Sending a package to a company or a person you know can be an ordeal, especially if you've never done it before. But if you know what to write and where, the package will arrive smoothly at its destination. Take some time to study the different elements of your shipment and the delivery address and write it clearly and neatly. Double-check that there are no errors in the address written on your package, so as to detect problems before it is shipped.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Label the Delivery Address
Step 1. Print or write the delivery address parallel to the long side of the package
You must write both addresses on the side of the package with the largest area. This will give you enough space to write the addresses and avoid confusion.
Do not write the address on the closure of the box
Step 2. Use a pen or permanent marker so that the address is as clear as possible
Many postal services accept addresses written in pencil, but there is a risk that they will fade or be erased.
Choose a pen with a strong color that contrasts with that of the package. For example, if the package is white or beige, choose a pen with black ink
Step 3. Write the recipient's name in the center of the package
Putting the recipient's full name instead of his nickname will facilitate the delivery of the package. If they have recently moved, the package can easily be forwarded to the new address.
If you need to send the package to a company, write the full name in this section or send an e-mail to the company asking who you should address the package to
Step 4. Add the address under the recipient's name
Write the post office box or street address. Include the apartment or extension number, if relevant. If the address has a specific direction such as east (E) or northwest (NO), write it here, so that it can reach its destination.
Do your best to write the address in one line. You can write the house number or extension number in a separate line, if the address occupies two lines
Step 5. Under the address, include the recipient's postal code and city
Write correctly and in full the name of the city under the address. If you're not sure how the city is spelled, look for it. Add the postcode next to the city name, so you can make sure the package arrives at its destination even if the city is spelled wrong.
- In the delivery address, do not use commas or periods anywhere, even when you separate the city and post code.
- For international shipments, add the province and country to the side of the postal code. Look for the postcode formatting of each country to make sure you have written the correct one. In the United States, for example, include the state name between the city and the zip code.
Part 2 of 3: Label the Return Address
Step 1. Enter the return address in the left corner of the package
Keep the return and delivery address separate to avoid any confusion. Your delivery address must be in the center, while the return address must be separate and in the top left corner.
Avoid any type of overlap between the return address and the delivery address
Step 2. Write "SENDER" in capital letters before entering your address
Only if the delivery and return addresses are too close to each other, write "SENDER" on the return address to avoid any confusion. Add a colon after "SENDER" and continue writing your address immediately below.
Step 3. Add your address in the same format in which you wrote the delivery address
Start by writing your street, house number and other details in the first line. Then add the city name and postcode.
Step 4. Double-check that your handwriting is legible
While both the delivery and return addresses must be clearly written, the return address must be legible because it is crucial. In fact, if for any reason the package cannot reach its destination, it will be returned to the sender.
Attach a white label to your package and rewrite the return address, if it is stained or unclear
Part 3 of 3: Check for Common Mistakes
Step 1. Do not use address abbreviations that are not approved by your country's postal service
Many services accept abbreviations for street addresses (such as "v.le" for avenue), secondary indicators (such as APT for apartment), direction indicators (N for North) or for states or countries (such as CA for California or UK for United Kingdom).
Do not abbreviate the name of the cities. Write them complete to avoid confusion (for example, Los Angeles and not LA)
Step 2. Use the correct postal code for the affected area
Writing the wrong postcode can delay the delivery of your package even more than typing no postcode. Look up the postcode before typing it, to make sure it's the right one.
Step 3. Reread the addresses to make sure you wrote the right one
Write your address slowly, because if you write in a hurry there are more chances of making mistakes. Compare the addresses you wrote with the delivery and return addresses. If there are errors, cover the addresses with a label and rewrite them.
Step 4. Write your address on a box that is the correct size for your package
Even if you wrote the right address, choosing the wrong box can affect your package and shipping costs. If you don't know some box is correct for your items, ask the post office employee for advice.
Advice
- Write your address clearly enough so that it can be read from a distance of one meter.
- Make sure the contents of the package are well wrapped and closed, especially if you are sending delicate items.
- Buy the exact number of stamps to be able to ship the package based on its weight.
