How To Address An Envelope

In the not-so-distant past, mailing a handwritten note was a common occurrence. Today, with the prevalence of instant messaging, emails, and social media, the act of sending a physical card stands out as a timeless gesture. Here's a guide on addressing an envelope and sending your heartfelt message out into the world.

How to address the envelope

It’s important to get the addresses in the right spots, or you risk your mail landing on your own doorstep instead of the intended recipient’s.

Add Your Return Address

Write your own address (the “return address”) on the top left corner of the front of the envelope. It’s also acceptable to put it on the back of the envelope in the middle of the flap.

Line 1: Your full name (and title if appropriate)

Line 2: Business name, building name (if a college dorm, for instance), apartment or suite number, if applicable

Line 3: Street address

Line 4: City State Zip Code

The return address is there in case your mail has the wrong amount of postage or the recipient’s address is inaccurate. The card will be returned to you to fix and resend.

Add the Mailing Address

Next, write the recipient’s name and address in the center of the front of the envelope.

Line 1: Recipient’s full name (and title if appropriate)

Line 2: Business name, building name (if a college dorm, for instance), apartment or suite number, if applicable

Line 3: Street address

Line 4: City State Zip Code

Bonus points

If you want to make things easy on the Post Office:

•    Print neatly in all capital letters.

•    Don’t use commas or periods.

•    Use the Zip Code.

•    Leave about a half-inch of blank space across the bottom, because the post office will put a bar code there.