Royal Mail has issued a reminder to customers to include a return address on the back of letters or parcels before sending them. The postal service says this step is essential to ensure mail is delivered without issues and can speed up delivery times while guaranteeing items reach the correct recipient.
If anything happens to an item while in transit, or if it cannot be delivered, it will be returned to the sender. Royal Mail advises writing the words "return address" on the back of the envelope and, underneath that, the actual return address. The return address should be placed on the back right-hand side of the letter or parcel so it is not confused with the recipient's details.
Guidance on addressing the front
Royal Mail also provided guidance on writing the address on the front of the item. The name and address of the recipient should be placed in the bottom left corner, written in clear, legible handwriting. If printing, a straightforward font is recommended. A pen that contrasts well against the envelope or parcel colour should be used, and commas or full stops should be avoided. A generous margin should be left around the address.
Postage should be placed in the top right 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." For coloured envelopes, the address must be clearly visible against the colour, such as using a white label with black ink on a red envelope.
Postcode finder available
Royal Mail advises writing the address clearly on the front, following its guidelines, and always including a postcode if possible. If the postcode is unknown, Royal Mail operates a Postcode Finder that allows anyone to look up as many as 50 postcodes or addresses free of charge.
