How to redirect your post when you move house
Royal Mail's redirection service forwards all post from your old address to your new one. It's one of the most important things to set up before you move — otherwise important letters, bank statements, and parcels could end up at your old address.
How does Royal Mail redirection work?
Once set up, Royal Mail intercepts any post addressed to you at your old address and forwards it to your new one. This gives you time to update your address with your bank and other organisations without worrying about missing anything important.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from around £35 for 3 months, £50 for 6 months, or £70 for 12 months (per person redirected). Most people go for 6 months — it gives you enough time to catch everything. Prices may vary so check the Royal Mail website for current rates.
When should I set it up?
Set it up at least 5 working days before your move. Royal Mail recommends 2 weeks to be safe. You can set a start date in the future, so there's no harm in doing it early. Use our moving house checklist to plan the timing alongside everything else.
What doesn't get redirected?
Parcels from some courier services (DPD, Hermes, Amazon Logistics) aren't covered — only items delivered by Royal Mail. Magazine subscriptions and delivery addresses may also need updating separately.
Common questions
- How long does Royal Mail redirection take to start?
- Allow at least 5 working days from when you apply. Setting it up 2 weeks before your move is ideal.
- Can I redirect post for my whole household?
- You can redirect for multiple people at the same address. Each person added costs extra, but there are household deals available.
- Does it cover parcels?
- It covers Royal Mail parcels, but not items delivered by other couriers like DPD, Hermes, or Amazon Logistics.
Related guides
- How to update your bank and financial providers when you moveMoving house? Update your address with your bank, credit cards, and loans. Here's a checklist of financial providers to notify.
- How to update your subscription and delivery addresses when movingMoving house? Don't forget to update your delivery addresses on Amazon, subscriptions, and regular deliveries. Here's a checklist.
- How to change your council tax when you move houseMoving house? You need to update council tax with both your old and new council. Here's how to avoid paying double and what to do on moving day.
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