Mail forwarding with Australia Post

Moving house is stressful enough without having to worry about missing important mail. That’s where mail forwarding comes in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up mail redirection with Australia Post—so your letters and packages follow you to your new home.

We’ll cover the simple steps to get it done, what info you’ll need, how much it costs. With a little planning, you’ll have one less thing to worry about during your move.

Why mail forwarding and redirecting is a must-do when moving house

When you move to a new home, updating your address isn't always enough—especially if you're expecting important letters or packages. Without mail forwarding, your post could end up sitting at your old address, leading to delays and (often costly) lack of communication between you and your service providers.

Missed bills, lost parcels, or even important documents like tax notices or medical reminders get missed without mail forwarding. By setting up mail redirection with Australia Post, you ensure that everything you need gets to you, no matter where you’re living temporarily or permanently. It’s an easy way to avoid the hassle of chasing down lost mail and stay on top of important stuff while you settle in.

How mail forwarding and redirecting work in Australia

With mail redirection, you can forward personal or business mail from your old address for anywhere between 1, 3, 6, or 12 months—plenty of time to update your details with everyone else. Plus, you can add up to 6 names to your application, which is super handy if you’re moving with family or housemates.

Australia Post even gives you the option to notify certain companies, like your energy providers or insurers, about your new address—saving you a bit of extra work.

If you need to make changes later, like extending or cancelling the service, it's easy to do as long as you have proof of identity.

You can apply online if you’ve got an Australian driver’s licence or passport, or you can pop into the Post Office with a utility bill and a signed document.

Steps to set up mail redirection with Australia Post

Setting up mail redirection with Australia Post is simple and can be done online or in person. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:

1. Choose your service – Decide whether you need redirection for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months.

2. Gather your ID – You’ll need a valid ID to apply (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or birth certificate). For online applications, you can use your Australian driver’s licence or passport.

3. Apply online or in-store – If you’re applying online, visit Australia Post’s Mail Redirection page. If you prefer to apply in person, head to your local post office with your documents.

4. Add extra names – You can add up to 6 names to your redirection request, including housemates or family members.

5. Opt to notify others – Choose whether you want Australia Post to notify selected companies (like your energy provider or insurer) about your address change.

6. Pay and confirm – Complete your application and make payment. You’ll receive confirmation of your redirection start date.

Once set up, your mail will be forwarded to your new address. Simple, right?

What information you’ll need to provide

When applying for mail redirection service online you’ll need to have a valid:

• Australian driver licence

• Australian passport Foreign passport with Australian visa

• Australian birth certificate

• Australian citizenship certificate

• ImmiCard Digital iD™

If you plan to apply in person at your local Post Office you must bring each of the following document types:

• A document with your name and Australian residential address (e.g. a utility notice), and

• A document with your signature (e.g. a Keypass or Statutory Declaration)

How much does mail redirection cost?

Costs vary depending on the type and duration of the service you require and whether you are redirecting mail within Australia or overseas.

Australia Post personal mail redirection prices

Concession prices

You may be eligible for a reduced rate if you hold (or are listed as a dependant on) a valid concession card such as:

• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

• Health Care Card (all types)

• Pensioner Concession Card

• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Card

• My Post Concession Card

• Norfolk Island Social Services Card

• Veterans’ Repatriation Health Card

Free mail redirection with Australia Post

If you’re managing a deceased estate, or if you’re a victim of domestic violence or a natural disaster in Australia, you may qualify for free mail redirection.

Visit the Australia Post website to see whether you are eligible for special circumstances free mail redirection.

Common mistakes to avoid when setting up mail forwarding

When setting up mail redirection, it’s easy to overlook a few things that can cause headaches later.

One common mistake is not allowing enough time for the redirection to kick in. It’s a good idea to set it up at least 7 days before your move to ensure everything transitions smoothly.

Another mistake is forgetting to update important senders—like your bank, insurance companies, or even subscription services. Make sure you take the time to notify them of your new address, so you don’t miss out on any crucial mail once your mail redirect service is finished.

Alternatives to mail forwarding for Aussie movers

If mail forwarding isn’t quite right for you, there are a few alternatives worth considering.

• First up, Australia Post offers a Mail Hold service, where your mail is kept safely at the post office for up to 1 month until you’re ready to pick it up.

• Another option is renting a PO Box, which can be a good choice if you need a stable address for receiving mail.

Mail redirection Australia Post FAQs

Can you redirect mail from a street address and a PO Box?

Yes. You can set up mail redirection for both a street address and a PO Box. Whether it’s your home or a PO Box, Australia Post will forward your mail to your new location.

How long does mail redirection last?

Mail redirection can last from 1 to 12 months, depending on what you choose. You can always extend it if you need more time.

Can you set up mail redirection to/from an international address with Australia Post?

You can set up redirection for international mail, but it must be done in person at the Post Office. Unfortunately, it can’t be done online.

Final thought: Staying organised and preventing delays when you move

Moving can be a chaotic time, but with a little organisation, you can make the process a lot smoother. Setting up mail redirection ahead of time ensures you won’t miss important letters or parcels during your move. By staying on top of address changes and key updates, you can focus on settling into your new home without the stress of lost mail.

And, with Upmove, finding affordable, reliable removalists is one less thing you need to worry about—making your move even easier.