Make sure your mail follows you to your new address

Make sure your mail follows you to your new address

Moving house is exciting, but it also comes with a long list of practical tasks. One of the most important is making sure your mail follows you to your new address. Whether you’re moving permanently or just for a few months, missing important letters, bills, or documents can cause unnecessary stress. Fortunately, it’s easy to set up mail redirection and keep your correspondence on track. Here’s how to do it and what to remember along the way.
Notify the right people early
Before you move, it’s a good idea to update your address with key organisations. Start with government agencies such as the Australian Electoral Commission, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and Medicare. You can usually update your details online through their websites or via your myGov account. Doing this early ensures that official letters and notices reach you without delay.
Don’t forget to update your address with your employer, your children’s school, and any professional associations you belong to. While some organisations share information automatically, many do not—so it’s best to take the initiative.
Set up mail redirection with Australia Post
Australia Post offers a convenient Mail Redirection service that ensures your letters and parcels are sent to your new address. You can set it up online, at a post office, or through the Australia Post app. The service can be arranged for periods of one, three, six, or twelve months, and you can extend it if needed.
Mail redirection covers most types of addressed mail, but not unaddressed advertising material or newspapers. If you subscribe to magazines or newspapers, contact the publishers directly to update your delivery details.
If you’re moving overseas, Australia Post also offers international mail redirection for a limited time, helping you stay connected while you settle in abroad.
Update your address with key contacts
Even with mail redirection in place, it’s best to update your address directly with the people and organisations that send you mail. This helps avoid delays and ensures your details are correct in their systems. Make a checklist that includes:
- Banks and insurance companies – to ensure statements and policy documents reach you.
- Utilities and service providers – such as electricity, gas, water, and internet companies.
- Healthcare providers – including your GP, dentist, and any specialists.
- Memberships and subscriptions – gyms, clubs, streaming services, and magazines.
- Online retailers – update your saved addresses to avoid misdelivered parcels.
Taking the time to go through your regular mail and emails can help you identify who needs your new details.
Don’t forget your digital mail
Many Australians now receive important correspondence electronically. Check that your email address and phone number are up to date with government services, banks, and other organisations. If you use MyPost Digital Mailbox or similar services, log in and confirm that your contact details reflect your new address.
If you’re changing your internet provider or email account as part of the move, make sure to update your contact information everywhere you use that email.
Temporary moves and special situations
If you’re moving temporarily—for example, for study, work, or travel—you can still use Australia Post’s mail redirection service. Simply choose the start and end dates that suit your situation. For short-term relocations, this can be easier than changing your address with every organisation.
If you’re moving into a shared house or renting short-term accommodation, consider using a secure PO Box for important mail. This can help protect your privacy and ensure your mail doesn’t get lost.
Avoid missing important mail
Even with redirection, some mail might slip through the cracks—especially if senders use old address records. If possible, check your old letterbox for a few weeks after moving, or ask the new occupants to let you know if anything arrives for you. A friendly note in the mailbox can make this easier.
You can also ask trusted neighbours or your property manager to keep an eye out for stray letters during the transition.
Make your move smoother
Ensuring your mail follows you is about more than just letters—it’s about starting fresh in your new home without unnecessary hassles. By setting up mail redirection, updating your address with key contacts, and checking your digital details, you can focus on settling in, decorating, and exploring your new neighbourhood.
A well-organised move means fewer surprises—and that includes your mail arriving right where it should.











