your Mail When Moving House with Royal Mail

Table of Contents

• 📬 Why Redirecting Your Mail Is Important
• 🏡 How to Set Up a Mail Redirection with Royal Mail
• 💻 Apply for Mail Redirection Online
• 🏤 Apply for Mail Redirection at the Post Office
• ⏳ How Long Does Mail Redirection Take?
• 💰 How Much Does Royal Mail Redirection Cost?
• ❌ What Happens If You Don’t Redirect Your Mail?
• ❓ FAQs About Mail Redirection

📬 Why Redirecting Your Mail Is Important

When moving house, redirecting your mail is one of the most important steps to ensure you don’t miss vital letters and documents. Without redirection, your post may:

🚨 Go to your old address, leading to lost or delayed mail
📬 Be accessed by the new occupants, potentially causing identity theft or fraud
📄 Cause missed bills, legal documents, or bank statements

Setting up a Royal Mail Redirection ensures that all your post is securely forwarded to your new home for a chosen period while you update your address with banks, utilities, and other organisations.

🏡 How to Set Up a Mail Redirection with Royal Mail

You can apply for mail redirection either online or at your local Post Office.

✅ You must apply at least 5 working days before you move to avoid gaps in service.
✅ You can redirect mail for 3, 6, or 12 months, with the option to extend if needed.

💻 Apply for Mail Redirection Online

The quickest and easiest way to set up a mail redirection is through the Royal Mail website.

✅ What You’ll Need:

✔ Your old and new address
✔ The names of everyone moving
✔ A credit or debit card to pay for the service
✔ Proof of identity (e.g., driving licence, passport, or a recent utility bill)

🖥 Steps to Apply Online:

1. Go to the Royal Mail website – Visit the official Royal Mail Redirection page.
2. Enter your details – Provide your old and new address and list everyone moving.
3. Choose your redirection period – 3, 6, or 12 months.
4. Make payment – Fees vary based on duration.
5. Confirmation – You’ll receive a confirmation email once your redirection is set up.

⏳ Processing Time:

Your mail redirection will start within 5 working days after application.

🏤 Apply for Mail Redirection at the Post Office

If you prefer, you can apply for mail redirection in person at any Post Office branch.

📌 Steps to Apply at the Post Office:

1. Pick up a Redirection form (P740) – Available at any Post Office.
2. Complete the form – Provide your old and new address, along with the names of everyone moving.
3. Bring proof of identity – You’ll need a valid passport, driving licence, or utility bill.
4. Pay for the service – Payment can be made by credit/debit card, cheque, or cash.
5. Receive confirmation – You’ll get a receipt and confirmation letter.

⏳ Processing Time:

Mail redirection takes 5 working days to become active.

⏳ How Long Does Mail Redirection Take?

To avoid delays, apply at least a week before moving.

💰 How Much Does Royal Mail Redirection Cost?

The cost of mail redirection depends on the duration and whether you’re redirecting mail within the UK or overseas.

🔹 Prices are per surname, so each family member with a different surname must pay separately.

❌ What Happens If You Don’t Redirect Your Mail?

If you don’t set up a mail redirection, you may face several issues:

🚨 Identity theft risks – Personal documents (bank statements, bills) could fall into the wrong hands
📬 Missed bills or legal notices, leading to penalties or late fees
🔴 Loss of important letters, such as NHS appointments or tax documents

Setting up a mail redirection prevents these problems and gives you time to update your address with banks, utility companies, and other important organisations.

❓ FAQs About Mail Redirection

1. Can I redirect mail for more than 12 months?

Yes, but you’ll need to renew the service before it expires.

2. Can I redirect someone else’s mail?

No, unless you have legal authority (e.g., power of attorney) for that person.

3. Can I redirect business mail?

Yes, but it requires a separate Business Redirection service.

4. Can I cancel my redirection?

Yes, but refunds are only available in limited circumstances.

5. Does Royal Mail redirect parcels?

No, only letters and small packets are redirected. Larger parcels require re-routing with the sender or courier service.

Final Thoughts

Redirecting your mail with Royal Mail ensures a smooth transition when moving house, protecting you from missed bills, identity theft, and lost letters.

For a stress-free house move, trust MNM Removals to handle your relocation professionally and efficiently.

🔹 Moving soon? Get a FREE Quote today! Click Here