Royal Mail has issued a reminder to anyone who still writes addresses by hand on letters and parcels, emphasising that clear and correctly positioned writing can ensure mail is processed and delivered accurately. For those still reaching for a pen to address a birthday card, letter or parcel, the postal company insists handwriting should be "clear and easy to read".
Ink contrast and envelope colour
Royal Mail also urges customers to ensure the ink stands out distinctly against the envelope or parcel. It stated: "It's important that the address shows up against the colour of your envelope."
While there's no obligation to use a specific colour of pen, pale or faint writing can be more difficult to decipher. Black ink can offer a stark contrast, especially when used on a white envelope or address label.
Customers using dark, brightly coloured or patterned envelopes are therefore advised to use a plain white label to make the address more visible. The postal company's guidance also covers where the address should be situated, reports the Express.
Positioning and format guidelines
The address should be located towards the bottom left-hand side of the front of an envelope or parcel, while the postage should be placed in the top right corner. Royal Mail suggests keeping the address left aligned rather than centring it or writing it in a stepped pattern. Customers should also leave a reasonable amount of space around the address.
The company advises that punctuation such as commas and full stops should not be used within the address. The recipient's name should be written first, followed by the house number and street name. If a property has a name instead of a number, you can use the property name.
Next, write down the local area or village, followed by the town. The Royal Mail suggests writing the town in capital letters. There's no need to include a county on UK post.
Postcode and international mail
The postcode should be written on the last line in capital letters, with the Royal Mail advising customers to always include one if possible. The company advises: "Write the address clearly on the front, following our guidelines, and always include a postcode if possible."
For international post, the destination country should be written on the final line in capital letters. If you're unsure about a postcode, you can use the Royal Mail's Postcode Finder to check the details before sending your item.
This guidance doesn't mean you have to stop handwriting addresses. Rather, the Royal Mail's advice is intended to help ensure addresses stay readable throughout the sorting and delivery process.
Taking a few extra seconds to use clear handwriting, strong contrasting ink and the recommended layout could help make letters and parcels easier to process.
