Moving
Find tips and resources on how to hire movers for domestic and international moves, avoid and report moving fraud, and how to change your mailing address.
Are you moving or want to rent a post office box? Learn how to change your address to continue receiving mail or reserve a box at your local post office.
How to Change Your Address With the Postal Service
To let the post office know you are going to change your address permanently or temporarily and want your mail forwarded to your new location, you have two options:
- Go to USPS.com/move to change your address online.
- This is the fastest and easiest way, and you immediately get an email confirming the change.
- There is a $1.10 charge to change your address online. You will need a credit or debit card and a valid email address. The $1.10 charge to your card is an identity verification fee to prevent fraud and make sure you're the one making the change.
- Warning: You don't need to pay a separate company to change your address. Scammers may charge $40 or more to do what you can do for just $1.10 using the moving section of the official USPS.com website.
- Go to your local post office and request the Mover’s Guide packet.
- Inside the packet is PS Form 3575. Fill out this change of address form and give it to a postal worker behind the counter. Or, drop it into the letter mail slot inside the post office.
- You should receive a confirmation letter at your new address in five business days.
How to Change Your Address With Other Government Agencies
Other federal and state agencies to contact when changing your address include:
How to Hire Movers and Avoid Moving Fraud
Most moving companies are reputable businesses that do quality work. But some moving companies use fraudulent practices to steal your money. Learn how to spot moving fraud before it happens, or find out how to report it if a company has scammed you.
How Some Moving Companies May Try to Cheat You
Fraudulent movers may:
- Demand cash upfront before the move
- Avoid giving you a written estimate
- Ask you to sign a blank contract in advance
- Only have one cell phone number as a contact and no local physical address
- Show up at your house with a rental truck with no company logo on it
- Give you a quote over the phone without any onsite inspection of your goods
- Give you a low price and change the estimate substantially at your destination
- Hold your belongings hostage until you pay more money
How to Report Moving Scams
How to Hire a Mover and Protect Yourself
Get tools from Protect Your Move to help you protect yourself against moving fraud. Keep these tips in mind to avoid moving scams:
Do:
- Get a company representative to come to your home for a realistic estimate of the move.
- Get a written estimate from several movers. In general, estimates are based on time, the number of movers needed, who does the packing, and the number of rooms to be moved.
- Verify that the company is insured in case your goods are damaged during the move.
- Ask for the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number and use the FMCSA database to check if the company is registered.
- Reach out to your local, county, or state consumer affairs agency or state attorney general to see if there is a complaint record.
Don’t:
- Don’t accept an estimate over the phone.
- Don’t sign a blank contract.
- Don’t pay for the move in advance or in cash.
- Don’t let movers start packing your goods into the truck without reviewing the contract and estimate again. Do this before the move starts.
How to Get Help With International Moves
Get tips and resources about moving to another country.
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Last Updated: August 4, 2022
