Finding a forwarding address can seem like a difficult task at first, but it doesn’t need to be as mystifying as you might think. Forwarding addresses are common, especially for people who have recently moved or those who have multiple addresses, and it is relatively easy to find someone’s forwarding address in today’s world.
Below, we tell you more about forwarding addresses and how to easily find this information.
What Is a Forwarding Address?
A forwarding address is the address that a person wishes to have their mail sent to once they move from one location to another. Generally, when a person moves homes or apartments, they will file a change of address with the USPS and request that their mail be forwarded to their new address. This helps the person ensure that they receive all of their important mail and documents, and USPS forwarding services last about a year, giving the person enough time to update all of their records and address details.
How to Find a Forwarding Address: Top Methods
If someone you know has moved recently and you aren’t sure what their new address is, you can use the following methods to find their forwarding address. You might need to try several of the below methods to ensure you gather the information you need.
Reverse Address Lookup
A reverse address lookup site is one of the most convenient ways to find a person’s new address and all previous addresses. To use this tool, you simply type in the person’s old address and run the search. The tool will then search all publicly available records about the person and provide you with a report that contains their current address and other essential contact information, such as emails and phone numbers.
Once you have the person’s new address, you can start sending them mail as usual.
USPS Mail Services
USPS mail services are another convenient way to find someone’s forwarding address, especially if the person has moved within the United States. To use this method, address a piece of mail to the person’s old address and write “Change Service Requested” on the envelope. The USPS will attempt to deliver the mail to the old address, and if it is undeliverable, they will return the mail to you with an explanation and the person’s new address so you can try again.
If the person has their mail being automatically forwarded, you can use the tracking number on your piece of mail to discover where the mail is delivered to and learn the forwarding address this way.
Social Media
Social media is incredibly popular in today’s world, and people may update their current location through their online profiles. While it is generally bad for security to list your full address online, you can look up someone’s profile and see which area they may have moved to in order to get a better idea of where their forwarding address might be located.
You can also message someone directly over social media and see if they will send their new address to you privately.
Family and Friends
Family and friends are often a great source of information, and this is especially true when it comes to finding contact information of a mutual friend or a relative. Speak with your family and friends about the person to who you are trying to send mail in order to learn about where the person may have moved and what their forwarding address might be.
Sending Mail to the Right Person
When it comes to sending your important letters and packages, it’s essential that these items end up in the hands of the right person. Fortunately, there are plenty of different methods that you can use to track down someone’s forwarding address, even if they have recently moved and you aren’t sure where to send your mail to now.
If you have any questions or concerns about mailing your items, speak to postal office staff or try to make contact with the person you are sending mail to in order to ensure your items arrive without delay.