Royal Mail has issued a reminder to customers about an essential step to follow before posting letters or parcels: writing a return address on the back of the item. The postal service says this practice helps ensure mail is delivered smoothly and can speed up delivery times, guaranteeing the item reaches its intended destination.
If anything goes wrong during transit or the item cannot be delivered, it will be returned to the sender, according to the Mirror. Royal Mail stated: "Remember to include a return address. If for any reason your item can't be delivered, we can send it back to you."
How to write the return address
Royal Mail advises writing the words "return address" on the back of the envelope and underneath that, the actual return address. The company suggests placing this on the back right-hand side of the letter or parcel, making sure to write "return address" beforehand so it isn't mistaken for the recipient's details.
In addition to the return address, Royal Mail has provided guidance on properly writing the destination address on the front. It stated: "Write the address clearly on the front, following our guidelines, and always include a postcode if possible." For those unsure of the postcode, Royal Mail offers its Postcode Finder tool, which allows anyone to search up to 50 postcodes or addresses free of charge.
Tips for addressing mail correctly
Following Royal Mail's guidance helps ensure the item arrives smoothly. The recipient's name and address should be placed in the bottom left corner on the front of the envelope or parcel. Write this information clearly, or if printing an address, choose a straightforward font.
Select a pen that stands out against the colour of the envelope or parcel, and avoid using commas or full stops. Leave adequate space around the address. Place postage 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, ensure the address is clearly visible against its background—for example, a white label with black ink on a red envelope.
