Q&A for How to Write an Address on a Package

Both methods are commonly used, but upper-left corner on the front is best from the standpoint of postal efficiency.

Both of those options will work, although including the unit number on the street line is preferred.

You can place the mailing address on any or every side if you want, but it should definitely appear on the side where postage has been applied.

No. The postal service does not deal with phone numbers. Use a name and address.

Yes. Always include a "return address" on any mail you send anywhere.

Yes, that would be appropriate.

Writing your own label is fine as long as it's legible. If you're using one label for both the mailing address and the return address, put the mailing address below the return address. Using "to" with the mailing address and "from" with the return address would also be a good idea. (Using two labels is a better idea: return address in the upper left corner, mailing address near the middle of the envelope or parcel.)

Yes, your home address is fine. Use the address to which you want the package returned if for some reason it cannot be delivered as addressed.

No, not if the package shows evidence that the shipping costs have been paid.

Choose the surface of the package most likely to be treated as the "top," and place the mailing address in the center of that surface. The return address should go near the upper-left corner of that same side (or the upper-left corner of the address label if you use one).

Yes. Be sure the paper's edges are covered with packing tape to prevent tearing.