Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If USPS delivers mail to your home for someone who does not live there, write “Not at this address” on the envelope without changing the address, then return it to your carrier or place it in a USPS collection box. If the mail was delivered to the wrong home, do not write on it: put it back in your mailbox or hand it to the carrier.
First, identify what went wrong
USPS gives different instructions depending on whether the address or the recipient is wrong. These steps apply to USPS mail in the United States, not automatically to private carriers or postal services in other countries.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| The mail is addressed to your home, but the named person does not live there. | Write “Not at this address” on the mail without erasing or marking over the address. Return it to your carrier or put it in a USPS collection box. USPS guidance. |
| The mail is addressed to another home but was delivered to yours. | Do not write on or alter it. Put it back in your mailbox or hand it to your carrier. USPS guidance. |
| You received a PS Form 3849 redelivery notice for someone who does not live at your home. | If you do not know the correct forwarding address, check “Other,” write “Refused,” and return the form to your mailbox or carrier. USPS guidance. |
How to return mail for a former resident
- Leave it unopened. Do not open mail addressed to another person.
- Write “Not at this address.” USPS says to leave the address intact; do not erase it or mark over it.
- Return it to USPS. Give it to your carrier or place it in a USPS collection box or other mail receptacle.
USPS describes this as returning the piece to the mailstream. Its guidance does not guarantee that one returned envelope—or any particular number of returns—will stop future mail.
Recommended Free Tools
If you opened it by mistake
The USPS Postal Operations Manual says mail opened by mistake should be endorsed “Opened by Mistake” and signed. For unopened mail not intended for you, the manual says to endorse it “Not for…, Not at this address,” or similar, and return it promptly. See USPS Postal Operations Manual, Section 611.2.
#1 Best Overall
- SPECIFICATIONS: 4 x 1.5 inch (101.6mm x 38.1mm) - [300 Labels per Pack, 3 Packs = 900 Labels] - Easy-to-peel for Enhanced Effortless Labeling Tasks, Strong Adhesive - Scuff & Scratch Resistant, Semi-Gloss Finish. Packaging may vary. Stickers may be shipped in either roll or sheet format depending on available inventory
- FUNCTIONALITY: Immediate Eye Catching Clear Letters "PACKING LIST INSIDE" over Vibrant RED, Professional Shipping & Handling Instructions in High Resolution Graphic - Striking Color & Bold Fonts are Intended Design to get Special Attention to Care for Your Shipments
- STRONG ADHESIVE: Pressure Sensitive, Strong Self-Adhesive ensure this label sticks and stays secure on virtually any dry surface for a permanent hold on Corrugated Cartons, Boxes, Pallets, Cardboard, Glass, Paper, Bubble Wrap, Poly Bag, Shrink Wrap and Mailer
- CORE PURPOSE: Offers visibility and grab attention instantly to alert the Receiving Department that your PL is inside the package; Professional & Add value to your business
- VERSATILE APPLICATION: These labels work well for freight forwarding, shipping departments, warehouses, and distribution centers to ensure proper handling and identification of packages containing packing lists
Do not file a change of address for someone else
A change-of-address order is for a person who is moving and requires appropriate authorization. Do not submit one for a former resident unless you are authorized to do so. If USPS sends you an Official Change of Address Validation Letter even though you did not move, USPS says to dispute the order so it can be investigated. Details are in USPS Change of Address—The Basics.
USPS says mail begins arriving at a new address within 7–10 postal business days after the change-of-address start date, and lists a 12-month forwarding period for First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Priority Mail. Those figures concern the mover’s change-of-address service; they are not a deadline or guarantee for stopping someone else’s mail at your home.
Rank #2
- ⚠️ NOT FOREVER STAMPS: These are blank labels requiring a Stamps.com subscription to print USPS-certified mail postage. NOT pre-printed stamps—must be customized and printed through your active Stamps.com account.
