If you ignore the problem, letters to the previous occupant, or even someone you don't know at all, can pile up for years. Fortunately, returns to the sender are free if you clearly indicate this on the envelope. Hopefully, the sender will then update his/her address book. If you are dealing with a large flow of mail, it may be necessary to visit the post office or speak to your postman.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Return letters and packages to the sender
Step 1. Write "Return to Sender" on the envelope or package
If you received a letter or package that was addressed to the wrong person, write it on it in large, clear letters, without obscuring the return address. You can also do this with junk mail addressed to you, but it's perfectly legal to keep or throw that mail away-unless it's addressed to someone else.
If you opened the mail or someone signed to receive the package, you will have to repackage it and pay for shipping. If you have not opened the mail or package, the postal company will have to provide the service free of charge, provided you do so within a "reasonable time"
Step 2. Write down "Wrong Address/Address Change" or some other reason (optional)
Include a note so that the sender knows why the letter is not being answered. If you are returning mail addressed to the wrong person, please write "Recipient moved" or "Not at this address". If you receive a lot of advertising, try to make it clear that you don't like such mail - the chances of it being effective are very slim.
- If you know the recipient's new address, write, "Change of address, to [new address]" instead of "Return to Sender".
- Large companies often use mass lists of addresses, and will usually stubbornly continue to send mail to the address in their database-regardless of the message you put on the envelope. Try to make the change of address clear in the following way.
Step 3. Cross out your own address
Make it clear that the mail should no longer be delivered to your address.
Step 4. Put the mail in the orange mailbox
You can also choose to hand over the mail to your postman, so that he/she will ensure that it ends up in the right place
Method 2 of 2: Reporting a change of address for someone else
Step 1. Inform your postman personally, or by means of a note
If you receive mail for someone who has lived at your address, tell the postman or put up a note. If you receive mail for multiple former residents, put a note on the mailbox that reads, "Mail ONLY for (names of current residents)".
Step 2. Visit the post office to report a change of address
If the above step has no effect, please visit the post office. Ask if you can report a change of address for all people from whom you still receive mail at your address.
You can also do this online if you know the forwarding address
Step 3. Fill out the form with specific instructions
Assuming you don't know the person's new address, use this information to complete the form:
- Under "Forward Address" write, "Moved, no forwarding address left" or "Never lived at previous address, correct address unknown."
- Sign the document, and note that the current resident (your name) has signed the form.
Tips
- If your address isn't on the post, but it was delivered to you anyway, chances are the postal company made a mistake - not the sender. Write "Wrong delivery" on the letter, instead of "Return to sender."
- Research has shown that misdirected mail in the United States is typically returned within 90 days, and usually sooner. This can take much longer with international mail, and often it does not return to the sender at all.