In today’s world of instant messages and emails, receiving a letter still holds a special significance. You might have been born after letters have already become something from the past. Nevertheless, you still need to learn how to mail a letter. In some cases, mailing a letter is the only acceptable form of communication. Written and printed letters allow you to add more depth to your words and make your relationships more special. You will automatically put more thought and effort into a letter you’ve composed than an email that you can send within seconds. Keep on reading to learn how to mail a letter. 

English & Writing Tutors & Teachers for Private Lessons 

English &amp; Writing Tutors &amp; Teachers for Private Lessons

Nowadays, it’s quite easy to reach someone using your phone or computer. However, modern communication forms don’t offer the level of intimacy that you can experience when you mail and receive a letter. Here are the right steps to send a letter. 

Choosing the envelope and paper should go hand in hand. If you’re putting lots of paper and photos inside your envelope, you need to select a sturdy envelope, or it will break while in transit. This means that the content of your letter might get lost. 

If you’re sending a professional letter, choose blank paper and a business-appropriate envelope that doesn’t have any decorations. The opposite applies if you’re sending a letter to a loved one or a family member. The ornaments on the letter will bring them joy and show that you’ve actually spent enough time thinking about the best letter to send them.

The size of the envelope and the paper you’re writing on should match. The paper shouldn’t be squished inside the envelope. If you’re sending the letter overseas, go for a sturdier envelope. 

Once you have written your letter, fold it and place it inside the envelope. The edges of the envelope have glue on them, and you can lick it to moisten it. However, the taste isn’t pleasant, and you can get sick if you’re allergic to any of the chemical components. 

Use a damp sponge to moisten the edges. Make sure that it’s moist, not excessively wet, as it can damage the body of the envelope. You can use clear tape to secure the edges of the envelope if you’re sending it overseas or if you’re worried that the contents might get lost. 

Write the recipient’s name and address in capital letters on the front side of the envelope. Write the address in detail, dedicating one line per information, so you can write down the house number, street number, city, state, and then zip code. Make sure that you’re using the accurate 9 or 11-digit zip code. 

Use dark ink and make sure that your handwriting is clear and easy to read. This will facilitate the job of the postman or employee handling your letter. 

If your recipient is using a post office box, write the right PO Box number followed by the city or state. If you’re sending your letter overseas, write the name of the country at the bottom. Use capital letters and try to make it as clear as possible. 

This is your address, and you should write it in case the letter wasn’t delivered to the recipient. You can write the return address on the front or back of the envelope. 

If you write it on the front of the envelope, write it on the top-left corner and make sure that it doesn’t get mixed up with the recipient’s address. This will be easier to handle than writing it on the backside of the envelope. If your envelope is too small, or your handwriting is too big, you can write the address on the back. 

Stamps are available at any post office, or you can buy them online from USPS.com. You can also get stamps from retail stores. 

If you’re sending a standard letter that weighs less than 1 ounce and are mailing it to a US address, you can use a first-class stamp. Place it at the top right corner of the envelope. You can head to the post office and check if there are any decorative designs. 

In some cases, you might need to use extra postage if you’re mailing a heavy letter or sending it overseas. Take the letter to the post office and have it weighed to calculate the extra postage you have to use. 

You can know much postage you need by checking USPS.com after using an accurate postage scale at your house. USPS.com posts all the current rates, so make sure to check the website regularly. 

Check your city for the nearest USPS collection box. Open the box and place the letter through the slot and close it. 

The postman will come and collect your letter later to start the sorting and delivery process. There’s a time stated on the mailbox that states when it will be picked up. If you place your letter after the indicated time, the postman will pick it the next day. 

If you have a mailbox on your property, place the letter in the box and move the red flag to alert the postman. The postman will pick the letter and handle it. 

You can also send the letter when you head to the post office. If you went to the post office to buy postage, you could ask the clerk to handle it for you. 

Step 7: Wait for the Recipient’s Response

When a letter is sent locally, it usually takes one day to be delivered. A letter will be received within 3 days after it has been sent if it was sent from one state to another. When you’re mailing an international letter, you can expect the recipient to receive it within a week. 

How to Mail a Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

Sending a letter is a straightforward process once you have picked the right envelope and paper. Check the postage needed to mail your letter and write all the details to guarantee that it will reach the recipient’s hands.

How to Mail a Letter

How to Mail a Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

Wrap Up

Related Articles: