About Addressing an Envelope
When sending letters or packages through the mail, it is important to address the envelope in a specific way. The correct positioning of the recipient's address, the sender's address and the postage will ensure your envelope is able to be read by the postal service. The envelope is more likely to make it to its final destination with crisp, clear text.
Identification
When addressing an envelope, always include the return address of the sender. The address may be hand printed, typed or on a sticky label. As long as it is clear and legible, it is acceptable. The postal service prefers black ink, and minimal decoration. The return address information is most commonly placed on the upper left corner of the envelope, however placement on the back flap of the envelope is also accepted.
Start the first line of the return address with the sender's name, or the name of the business it is being sent from. The second line of the return address should contain the physical street address or P.O. box number. The third line should give the city, followed by the state. The state may be abbreviated or spelled out. The fourth line should contain the city ZIP code. The five-digit ZIP code must be included. If the four-digit extension is known, add it after the five-digit code, separated by a hyphen.
Include the address of the recipient. Place the address in the center of the envelope. Use the same line-by-line format as the return address, but include the recipient information.
Features
The postal service prefers black ink when addressing an envelope. The text may be printed, typed or placed on a computer-printed sticky label. Avoid cursive writing when addressing an envelope. Many post offices use a machine sorter that cannot read cursive writing.
When addressing an envelope, remember to include a postage stamp. Place postage in the upper right hand corner of the envelope. If the letter is more than a few sheets of paper, have it weighed at the post office so the correct amount of postage can be applied.
Benefits
Envelopes that are addressed in this format are more likely to get to their destination without delays, or ending in the dead mail facilities.
If the address is easy to read, the person delivering the mail is more likely to get the envelope to the correct address.
Effects
A neatly addressed envelope portrays organization and attention to detail. These characteristics are very important when mailing a resume, business materials or other important documents.
Warning
Never use colored ink to address an envelope. Some post offices use machines to sort the mail, which cannot read colored inks. Envelopes written in metallic ink, or colorful inks, will be hand-sorted, which may cause them to be delayed.
Always seal an envelope that will be sent in the mail. Merely tucking the flap inside the envelope will not contain the contents. The letter may also get damaged in the sorting machine if loose edges get caught.
Tags: return address, addressing envelope, more likely, postal service, About Addressing, About Addressing Envelope, address envelope