Writing letters is a timeless way of connecting with friends and family. While technology has made digital correspondence more common, the old-fashioned art of sending handwritten messages by post will never truly be forgotten.
Wondering what the process looks like for getting mail from one place to another? Read on for an inside look at how your letters make their way through the post office!
Gather the necessary items
If you need to send a letter to your loved ones by the post office, you must first acquire an envelope of the correct size and quality, along with enough postage stamps or other methods of payment to cover delivery fees.
Some people may opt to buy everything they need from their nearest stationery store, while others may have access to a post office and simply buy their letter there.
Knowing where to mail your letter is also an essential starting point. If you live in Caribou, for example, just google “post office near me” to know all your available choices, opening hours, and exact locations. Now, you are ready to proceed with the next steps!
Address the envelope to the intended recipient on the front side
When sending an envelope to a recipient, take extra time in filling out the address correctly. Double-check the street address and zip code for accuracy.
Writing legibly on the front side of the envelope will likely increase its delivery speed as it can be processed quickly by a machine or read more easily by a human.
Don’t forget to include apartment numbers, suite numbers, special instructions, and other pertinent identifying details. If you want your letter to reach its intended destination without delay, make sure that all of the necessary address components are filled out correctly on the front side. And if you’re feeling extra cautious – then send your letter with delivery confirmation (or certified mail) just to be safe!
Place the letter inside the envelope and seal it
No matter if you’re writing a love letter, sending out business correspondence, or even a postcard to a loved one, putting the letter in an envelope and sealing it is the final step to ensure your important missive safely reaches its intended recipient. This ensures the contents of the envelope will remain private until opened by its rightful owner.
To close the envelope, you can either use glue or special fold-and-tuck closures — both methods provide great seals that can help protect against tampering or water damage.
For ultimate security and privacy, adding a wax seal can serve as an additional closure method on certain types of envelopes. Once closed and sealed with your preferred method, use address labels or markers so it will reach its destination in time!
Put one or more postage stamps on the upper right corner of the envelope
Postage stamps are a necessary requirement when mailing letters or packages. For the most optimal placement, put one or more postage stamps in the upper right corner of the envelope. This way, postal workers will be able to quickly identify that the postage has been paid and process your package accordingly.
Make sure they are attached securely so they won’t fall off in transit. Moreover, it’s safer to use more than one stamp if your package is heavier as it will ensure that your package is properly charged for its weight when it arrives at its destination.
Write return address information in case your mail gets lost or needs to be returned
Writing clear and legible return address information is essential if something goes wrong with your mail.
Not only can the post office ensure that it will be returned to you, but the intended recipient will also have a way of getting in touch in case the package was to arrive damaged or open.
Be sure to include your full name and address, as well as other relevant contact information such as a phone number or email address. This way, you are easily trackable if anything should happen to your outbound correspondence so you can get an update on its progress.
Drop off your letter at an authorized post office facility or use a local mail carrier
Mailing letters can be a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family. To ensure your letter is delivered quickly and securely, use the correct services provided by the postal system.
You can drop off your letter at an authorized post office facility or use a local mail carrier for fast delivery. Whether you’re sending a mail-in vote to your election precinct or a birthday card to faraway loved ones, choosing the right service will ensure that your mail reaches its destination as intended.
Properly addressing and mailing out a letter is not a complex process when the right steps are followed. From gathering the appropriate materials to writing down return address information in case your mail needs to be returned, each of the steps outlined will give you the confirmation your message gets safely delivered on time to its intended recipient.