How Should You Write Our Mailing Address?
Despite the widespread use of email and texting, many businesses still send letters and packages. Writing a mailing address correctly is essential for ensuring that your mail makes it to its destination and that the recipient receives the letter as intended.
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An address is a way to identify or locate someone, a place or an organization, usually through their name and address information. It is the primary tool that helps mail service workers deliver letters, packages and other items to their destinations.
The correct way to write an address depends on the country or region you are sending to and the type of mail it is. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most addresses.
1. The First Line:
For a mailing address, the first line of the address should include the name of the recipient or sender. This can be your own name, a family member’s name or an organization’s name.
2. The Second Line:
On the second line of the address, you should include the name of the place or building where the letter is being sent to. This should also include the specific building number and street name, if applicable.
3. The Third Line:
The third line of the address should include the town or city where the letter is being sent to, followed by the two-letter state abbreviation and five-digit zip code. This should be written on one line if it fits, or separated across two lines as needed.
4. The Fourth Line:
On the fourth line of the address, you should include the postal code, either the five-digit ZIP code or the area-specific four-digit suffix. The latter can help couriers deliver your package more quickly and accurately.
5. The Fifth Line:
In the fifth line of the address, you should include your work phone number and cell phone number. These numbers can be on the same line, or you can separate them by using prefixes such as “Work:” and “Cell:.”
6. The Sixth Line:
In addition to the names, address lines often contain other important information that is used to route and deliver the mail, such as directional information like N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, and SW. This information should be included in a clear, legible format to ensure accurate routing and delivery.
7. The Seventh Line:
In the seventh line of the address, you should include the apartment number where one exists and any directional information (NW, SE, NE, SW). This can be done on one line or split between two lines as needed.
8. The Eighth Line:
In the eighth line of the address, you should include the ZIP code and the area-specific four-digit suffix. This is the most critical part of your address because it can help couriers deliver your package more quickly.
9. The Ninth Line:
When you’re sending a letter or package to an international location, it is especially important to write an address that includes the proper ZIP code and area-specific four-digit suffix. If these details are not included, your shipment may take longer to arrive at its destination and you could even be charged for extra shipping fees.
