Royal Mail has reminded customers to write a return address on the back of letters and parcels before sending them, a step that many overlook but which ensures undeliverable items are returned to the sender. The reminder comes as new postage prices for several parcel services came into effect on October 5, 2026.
New postage prices take effect
The price of sending a medium parcel weighing up to 20kg using 1st Class post at a counter has risen from £15.45 to £16.90, an increase of £1.45. Meanwhile, the cost of sending the same-sized parcel using 2nd Class post has gone up from £13.15 to £14.20, meaning customers will pay an extra £1.05.
These changes affect households, businesses and online sellers using services including 1st Class and 2nd Class post.
Why a return address matters
Royal Mail advises that customers write their own address on the back of letters or parcels before sending them off. Should anything go wrong during transit, or if the item cannot be delivered, it will then be sent straight back to the sender.
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 recommends writing the return address on the back, right-hand side of the letter or parcel, and writing "return address" before the details so it isn't confused with the recipient's address.
How to address letters and parcels correctly
Royal Mail also set out clear guidance on how to 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." For those unsure of a postcode, Royal Mail offers its Postcode Finder tool, which anyone can use to look up as many as 50 postcodes or addresses free of charge.
The recipient's name and address should be positioned in the bottom left corner on the front of the envelope or parcel, written clearly and legibly. If printing an address, opt for a straightforward font. Use a pen that stands out against the colour of the envelope or parcel, and avoid using commas or full stops. Leave plenty of space around the address.
The postage stamp should go in the top right corner of the letter or parcel. Royal Mail added: "To protect your privacy and the recipient's, don't put phone numbers or email addresses on the outside of your item." If using a coloured envelope, check that the address is visible against its colour—for instance, a white label with black ink on a red envelope.
