If you’re leaving your home in Grosse Pointe or St. Clair Shores for an extended time, setting up USPS Temporary Mail Forwarding ensures you don’t miss important correspondence while you’re away. Here’s how to register:

 Online Mail Forwarding Registration

  1. Visit the official USPS website: usps.com/manage/forward.htm
  2. Select “Start Mail Forwarding” and choose between temporary or permanent forwarding.
  3. Enter your contact information, old and new address, and forwarding start and end dates.
  4. Verify your identity with a valid credit or debit card ($1.10 identity validation fee).
  5. Submit your request and receive a confirmation email from USPS.

 In-Person Mail Forwarding Registration

If you prefer to do this in person, visit any USPS Post Office location — it does not need to be the one that serves your home address.

  • Grosse Pointe ZIPs: 48230, 48236
  • St. Clair Shores ZIPs: 48080, 48081, 48082
  • Ask for a PS Form 3575 (Change of Address Form) at the counter or lobby area.
  • Fill out your name, current address, forwarding address, and the duration of the forwarding service.
  • Drop it in the provided collection slot or hand it to a postal worker.

 Note: In-person submissions are free and do not require a credit card. However, some locations may request an ID for verification purposes.

 USPS Informed Delivery (Optional, But Recommended)

Informed Delivery is a free service from USPS that sends you a daily email with scanned images of incoming mail and package tracking updates — even while you’re away from home.

Why Register for Informed Delivery?

  •  See what’s arriving before it hits your mailbox.
  •  Get alerts when packages are on the way.
  •  Monitor unexpected or sensitive mail remotely.
  •  Adds another layer of visibility while your home is unoccupied.

How to Sign Up

  1. Go to informeddelivery.usps.com
  2. Create or log in to your free USPS.com account.
  3. Verify your identity by answering address-related questions or using a one-time code.
  4. Once activated, you’ll start receiving daily emails with mail and package previews.

 Processing Time & Duration

  • Processing Time: USPS begins forwarding mail within 3 business days, but allow up to 10–14 days for full activation.
  • Duration: Mail forwarding can stay active for up to 12 months (with an optional 6-month extension for first-class mail).
  • For temporary absences, enter both a start and end date during setup to avoid disruption when you return.
  • What gets forwarded:
  • First-Class mail (letters, bills, personal correspondence) – FREE
  • Periodicals and magazines – FREE
  • Priority Mail and packages – forwarding fees apply

 Pair USPS Mail Forwarding and Informed Delivery with Compass Home Watch Services

Going away? Let Compass Home Watch be your eyes and ears. By combining USPS’s Mail Forwarding and Informed Delivery services, with our professional home watch services, you’ll have complete peace of mind. We don’t just check your property—we actively monitor it. With each visit, we look for mail or packages that have collected, inspect the condition of your home inside and out, and help keep things running smoothly until you’re back.

Give us a call (313) 885-8570 or Contact us to get started with Compass Home Watch service