- 📨 OFFICIAL CERTIFIED MAIL: Designed for USPS Certified Mail with tracking and proof of mailing. Easily print professional, compliant postage from your home or office. No need for extra trips to the post office!
- 🖨️ INKJET & LASER PRINTER COMPATIBLE: Standard 8.5” x 11” sheet format works with most inkjet and laser printers. Effortlessly print postage on demand, ensuring crisp, clear, and smudge-free labels every time.
- 📦 SECURE & RELIABLE ADHESIVE: Strong, non-expiring adhesive keeps your postage labels firmly in place throughout transit. No risk of peeling or lost labels—your certified mail stays protected.
- 💼 IDEAL FOR BUSINESSES & PROFESSIONALS: Perfect for law offices, accountants, e-commerce sellers, and high-volume shippers needing convenient, trackable USPS-certified mail solutions.
What to do if deliveries keep coming
- Return each piece using the right procedure. Use “Not at this address” for mail addressed to your home for a nonresident; leave misdelivered mail unmarked.
- Keep a brief record. Note the date, whether USPS or another carrier delivered it, and whether it was former-resident mail or a delivery to the wrong address.
- Contact USPS or file a complaint. USAGov lists online, phone, and in-person options for USPS complaints, including delivery problems. See How to file a U.S. Postal Service complaint.
USPS and USAGov do not state a guaranteed number of returned pieces or a set period after which recurring deliveries must stop. A name label, mailbox sticker, or single return is not a guaranteed fix.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Package Contents: This set includes 25 sheets of To From Return Address Mailing Labels, with each sheet containing 1 "To" label and 1 "From" label, giving you a total of 50 pieces for all your mailing needs.
- Eye-Catching Color Scheme: The blue and white design of these Return Address Mailing Labels makes them stand out on packages and envelopes, helping recipients quickly identify sender and recipient information at a glance.
- Generous Writing Space: Each packages address label measures 4.5 x 3.5 inches, with the "To" mailing labels at 3.3 x 2.3 inches and the "From" mailing labels at 3.3 x 1.85 inches, providing ample room for clear handwriting of addresses and notes.
- Reliable Material: Crafted from paper with strong adhesive backing, these To From Mailing Labels offer dependable attachment to cardboard, paper, and plastic surfaces, resisting peeling during transit.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for shipping boxes, envelopes, gift packages, holiday cards, and office mail, these blank address labels work well for personal, home, and business use.
Rank #4
- White Half Sheet Shipping Labels White matte shipping labels for printing shipping and mailing information on packages and envelopes.
- Self Adhesive Mailing Labels Self adhesive labels intended for use on cardboard boxes, envelopes, and paper packaging.
- 2 Labels Per Sheet Format Each US Letter size sheet contains pre-scored half sheet labels.
- For Laser & Inkjet Printers Label paper compatible with laser and inkjet printers using standard paper settings.
- Common Shipping and Labeling Uses Suitable for shipping, mailing, package labeling, and general office labeling purposes.
Rank #3
- Mailing Kit with Color-Coded Design: high-visibility labels (30 "To" and 30 "From") in a practical white and blue color, providing an organized system for frequent shippers and seasonal mailings.
- Generous 4.5x3.5 Inch Label Size: Each label measures 11.4 x 8.8 cm (4.5" x 3.5"), offering ample space for addresses, tracking numbers, special instructions, or decorative holiday messages without compromising readability.
- Tear-Resistant Adhesive Paper: Crafted from sturdy, writable material with strong adhesive backing. Labels resist tearing during application and maintain reliable adhesion on cardboard, paper, plastic, and other common surfaces.
- Easy-Peel Rounded Corner Convenience: The rounded corner design allows for smooth, frustration-free peeling without curling or tearing. The labels separate cleanly from the backing sheet for quick, efficient application.
- Multi-Purpose Organizational Solution: Beyond shipping boxes and envelopes, use these for inventory labeling, electrical panel identifing, holiday card addressing, package sorting, or file organization.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
