You need to mail a letter, but have no clue how to do so? Guess what, you have come to the right place. I am here to walk you through it step-by-step.
How Do I Address A Letter?
First, you will want to place the return address (your address or the address letter should be returned to if can’t be delivered) in the upper left hand corner of the envelope. I personally like to use From before the address to make it obvious that this is the return address. The first line of the address needs to contain a person or company’s name, the next line, a street address (or company name if individual at company put on first line). If you need to add a Suite or Apartment number to street address, if room on same line, add a comma and then that information. If not room, can add on the next line. The final line is for city, state, and zip code.
Second, place the address where the letter needs to be delivered in the center to lower right side of the envelope following the same pattern of what needs to go on each line.
Last, stick the appropriate postage on the upper right corner of the envelope. How do I know how much postage to put on the letter? Don’t worry, we will get to that shortly.
How Do I Find The Zip Code If I Do Not Know It?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a handy zip code look up tool on its website. You can enter a residential or company address including city and state and the finder will give you the current zip code for that address.
So I Have Addressed My Letter, How Do I Know How Much It Costs To Mail It?
Your mailing cost is going to depend on the weight, dimensions, and destination your letter is headed to. The best way to find out and pay for mailing at the same time is to visit a post office. Here in the United States, the handy Find Post Office Locations tool will guide you to the nearest location.
Where Can I Buy Stamps Besides The Post Office?
In addition to at the physical post office, you can buy stamps online at the United States Postal Service website, (USPS) at some grocery stores, and retail stores such as Office Depot and Staples.
Is It Okay To Send A Letter With Cash Inside?
Although, it may be tempting to send cash to somebody in with a letter or bill because it is easy, it is definitely not recommended. The safest thing to do is get a money order or send a check instead. Conveniently, if you need a money order for a $1,000 or less, you can get one at the post office. Bring cash or a debit card. You cannot pay for a money order with a credit card. You will be charged a small handling fee for creation of the money order.
What Is Certified Mail?
Certified mail is an extra service that you pay for that provides a receipt showing a letter was mailed and requires a signature upon the letter getting to the recipient. Also, you can request a return receipt, which will send you the card with the actual signature on it electronically or in the mail. Certified mail is often used for legal and tax documents to ensure proof of arrival to a person or company.
How Do I Mail a Package?
You need a shipping box (not a shoebox, flimsy carton, etc..) The Post Office, office supply stores, Wal-Mart, and similar retailers carry these or you can recycle one of your Amazon boxes if it is in good shape. You will probably need some bubble wrap, Styrofoam noodles, or heavy duty paper to pack the box as you definitely don’t want things sliding around or breaking. Seal the box shut with shipping tape.
The United States Post Office has different rates (classes of service) that you can use depending on the size of what you are shipping and the speed that you need it to get there. Address the package similarly to how you do on a letter. You can put address information on a shipping label or print on the box. Just follow the proper format. Unless you plan to mail packages frequently, let the folks at the post office help you figure out the shipping costs.
What Can’t I Mail?
Sorry, you can’t mail that ammunition, firecrackers and other explosives, air bags, gasoline, or illegal drugs. And there are some very tight restrictions on items such as alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, vapes, firearms, lithium batteries, paint, perfume, live animals, and more. Check with the post office for more info.
Do People Actually Collect Postage Stamps?
They sure do. I would guess that older generations do so more than younger, since they grew up mailing letters and using stamps on a regular basis. It is estimated that about 5 million people in the U.S. collect stamps or practice Philately as it is formally known. People collect stamps for different reasons whether for investment or as a hobby. Stamp collectors often focus on stamps from specific countries or topics, new (mint) or used, or particular types such as airmail or regular postage stamps.
Would You Like To Entertain (And Maybe Impress) Your Friends With a Little U.S. Post Office Trivia?
Did you know that:
- There is an officially licensed, by USPS, dog costume that was first introduced in 2018.
- The first post office was in a bar (per Reader’s Digest).
- The Smithsonian National Postage Museum is located in Washington D.C. and you can tour for free.
- A whole division of the Postal Service called the Remote Encoding Center exists to read handwriting on envelopes when the automated sorting machine at processing centers have trouble (USPS).
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