Redirecting Your Mail > Reviews > From pillar to post...

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Full review

This review is on the Royal Mail Redirection Service that I have just recently made use of, having moved from a shared house back in with my parents.

What is it?

OK, stating the obvious first off it is a service from the Royal Mail that allows you to have all of your mail redirected from one address to another should you move. This not only gives you time to update your various people and/ or places with your new details, but also ensures that you don't miss that important package that was sent to you from your great aunty. Also, it means that you don't have to keep on annoying the people who now live in your old place by keeping on going there constantly in order to get post (unless they are a friendly bunch).

How can it be started?

By any number of ways, as listed below:

1. Go to your local Post Office, and get a form. Fill this in, and take it back to them with correct payment (as below). On the form, you state your address you are moving from; the address you are moving to, and the date that you wish for this to start. It usually takes five working days to action, and so therefore it is best to get it going about a week before you move. You can of curse do it earlier, but tell the people of the house you are moving to or else they will simply return it to sender unopened.

2. Over the phone. By using the same format as above, although you give all of your details as already listed to the person on the other end who will do the rest for you.

3. NEW! Online, again similar format which will get your mail re-routed.

Once your request is actioned, a letter should be sent to both addresses in order to inform any relevant parties of the change/ need to have post re-directed.

How much does it cost?

You need to pay for each person listed on the re-direction form, and each person will need to pay as follows (these prices are for inland UK addresses only, for other prices seek advice):

1 month, £7.10.
3 months, £15.55.
6 months, £23.95.
12 months, £35.95.

The longer you ask for, the less you pay in theory. I went for 3 months, which is about the average length of time. This should also give you plenty of time to let all know of your move, however I have just received a letter asking if I wish to extend my time (which ends next month). I quite like the sound of this, as if you are like me then you won't have contacted all of the necessary people. Either that, or your address still hasn't been changed on some counts.

How do I pay?

With the exception of over the counter at your local post office, by card only. If paying over the counter, then cash; cheques, and cards are also all welcome.

On my renewal letter, I have the option to re-apply by post in place of going over the counter. Cheques and/ or cards only, as cash is never accepted through the post.

Why choose it?

I find that it is a cheap and easy way to get your post re-directed and gives you the chance to get up to date with letting others know about your change of address. Apart from the odd time when a letter has slipped through the net, I am happy on the whole with the service that I have received.