You ever struggled to figure out how to properly address an envelope to mail something to someone in the US? Yeah, I've been there too. There's return addresses, delivery addresses, postal abbreviations, choosing stamps - the whole thing can get confusing fast.
Well, I'm here to help make it simple for you. Addressing envelopes doesn't have to be complicated. Just follow these six easy peasy steps:
Step one - Write Your Own Address in the Top Left
This is called the return address. Pop your full name here, along with your street address or PO box number, city, state (use the two-letter abbreviation), and ZIP code. This way if the mail can't be delivered for some reason, it can find its way back to you.
Step Two - Write Out the Recipient's Info Nice and Clear in the Middle
This middle section with the recipient's name and address is fittingly called...the delivery address. No surprises there.
Include their full name, street address/PO box, city, state abbreviation again, and ZIP code. Also throw a title on there if you know it - Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc. This is how it could look:
456 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
See, doesn't that look lovely?
Step Three - Slap a Stamp in the Top Right Corner
This stamp pays the post office for delivering your letter or card. You can grab these puppies at any post office, online, or even sometimes at grocery stores.
For a standard 1-ounce letter or card going somewhere within the US, you need a 58-cent stamp as of November 2023. Mail going international or heavier letters will need extra postage.
Step Four - Give It a Good Once-Over
Before sealing that baby up, glance over the envelope one more time. Make sure you've clearly written out the addresses properly. Use blue or black ink on white or light colored paper so it's easy to read. Oh, and no cursive or fancy fonts please! We want the mail carrier to know where this sucker is headed.
If you're sending something internationally, be sure to include the country under the delivery address and pop "USA" under your return address.
Step Five - Pick Your Postal Poison
How quickly do you need this thing delivered? What's the mail containing that might need extra security? These factors will help choose the best mailing service:
First Class - Standard option for letters and postcards. Takes 1-3 days domestically and up to 3 weeks internationally. Cheapest rates.
Priority Mail - Faster option for letters and packages. 1-3 days in US; 6-10 days international. Free flat rate boxes and envelopes offered too.
Express Mail - Quickest option with delivery tracking. Can get places overnight or in 2 days domestically; 3-5 days internationally. But it'll cost ya!
Step Six - Get That Letter to the Post Office!
Drive or walk your stamped envelope to a blue USPS collection box, post office, or postal kiosk. Or you can schedule a pickup from your house if you can't get out.
And there you have it! Six steps to address an envelope properly in the US. Now those birthday cards to your nieces can finally find their way. Any other postal predicaments I can help simplify? Let me know in the comments!
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