Properly Fill Out an Envelope: Step-by-Step Guide
Properly Fill Out an Envelope: Step-by-Step Guide
Most people have the experience of sending letters. Whether you’re sending a letter to a friend, loved one, or a future employer, it’s critical to make sure it reaches the right people. But how to fill the envelope correctly? Incorrectly filling out the envelope can slow down the delivery of the letter or card to the intended recipient. Inaccurate tagging may also prevent your mail from reaching its destination. If you’re not sure how to mark an envelope or letter, don’t worry because we’ve got a practical step-by-step guide for you! Read on to learn how to write return and mailing addresses and how to use stamps.
How do you properly fill out an envelope?
This is the age of technology where people can instant message or Facetime with friends or family members, and it seems crazy that anyone has to learn how to write a letter. Believe it or not, the perfect form of communication is a handwritten letter.
What’s inside the envelope is up to you. However, be sure to follow the strict outer envelope instructions to ensure your letter will be delivered to anyone. Knowing how to fill out an envelope is something to behold!
Addressing the envelope correctly is the most important step in making it to your destination
Address the envelope correctly so it reaches its destination. You will need a pen, an envelope, a return address, recipient information, and remember the steps and specific requirements below.
Step 1: Fill in the return address (also called the sender’s address)
Write the return address – the sender’s address – in the upper left corner of the envelope. Include the sender’s full name on the first line, the street address or PO Box on the next line, the city, state, and five-digit zip code on the third line.
Notice:
Write clearly and neatly so the postal staff can read it, otherwise, the staff will feel overwhelmed and end up returning the envelope.
Step 2: Address recipients
Write the recipient’s information in the center of the envelope. Write their name on the first line, the street address or PO Box on the second line, and the city, state, and five-digit zip code on the third line.
Notice:
Adding extra “plus four” digits to your zip code on USPS.com can speed up delivery.
Sample Address
Bailey Smith, Artist
Smith & Co.
900 Ocean Avenue
9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 80021
or
Attn: Artist
Smith & Co.
900 Ocean Avenue
9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 80021
Step 3: Stamp the letter
Put the correct postage on the top right corner of the envelope, then put the envelope in the mailbox. Make sure to put a stamp on the top left corner of the envelope – if your letter weighs more than 1 oz (28 g), use two stamps – one forever-stamp and one additional stamp-or one 2 oz stamp!
Notice:
If you are mailing irregularly-shaped heavy envelopes or international letters, you need to purchase stamps of the corresponding denomination. It is best to check with the post office for the type and quantity of stamps required in your letter.
Mail to other countries
The general rules for handling envelopes mailed to Europe or other overseas destinations are similar:
Write your name and address on the upper left corner of the envelope, then write your return address, including “U.S.A.” International mail requires a full name and return address. The letter address writing follows certain steps and below is the step-by-step instruction:
- In the center of the envelope, add the recipient’s name and title on the first line.
- Add the recipient’s street address on the second line.
- Add the recipient’s city, province, state, and zip code on the third line. (Some countries, such as Spain, require a postal code first.)
- The last line contains the English name of the recipient’s country in all caps.
How to choose the correct postage stamp for the envelope?
Each letter or envelope requires postage based on weight, shape, and region (domestic or foreign). Generally speaking, it is sufficient to use the First-Class Mail Stamp for ordinary letters. Basically, this is how you pay for letters!
Through July 2022, First-Class Mail Stamps and 1-ounce Forever stamps are priced at $0.60 each. Forever stamps have the function of preserving value. No matter how much the price of first-class stamps rises due to inflation, the well-preserved old Forever stamps you buy can still be used as usual.
How many stamps you need on an envelope depends on its weight. As a general rule, 1 stamp is required per 1 ounce (28 g). If you’re not sure how many stamps to put on an envelope, we recommend going to or calling your local post office.
Place the stamp on the top right corner of the envelope. Just put a stamp (or more, if necessary, enough) on the envelope before putting it in the mailbox or giving it to the postman. Make sure the stamp does not cover any part of your address.
If your envelopes are oddly shaped or heavy, purchase or use the appropriate postage. There are several types of USPS postage, and the rates change very frequently. Go to the official USPS website to check stamp prices and envelope weights. The current shipping fee for large envelopes or small packages is $1.20. First-Class Mail letters cannot exceed 3.5 ounces (99 g) and First-Class envelopes cannot exceed 13 ounces (369 g).
Again, old stamps may not fully cover postage. A great way to deal with unexpected increased rates is to buy Forever Stamps. These stamps are suitable for mailing first-class letters, regardless of subsequent price increases.
