What to do When Getting Previous Owner’s Mail

(Because no one wants to accidentally commit mail fraud before their housewarming party.)

Congratulations! You’re officially a homeowner—complete with keys, a stack of paint swatches, a growing list of projects… and at least 27 pieces of mail addressed to someone who no longer lives there.

Before you panic or start a dramatic reading of their Costco coupons, here’s actually what to do when getting previous owners’ mail.

Don’t Open It (Even If It Looks Juicy)

Yes, even if it says “URGENT,” or “Your Free Cruise Awaits!” Opening mail that isn’t yours is a federal no-no—not exactly the vibe you want in your new home. So resist the temptation and keep those envelopes sealed.

Use the Magic Words: “Return to Sender”

The simplest (and most effective) solution? Grab a pen and write: “Return to Sender – Not at This Address.”

No need to add flair—unless you’re feeling artsy. Then go wild with a nice cursive.
Drop it back in your mailbox, stick the flag up, and let the USPS do their thing.

Update the Previous Owner’s Info (If You Still Have Their Contact)

Did the seller leave a forwarding address? Did you exchange numbers during closing when everyone was bonding over signatures and hand cramps?

If so, send them a quick heads-up that their mail is still showing up. Sometimes forwarding orders expire or don’t catch everything.

A simple:
“Hey! A few letters came for you—just letting you know!” …is all it takes.

Know the Difference Between First-Class and Junk Mail

Not all mail is created equal.

• First-Class Mail (bills, financial statements, official documents) → definitely mark Return to Sender.
• Marketing Mail (pizza coupons, charity calendars, political ads that never stop) → You can recycle these. USPS will not forward advertising mail anyway.

If You Keep Getting It… Call in Backup

If the previous owner’s mail keeps streaming in like they never left, you can:

• Contact your local post office and let them know the previous residents have moved.
• Fill out a USPS “nixie” form (some post offices offer them) which notes the person no longer lives at your address. They’ll update the carrier’s notes so your mailbox stops acting like a forwarding station.
• OR if you have a super nice real estate agent like a Dani Beyer Real Estate team member (shameless plug), they may be able to track down the previous owner’s contact info, so you can let them know. 

Package Deliveries? That’s a Different Story

If a package shows up with the previous owner’s name:

• Do NOT open it (again: federal crime, weird holiday gift, etc.).
• Mark it “Return to Sender” if it came via USPS.
• If it’s UPS, FedEx, or Amazon, hop on their website or app and report:
  “Package for previous resident – return to sender.”

They’ll pick it up. No porch clutter required.

Resist the Urge to Track Their Entire Life

Yes, you may feel like you know them now.
You’ve seen their magazines, their alumni newsletters, maybe even their lawn maintenance reminders.
But be strong.
Don’t Google them.
Don’t judge their gardening habits.
Don’t let their Pottery Barn catalog turn into a home décor crisis.
Focus on your own upgrades. You’ve got enough to do.

Be Patient—It Usually Stops Within a Few Weeks

Mail systems take time to catch up, and forwarding isn’t perfect. Most new homeowners see this clear up within a month or two. Until then, your new mailbox might feel like a time capsule of someone else’s life.

Getting the previous owner’s mail is totally normal—and thankfully, easy to handle. With a pen, a little patience, and maybe a small sense of humor, you’ll soon transform your mailbox into a judgment-free zone filled only with your bills, your coupons, and the occasional questionable Amazon purchase.

We know this is the last thing you want to deal with after becoming the new owners of a home, but the USPS website does make it pretty easy to solve this mail problem. And, again, if you bought your home through Dani Beyer Real Estate, we’re also happy to help however we can!