Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Return letters and packages to the sender
• Method 2 of 2: Report a change of address for someone else
• Tips
• Warnings

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, returning to the sender is free of charge 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, you may need to visit the post office or speak to your postman.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Return letters and packages to the sender

1. Write "Return to Sender" on the envelope or package. If you have received a letter or package addressed to the wrong person, write it down in large, clear letters, without concealing the return address. You can also do this with junk mail addressed to you, but it is perfectly legal to keep or dispose of that mail - unless it is addressed to someone else.
   • If you opened the mail, or someone signed to receive the package, you will have to put it in new packaging and pay for shipping. If you have not opened the mail or package, the postal company will have to provide the service for free, provided you do so within a "reasonable time".
2. Write down "Wrong Address / Change of Address" 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, write "Addressee moved" or "Not at this address". If you receive a lot of advertising, try to make it clear that such mail does not serve you - the chances of it being effective are very slim.
   • If you know the recipient's new address, write down, "Change of address, to [new address]" instead of "Return To Sender".
   • Large companies often use mass lists of addresses, and will usually steadfastly continue sending 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 way below.
3. Cross out your own address. Make it clear that the mail should no longer be delivered to your address.
4. Put the mail in the orange letterbox.
   • You can also choose to hand the mail to your postman, so that he / she will ensure that it ends up in the right place.

Method 2 of 2: Report a change of address for someone else

1. Inform your postman personally or by letter. 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, post a note on the letterbox saying, "Mail ONLY for (names of current residents)".
2. Visit the post office to report a change of address. If the above step has no effect, pay a visit to the post office. Ask if you can pass on a change of address for all persons from whom you still receive mail at your address.
   • You can also do this online if you know the forwarding address.
3. Fill in the form with specific instructions. Assuming you don't know the person's new address, use this information to complete the form:
   • At "Forwarding address" you 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) signed the form.

Tips

• If your address is not on the post, but it was delivered to you anyway, chances are the postal company made a mistake - not the sender. Write "Incorrectly Delivered" on the letter, instead of "Return to sender."
• Research has shown that in the United States, mishandled mail is usually returned within 90 days, and usually sooner. With international mail, this can take much longer, and often it does not return to the sender at all.

Warnings

• Throwing out mail addressed to someone else is a criminal offense in most countries.