How to Forward Your Mail When Moving Abroad

When you're preparing to move to France, there is an enormous amount to organise. Visas, removals, property, healthcare, banking and paperwork can all take up your attention.

It is surprisingly easy to forget about something as simple as your post.

But once you've handed over the keys to your UK home, you don't want important letters continuing to arrive at your old address. Bank correspondence, tax documents, insurance information and other personal letters could all contain information you need, and leaving them behind could also create a security risk.

Fortunately, forwarding your post is relatively straightforward.

Set Up Royal Mail Redirection

If you are moving from the UK to France, Royal Mail's Redirection service can forward your post to an overseas address. You can currently arrange this for three, six or 12 months, giving you time to update your address with the organisations that send you regular correspondence.

Royal Mail recommends applying as early as possible. You need to give at least five working days' notice, although applying around three weeks before you move gives you more breathing space.

You will need the full address of your old and new homes, along with the names and dates of birth of the people whose post is being redirected.

It is worth remembering that not everything can be redirected internationally. For example, certain larger or heavier items and some tracked services cannot be sent to an overseas address through the service.

Don't Rely on Redirection Forever

Mail Redirection should be viewed as a safety net rather than a permanent solution.

Once you have moved, start working through your list of organisations and change your address with them individually.

Think about your bank, credit card providers, insurance companies, pension providers, HMRC, investment companies, utility providers and any subscriptions you still receive by post.

If you're receiving a UK State Pension or benefits, make sure the relevant authorities know that you have moved abroad. GOV.UK also advises people moving overseas to notify the appropriate offices dealing with tax, benefits and pensions.

HMRC also has an online service for updating your address once you have moved.

Keep Your UK Address Details Organised

It can also be useful to keep a record of everyone you have contacted and the date you changed your address.

You may be surprised by how many organisations still have your old address on file.

And don't forget less obvious ones. Loyalty schemes, online retailers, professional memberships, clubs and even your dentist or optician may still have your UK address.

Moving abroad involves enough paperwork without wondering where an important letter has disappeared to.

Setting up mail redirection before you leave, followed by gradually updating your address everywhere else, is a simple job that can give you one less thing to worry about as you begin your new life in France.

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