📦 Trouble with Deliveries? Here's How to Get Your New Rural Address on the Map
If you’ve recently bought land and started improvements—like installing a well, septic, and utilities—congrats! That’s a big step toward making your dream home a reality. But now that you’ve got an official address, you might notice something frustrating:
🚫 UPS, FedEx, or Amazon can’t find your place.
Sound familiar?
Don’t worry—it’s common in rural areas where addresses are brand new or hard to locate on digital maps. Here’s a simple guide to help you get your address recognized and make deliveries a whole lot easier.
🔧 Step-by-Step Fix:
1. Confirm the Address Is Registered
Make sure the county or local addressing authority has officially assigned the address. If it’s just been created, double-check that it's in their system properly. Sometimes they’ll issue a “temporary” address until improvements are complete.
2. Add the Address to Google Maps
Go to Google Maps
Click on the location of the property
Select "Add a missing place" or “Report a missing address”
Fill in the address, category ("residence" or "home"), and any details
It can take a few days to a couple of weeks, but this is one of the most important steps for visibility.
3. Register with Map Services (besides Google)
Apple Maps: Use their Maps Feedback tool
Bing Maps: Submit through the “Feedback” or “Report a Problem” link on the site
These platforms feed navigation systems in many delivery and ride-share apps.
4. Put Up Visible Address Markers
Post a reflective sign at the driveway or gate with house numbers clearly visible from the road
Bonus: Include directions or “Deliveries →” if your entrance is a little hidden
5. Talk to Local Delivery Drivers
If you run into FedEx or UPS drivers in the area, politely let them know your location and that you’re newly moved in
Sometimes they’ll update their handheld devices manually with directions or notes
You can also leave a note at the gate or mailbox to guide them until maps catch up
6. Register with USPS
If you haven’t already, go to your local post office and confirm delivery is active. If not, they may assign a rural box or require a P.O. Box until certain improvements (like a mailbox and home number) are complete.
7. Consider Using What3Words or GPS Coordinates Temporarily
Until the address updates across systems, services like What3Words or dropping a GPS pin can help guide people to your exact location.
Final Thoughts
Living rural means doing things a little differently—but that doesn’t mean you should be off the grid when it comes to deliveries! With a few simple steps, you can make sure your new address is officially recognized and easy to find—for mail, packages, and pizza.
Got questions about settling into rural life? I’m happy to help—from land to logistics.