Buying a Property

Royal Mail Redirection Cost and How to Set It Up

Royal Mail postal redirection is a simple, affordable way to ensure important mail reaches you after moving. This guide covers 2026 prices, the setup process, and what redirection does and does not cover.

Published: 1 Jan 2026 · Updated: 1 Mar 2026 · 5 min read

Why Postal Redirection Matters

When you move house, even a meticulous address update effort will miss some senders. Important mail from HMRC, banks, insurance companies, and less-obvious contacts will arrive at your old address. Royal Mail’s postal redirection service automatically forwards this mail to your new address.

The cost is modest and should be in every moving budget. Our [moving cost calculator](/moving-cost-calculator) includes a line for redirection.

2026 Prices

Royal Mail charges per person for a set duration:

Duration	Price per person (2026)
3 months	£33.99
6 months	£44.99
12 months	£66.99

For two adults, 12-month redirection costs £133.98. Choose 12 months — the cost difference over 6 months is only £22 per person, and it takes longer than expected to update all addresses.

What Is and Is Not Redirected

**Redirected:** All first- and second-class letters, large letters, and small packets addressed to the redirected name at the old address.

**Not redirected:**

Large parcels above Royal Mail’s size threshold
Mail addressed to “The Occupier” rather than a named person
Courier deliveries (DHL, DPD, Evri) — not Royal Mail services
Bulk mailers using their own address databases

You still need to proactively update parcel-heavy suppliers and online retailers.

How to Set It Up

1. Go to royalmail.com/moving-home or visit a Post Office.

2. Provide your old address, new address, names to redirect, and desired start date.

3. Verify identity using a card registered at the old address or ID documents.

4. Choose duration and pay.

5. Allow two to three working days for activation after the start date — set up at least a week before moving.

Address Update Priority List

Redirection is a safety net, not a substitute for proper changes. Prioritise:

1. HMRC (via Government Gateway)

2. Banks and building societies

3. Employer (for payslips and P60)

4. DVLA (driving licence and vehicle registration)

5. Electoral roll (via new local council)

6. NHS and GP registration

7. Insurance providers (home, car, life, health)

8. Pension providers

9. Utility companies

Services like SlothMove can batch address updates across multiple organisations in one session.

At £67 per person for 12 months, redirection is excellent value. Include it in your complete moving budget using our [moving cost calculator](/moving-cost-calculator).