If you have moved as many times as I have over the past couple of years, you'll probably understand my issue of receiving previous tenant's mail. I don't understand why people don't forward their mail to their new residence? Is it because they don't know how to? Lazy? Avoiding someone?

I understand junk mail but important documents, personal cards, and others? Really? I've never had so much of an issue of receiving previous tenant's mail until my current place. In fact, we received so many (including important letters) that I had no idea what do with them! I searched on USPS website and found no answer. I did a regular Google search and after several tries, finally came across an old Q&A forum dated back to 2007. The person said to write "Not at this address" on the letter and drop it back to the post office.

The next day, I happened to catch the mailman while heading out and asked him. He said that is fine and they'll take care of updating it on their end. Excellent! I don't know how long it takes for USPS to update their system, since we still occasionally receive previous tenant's mail but the quantity has gradually decreased.

So if you are ever wondering what to do with other people's mail, just write "Not at this Address" on the front of the letter and return it to your mailbox. :) Also, here's the link to notify USPS of your official change of address. It will only cost you $1 but will ensure that you receive your personal documents and letters correctly and save future residents from taking this extra cleanup step. Plus, you can sign up for fun local stores to get coupons and catalogs. :D