How much does it cost to redirect Royal Mail?
Business
Virtual Offices
7 min read
Whether you’re moving home or setting up a new business address, redirecting your mail is an easy way to ensure your essential letters, documents and packages end up in your hands. You don’t want your important financial documents getting lost in the post, so it’s always a good idea to set up mail redirection well in advance of any move.
But how much does it cost to redirect Royal Mail? In this article, we’re going to take a look at how much it costs to redirect post via the Royal Mail, and why a virtual office might be an easier – and more affordable – solution.
What is Royal Mail redirection?
Royal Mail redirection is a postal service that allows you to redirect mail intended for one address to another address of your choosing. Put simply, when the post office receives a package or letter intended for your old (or business) address, they’ll redirect it to the address of your choice for a paid fee.Benefits of redirecting mail
So, why can post redirection be useful? Here are just a few reasons redirecting your post can save you money, time, and hassle.No missing important letters
While much of our communication is now digital, snail mail remains one of the principal ways that banks, the NHS, credit card companies, and utility companies contact their service users. Whether it’s a credit card statement or a letter informing you of an upcoming appointment date, missing out on important post can cause havoc with your finances. Even worse, missing letters can cause problems with your health: with around 15 million NHS appointments already missed every year, you don’t want to end up missing a vital consultation. By ensuring that all your mail is redirected, you’ll prevent these avoidable problems.No commuting back and forth
As previously mentioned, many business owners and freelancers now work from home, while still maintaining office premises for client meetings or other uses. Some even use virtual addresses in cities further afield, meaning that they don’t always have quick or easy access to their premises. Redirecting your mail means less time commuting back and forth to pick up post and packages.Who might redirect their mail?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to redirect your mail, with the most common reason being a change of address, either permanent or temporary:Moving house
Moving house is a big upheaval, with what often might seem like an endless to-do list. It’s normal for those moving house to forget to update their addresses with all their contacts before moving into their new home, so some mail might still end up turning up at their old address. In this case, mail redirection can be a useful option.New business address
If you’ve recently set up a new business address but you’re working primarily at your home, you might wish to redirect your mail to your home address. This can save you time commuting back and forth to your premises every week to pick up important post – especially if you live in a remote district and your office is located in the city centre.Frequent travellers
If you’re frequently travelling for work, it can be difficult to keep up with your post. A postal redirection service can ensure that you can receive your mail wherever you are in the world – even if you’ve moved to an address overseas.How much does it cost to redirect Royal Mail?
When it comes to the cost of redirecting post via the Royal Mail, the cost will vary depending on a number of factors, including the length of time you need your mail to be redirected for, and whether your new address is in the UK, EU, or elsewhere overseas. As of 2022, the costs for redirecting post via the Royal Mail are as follows:Redirecting Royal Mail within the UK:
For 3 months: £33.99 For 6 months: £46.99 For 12 months: £66.99Redirecting Royal Mail within the EU
For 3 months: £144.99 For 6 months: £204.99 For 12 months: £292.99Redirecting Royal Mail overseas, outside the EU
For 3 months: £120.99 For 6 months: £169.99 For 12 months: £243.99 When it comes to business post, the prices for Royal Mail redirection are considerably higher:Redirecting business post within the UK
For 3 months: £204 For 6 months: £303 For 12 months: £490Redirecting business post within the EU
For 3 months: £285 For 6 months: £442 For 12 months: £755Redirecting business post overseas, outside the EU
For 3 months: £238 For 6 months: £369 For 12 months: £629How do I redirect post via Royal Mail?
In order for your mail to be redirected from one address to another, you’ll need to register via the Royal Mail website and fill out an application form. You can also visit your local Royal Mail post office in person and fill out a paper application if you prefer. If you’d prefer a more comprehensive service, or if Royal Mail’s redirection services are too expensive, you can always opt for a virtual address London instead.What is a virtual address?
A virtual office is an address provision service, and is used primarily by small business owners who don’t want to use their home address as their official business address. A virtual office provides your business with a virtual address which you can list officially as your business address, both with Companies House and with your clientele. Alongside providing you with an official business address, a virtual office service will also typically offer mail redirection services, meaning that any business mail that arrives at your office address will be redirected to you at an extra cost. When comparing the price – and benefits – of a virtual office vs. Royal Mail post redirection, a virtual office offers more for less.Why opt for a virtual address?
Aside from having an official business premises for your company or services, a virtual office will also typically offer the following benefits, depending on the package you choose:- Telephone redirection services. This allows you to have an official business phone number, so you don’t need to list your private or home phone number on your website or Google. All your calls will be redirected by professional telephone operators.
- Occasional use of meeting rooms and conference halls. While your access will usually depend on the price of your package, you’ll usually be permitted to use your virtual address a few times a year for meetings, conferences, or an event with clients or customers.
- Professionalism. Above all, a virtual office gives your business that all-important touch of professionalism, meaning that new customers are more likely to trust your services.
