Q&A for How to Label an Envelope

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Where do I place stickers on an envelope I am going to mail?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the sticker. If the sticker is a post stamp, it will go in the upper right corner. If the sticker contains your address (return label), it will go in the upper left corner. If the sticker is a seal, or just a kid's sticker, you can place it on the back of the envelop, right over the center of the flap.
  • Question
    Should I use pen or pencil?
    Community Answer
    Though it is not strictly required, it is recommended that one use a permanent pen or marker. A pencil may be used, but is not recommended as it can become erased, therefore hindering proper delivery of the parcel. When writing with a marker or felt tip pen, prepare the envelope before inserting the letter so the ink does not bleed onto the letter.
  • Question
    Is a zip code the same thing as a postal code?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The term "zip code" is mainly used in the USA, while the term "postal code" is commonly used in other countries.
  • Question
    Where do I put the P.O. Box number on an envelope?
    Community Answer
    You place it in the same place as the street address. For example: Jane Doe P.O. Box 873 Atlanta, GA 10101
  • Question
    What should I do if I put the wrong address on the envelope?
    Community Answer
    If you have already mailed the envelope, there is nothing you can do; the letter will reach the wrong person. Hopefully, the person will note your return address and send the letter back to you. If you have not yet mailed the letter: take the letter out of the envelope, put it into a new one, and write the correct address on the new envelope.
  • Question
    What if I don't know the name of the recipient?
    Community Answer
    You could use "To Whom It May Concern."
  • Question
    When addressing an envelope, do I use single or double spacing?
    Community Answer
    You only need to use single spacing.
  • Question
    Is it okay to leave a personal note such as a quote on an envelope before mailing?
    Community Answer
    Yes, preferably on the back of the envelope.
  • Question
    When do I hyphenate a name?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what the name is. If there are two last names, and both are commonly used, try [name1]-[name2]. In any other case you don't have to hyphenate name. First names are almost never hyphenated.
  • Question
    Why do I need to stamp my envelope?
    Community Answer
    Mailing a letter is a service like any other. Not stamping a envelope will result in it being returned to the sender.
  • Question
    How do I find my street address? Is it the same as my regular address?
    Community Answer
    Your street address and mailing address are the same (unless you use a P.O. Box). The street you live on, and the number on your house (plus your condo unit number or apartment number if applicable). Firstname Lastname | 123 Example Street | Unit 1 | Exampletown, Examplestate 12345
  • Question
    If you want to send a letter to your friend, do you write their name or their guardian's name on the envelope?
    Community Answer
    You can put your friend's or their guardian's name. The letter should say who it is to clearly though, so if you use the guardian's name, write: To Bob, Care Of (C/O) Bob's Uncle, and the guardian will likely hand it to your friend when they get it because it is addressed to your friend.
  • Question
    Can I write the return address on the back instead of the top left-hand corner?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    How do I address a package envelope?
    Community Answer
    If you are sending a package, you can address it just as if you were addressing a letter. Your name and address at the top left corner, and the person you're mailing to and their address in the middle center. Put postage in the top right corner.
  • Question
    How would I write it if I'm sending it to a PO box?
    Community Answer
    Simply put "PO Box ___" in place of the street address line.
  • Question
    Why does the recipient's address have to be in the middle? Does it actually matter?
    Community Answer
    No, I have received letters where the recipient address was not in the middle. For example, when the address is printed on the letter inside, but is seen through a clear plastic window on the envelope, it may be on the bottom left.
  • Question
    How do I write a postcard?
    Community Answer
    1. Write your message on the left hand side Igbo the card (usually divided with a line/text. 2. Write the sender's address somewhere on the postcard (as there probably won't be space where the recipent's address will go). 3. Put a stamp (1st/2nd class) on the top right of the postcard. 4. Take the post card to a post office or drop it in a postbox.
  • Question
    Where can I put a note on an envelope with instructions for the nursing home where the recipient lives?
    Community Answer
    You should be able to place it on the backside of the envelope. If you are unsure, contact your local post office for more info.
  • Question
    Can I put a note on the outside of an envelope?
    Community Answer
    No, it may get lost in transit. If you have more to say, leave a "P.S" on the letter itself.
  • Question
    Can I write in cursive on the envelope?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Can I use glued labels instead of writing the address with a pen or marker?
    Community Answer
    Yes, addind glued labels or stickers instead of writing is totally acceptable.
  • Question
    Will a first class letter be delivered if I write something on the back of the envelope?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Extra writing on an envelope won't matter as long as you don't cover any part of the address or return address.
  • Question
    If I am sending a letter, could I put my address on the back of the envelope (flap) instead of on the front, left top corner?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I have seen this done and it works, but the letter may take longer to be delivered.
  • Question
    What should I write if I'm sending a letter to a YouTuber?
    Community Answer
    You would need to put the YouTuber's real name on the envelope; other than that, everything's the same.
  • Question
    Do I have to put a return address on the envelope?
    Community Answer
    Yes. That way, if the letter is not able to be delivered, it will make it back to you.
  • Question
    Do I write the sender's address on the back or front?
    Community Answer
    You should write the sender's address in the upper-left corner on the front of the envelope (the side without the flap).
  • Question
    What if I'm sending the letter to an apartment? Can I add a line to the address?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the apartment/condo/unit number (e.g., "Apt. 103" or "Unit 4") is normally written on a separate line between the street address line and the city/state/zip line.
  • Question
    How many stamps does it take? Do I just go into the local post office to buy stamps, or is there another place for it?
    Community Answer
    You can buy stamps at a post office. If you don't know what stamps to buy, just ask. Post office workers are happy to help.
  • Question
    What do I put at the bottom of the envelope if I want the recipient to fill out something and mail it back to me?
    Community Answer
    You need to put a separate envelope in the original envelope. The second should be filled out and stamped, ready for return.
  • Question
    Will mail be delivered if the stamp is located in the upper left corner?
    Community Answer
    Most likely not. The stamp should be affixed to the upper right corner of the envelope. The sender (you) address should be written in the upper left.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article