Royal Mail has official addressing tips that many customers don't know about – including the correct place to write the address on an envelope for faster delivery
Royal Mail customers may be inadvertently addressing their envelopes incorrectly, which could result in delivery delays. Many individuals tend to write the address in the centre of the envelope when sending mail, but this isn't the preferred method suggested by Royal Mail.
According to the official guidance from the postal service, customers should inscribe the name and address in the bottom-left corner of the envelope or parcel. Royal Mail's website offers advice for those sending post on a page titled: "How to address your mail – clear addressing tips."
The guidance states: "The name and address go on the bottom left corner of the front of the envelope or parcel. Use clear and easy to read handwriting (or font if you are printing the address). Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel.
"Left align the text (no centred or 'stepped' lines). No commas or full stops. Leave a generous margin around the address. Place the correct postage on the top right."
Royal Mail also emphasises the importance of not including any phone numbers or email addresses to safeguard people's privacy, reports the Mirror.
Royal Mail asserts that these guidelines 'show the best way to address your mail for fast delivery. ' In addition to the destination address, customers are encouraged to include a return address.
"If for any reason your item can't be delivered, we can send it back to you. Write the words 'return address' on the back of the envelope and underneath that, the actual return address," the guide advises.
Customers can discover loads more tips and guidance on the Royal Mail service, including other suggestions customers may not realise exist. For example, customers with pets might be unaware the postal service provides a guide to help protect posties - but it makes essential reading.
According to the website, any customers who own dogs are urged to ensure their pets are restrained before answering the door to receive a delivery. The website states: "Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their owners, they can become unpredictable."
Therefore, pet owners should 'never' answer the door if their pet is positioned behind them. Instead, wait until the dog is located in a different room.
"Dog attacks can happen when you've opened the door to sign for an item. Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don't open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack," Royal Mail advised.
"Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while your mail is being delivered. Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible."