ENVELOPE: The Ultimate Guide to Addressing an Envelope – Letter Envelope Formats

A lot of youngsters nowadays might not have written a letter about their whole lives. That is because it isn’t necessary anymore. Due to the escalation in the development of technology, people can communicate via their text messages, emails & social media. People would rather send an email in less than a minute than penning the content down & sending it through the post. Hence, it wouldn’t be shocking if someone doesn’t know how to address an envelope. 

Whatever you decide to write inside, it is vital to observe basic outer envelope directions to make sure that your letter is delivered to whoever it’s written for.

Addressing an Envelope

These are the 3 easy & essential steps to address an envelope: 

1. 1. The sender’s address on the top left side of the envelope.
   2. The receiver’s address moderately in the center of the envelope.
   3. A stamp on the top right corner of the envelope to complete it.

Two addresses are usually written on the envelope. One of them is obviously the most important & mandatory i.e. the receiver’s address. The senders’ address isn’t deemed to be compulsory however, it is advised to suitable because in case there’s an issue delivering the letter, the post office will send the letter back to you. So, if you don’t mention your address the post office will not be able to rectify the complications. 

The Sender’s Address

1. 1. Begin with writing your name.
   2. In the next line, mention your street address. It’s fine if you take another line for your street address.
   3. Add a comma after your street address & write your city, state & the zip code of your address.
   4. In the last line, you will write about your country.

The Receiver’s Address

1. 1. If you’re writing an informal letter, use the exact guidelines as the sender’s address.
   2. If you’re writing a formal letter, or a business letter; begin with the company’s or the university’s name.
   3. Follow “ATTN:” or “c / o” with the name of the person in the next row. If the letter is not addressed to anyone at a particular company, the initial line must simply be their name.
   4. After that, you simply write the city, state & zip code.

Military Addresses: APO, DPO, & FPO

Although military addresses adopt similar patterns as mentioned above, however, they do not include the city & state. You can follow the below guidelines: 

1. 1. The name of the city would be generally APO (Air Post Office / Army), FPO (Fleet Post Office) or DPO (Diplomatic Post Office).
   2. Dependent on the place of employment, the state uses AA (Armed Forces America), AE (Armed Forces Europe), & AP (Armed Forces Pacific).
   3. The zip code is the same as the standard addressing, but an additional four number code is often needed to send.

Addressing an Envelope for International Shipping

The format stays the same for addressing an envelope to send internationally if it’s a nonmilitary letter. The only addition is the country’s name in the last line. 

A few countries write the zip code ahead of the city & country. However, this can differ from country to country so confirming this is a good idea.

Figuring out the ZIP+4 Code

In case you aren’t aware of the four number code, then you can use the USPS website to confirm it. Once you’re on USPS, select the option of finding the zip code & fill up the mandatory data needed to search. Press “enter” & the zip code will be available to you. 

The Number of Stamps to Use

It’s quick to glue a stamp, however understanding which stamps & the amount you should use the difficult bit. 

Forever stamps are suggested for a regular 1-ounce letter mailed anywhere in America as you will still be able to utilize them irrespective of potential stamp price adjustments. 

An ounce above one prices 15 cents, & for an added ounce you would need to use Additional Ounce stamps. Two-ounce stamps are a choice too.

Envelope Stamps Tips:

1. 1. Asymmetrical envelopes that can be utilized for ceremonial invites such as weddings or graduations necessitate specific stamps termed non-machinable samples. Since the square envelope can’t fully befit the device for automated processing, to compensate for the non-machinable surcharge the stamp costs a little extra.
   2. Global Forever stamps & forever stamps are identical & can be utilized any time irrespective of the fluctuations in their cost. Both can be used for international addressing.
   3. It’s important to be aware that postcards have specific stamps so do not use a Forever stamp on them. Postcard stamps are comparatively low-priced.

Following the given guideline for addressing & sticking a suitable stamp will have you prepared to send the letter in no time!