Royal Mail urges anyone posting parcels this winter to write 1 thing before sending
Royal Mail has reminded customers posting letters or parcels to always include a return address on the back of their item - so it can be sent back if it cannot be delivered
Most of us dispatch letters and parcels regularly, yet there's one critical step that numerous people miss. Royal Mail has reminded its customers not to overlook an important task before posting their items this winter.
The postal service says it's essential to follow its recommendations to ensure mail arrives without complications. Following the correct procedure can accelerate delivery and guarantee your item reaches the right person. Royal Mail recommends that you should include your own address on the reverse of letters or parcels before posting them. If something goes wrong during delivery, or if the item proves undeliverable, it will be returned directly to you.
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The company said: "Remember to include a return address. If for any reason your item can't be delivered, we can send it back to you. Write the words 'return address' on the back of the envelope and underneath that, the actual return address."
Royal Mail suggests writing your own address on the back, right-hand side of your letter or parcel. Ensure you write "return address" before adding your details, preventing any confusion with the recipient's address.
Beyond remembering to add the return address, Royal Mail has outlined clear instructions on how to properly write the address on the front.
It said: "Write the address clearly on the front, following our guidelines, and always include a postcode if possible."
If you are uncertain about the postcode, Royal Mail provides its own Postcode Finder tool, enabling anyone to search up to 50 postcodes or addresses at no cost.
How to address a letter or parcel
Following Royal Mail's guidelines will help guarantee your item arrives without complications. The recipient's name and address should be positioned in the bottom left corner on the front of the envelope or parcel.
Ensure you write this in clear, readable handwriting. If you are printing the address, choose a straightforward, easy-to-read font.
Use a pen that contrasts well with the colour of the envelope or parcel, and refrain from using commas or full stops. Make certain you leave a substantial margin surrounding the address block.
Postage should be attached to the top right-hand corner of the letter or parcel. Royal Mail also recommends: "To protect your privacy and the recipient's, don't put phone numbers or email addresses on the outside of your item."
If you are using a coloured envelope, ensure the address is plainly visible against the background. For example, if you have a red envelope, you could attach a white label and write the address in black ink.
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