Royal Mail is urging customers to write two simple words on every letter and parcel they send – a small step that could prove invaluable if post cannot be delivered. The postal service says anyone sending mail should write "return address" on the back of their envelope, followed by their own address, to ensure items can be sent back if there is a problem during delivery.
Official guidance on addressing mail
The advice forms part of Royal Mail's official guidance on correctly addressing letters and parcels to help them reach their destination as quickly as possible. Customers are advised to use black ink and make sure addresses are clear and easy to read.
Royal Mail said: "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."
Return address placement and readability
The postal service's guidance shows the return address written in the bottom-right corner on the back of the envelope. Royal Mail also advises customers to ensure both the destination and return addresses are clear and easy to read.
"It's important that the address shows up against the colour of your envelope," it says. Those using coloured envelopes are encouraged to attach a white address label, while black ink is recommended to make the details easier to read.
How to address the front of an envelope
The guidance also explains the correct way to address the front of an envelope. The first line should contain the recipient's full name, followed by the property number and street name. If the property has a name rather than a number, this can be written on its own line, with the street name below.
Customers can then include the village or local area, followed by the town written in capital letters. Royal Mail says there is no need to include the county, although customers can do so if they wish.
The final line should contain the postcode in capital letters for UK deliveries, while international mail should include the destination country in capital letters on the last line. Royal Mail says following these simple steps can help ensure letters and parcels arrive at the correct destination – or find their way back to the sender if delivery is unsuccessful.
