The weight of the paper. The weight of the envelope should be appropriate for the weight of the paper and any other contents you may be mailing. If your letter is written on heavy cardstock, or you’re including something else such as photos, choose a sturdy envelope that can handle the weight enclosed. [1] X Research source The size of the envelope. The envelope’s size should be appropriate for the size of the contents inside. Letters written on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper are typically folded into thirds and mailed in business-size envelopes. Letters written on notecards may be mailed in smaller envelopes. [2] X Research source The intent of the letter. If you’re mailing a cover letter, you’ll want to choose a professional-looking, business-size envelope. A personal note may be sent in a colorful, decorative envelope if you wish. [3] X Research source The letter’s destination. If you’re mailing a letter overseas, you may want to use a sturdier envelope, since there is a greater chance it could get damaged along the way.
You can wet a sponge with a little water to moisten the envelope glue if you don’t want to lick it. [4] X Research source Place a small amount of clear tape along the edge of the seal if you are afraid the letter might open on its journey.
If you are writing a formal letter, make sure to include the recipient’s title and, if relevant, the name of the company. If you are writing to someone outside your country, make sure you include the destination country’s name in upper-case letters at the bottom of the address. Some people have their mail sent to a post office box rather than a street address. If this is the case for your recipient, write the correct post office box number followed by the city, state and country, if applicable. Write each part of the address on a different line to make it more legible. For example[6] X Research source : SKYLER WHITE 2004 ROSETHORN COURT APT 4 ALBUQUERQUE NM 87041
Stamps come with either standard or special designs. If you want to purchase a decorative or commemorative stamp, go to a post office and ask to see their selection. Stamps rise in price periodically. If you have old postage stamps, check usps. com to make sure the stamps you have will still cover the full cost of first-class postage. You may have to use more than one stamp.
If you have an accurate postage scale at home, you can weigh and measure your letter to determine how much postage you’ll need to pay. Record the measurements, then check USPS. com for rates. Affix the appropriate postage to the top-right corner of your letter. If you don’t have a scale, take your letter to a post office to have it weighed. The clerk will be able to calculate exactly how much postage you’ll need.
Every blue collection box has a notice indicating when the mail gets picked up each day. If you place your letter in the box after the scheduled pick-up time, your letter will be picked up the next business day. [9] X Research source
See www. usps. com for information on where to find the closest post office.
