Royal Mail customers may be unknowingly delaying their deliveries by addressing envelopes incorrectly. Contrary to common practice of writing addresses in the centre, the postal service advises placing names and addresses in the bottom-left corner of envelopes or parcels.
Official Guidance
Royal Mail's official guidance states customers should use clear handwriting, avoid punctuation, and leave generous margins around the address. The postal service says the guidelines "show the best way to address your mail for fast delivery." Customers are also urged to include a return address on the back of items in case delivery fails.
Safety Advice for Pet Owners
Royal Mail provides additional safety advice for pet owners to protect postal workers during deliveries. The service warns that "even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff" due to their territorial nature.
Pet owners should secure dogs in another room before answering the door to postal workers. Royal Mail advises: "Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don't open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack."
The postal service recommends giving dogs food or toys to occupy them during deliveries and waiting 10 minutes after mail arrives before letting pets back into hallways.
