How to Label a Package by Hand

If you have a business, you should know how to address a package USPS. You have to ensure that your products and items get to where they belong.
Even if you do not have a business, you likely have to send letters and packages from time to time. You have to add your and the recipient’s addresses on any mail pieces.
Thankfully, this article will help you learn how to label a package by hand. Use the step-by-step guide below to get started in the process.
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How to Label a Package by Hand | Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
This step-by-step guide should help you learn how to label a package by hand. The information in this article will help you appear more professional and organized.
Why You Should Know How to Address an Envelope or Package Correctly
There are several reasons why you should use a proper mailing address format on your envelopes and packages. Some of the top reasons are below.
1. The Mail Will Arrive at the Correct Destination
Learn how to label a package by hand to get your mail to its appropriate destination. If you do not write down the appropriate address, your loved ones may never receive their letters or boxes.
If you need to send a check or money order to a billing company, you may get behind on your payments. The business will never receive your money if you do not have the correct address. This mistake can confuse you and the billing provider.
If you do not give the proper address, you may miss anniversaries and birthdays. You could also miss out on deadlines. Not only do you need to watch out for typos, but you also need to ensure that the address is in the proper location on the envelope or package.
2. The Mail Will Go to Someone Else
If you do not learn how to label a package by hand, there is a chance that the mail will go to the wrong person. The package could arrive on a neighbor’s doorstep, and a letter could go into the wrong mailbox.
Most people are happy to try to find the correct recipient. They will either take the mail to the post office or their neighbor’s door. Not everyone is innocent, and some individuals will choose to keep the packages for themselves.
You will give someone free money or presents if they choose to keep the mail for themselves. You want to prevent this situation from occurring to avoid losing your funds. When you learn how to label a package by hand effectively, you can fix this problem and not have to send the same thing twice.
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3. The Mail Can Find Its Way Back to Your House
After you learn how to label a box for shipping, you will know that you will need to place your address in the top left corner. This information will help any mail get back to your house if it becomes lost.
If someone receives the wrong mail, they can return it to the sender. They will black out the barcode, writing “Return to Sender” on the envelope. The mail carrier will take the mail back to the post office.
Once you receive the package, you can correct any errors in the recipient’s address. After placing the letter or items in a new envelope or box, you should write out the correct information.
Hopefully, your recipients will receive the packages quickly. They will not need to return them to you again.
How to Address an Envelope by Hand
You can learn how to address a large envelope or a small one. The process is the same for both. You will need your and the recipient’s addresses on the exterior.
The steps required for addressing an envelope are below.
1. On the top left corner of the envelope, you will place your address. Write your name on the top line. On the second line, put your street number and name. Write your city, state, and zip code on the last.

2. In the middle of the center of the envelope, write your recipient’s information. On the top line, enter the name. On the second line, write the street number and name. On the last line, enter the city and state.

3. Put down your stamp on the top right corner of the envelope.

You can get free shipping boxes from the United States Postal Service. Obtaining these products will help you save money, no matter the destination.
The USPS also offers free pick-up services. You can schedule your appointment on your online account.
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How to Address a Package by Hand
If you want to learn how to label a package by hand, you must consider the size of your box. The steps required vary in the dimensions of your shipment.
Tiny Boxes
When learning how to label a package by hand, you will need to start with a tiny box. The process is the same, no matter the type of package you want to use. Use the steps below to begin.
1. Print a black shipping label from the shipping provider you want to use.
2. Look for the largest section of the shipping label.

3. On the top left corner of the screen, enter your information. Place your name on the top row. Your address should go directly underneath it.

4. In the middle of the center of the largest section, write “Ship To:”
5. Place your recipient’s name on the top line. Write your recipient’s address directly under it.

Small Boxes
The process for learning how to label a package by hand for a small box is the same as a tiny box. You will use the steps above, but you can print off the label to be slightly larger.
Medium Boxes
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Again, if you want to learn how to address a package USPS, you will need to print a blank shipping label from the provider you want to use. You can scale it slightly larger since you have a larger box.
When you learn how to label a package by hand, you will need to again enter your information in the top left corner of the blank section. Write out your recipient’s information in the middle of the blank portion.
Large Boxes
You will need to, again, print off the blank template when learning how to write mailing address on package shipping labels. You can choose to use a flat rate or a price based on weight.
Next, as mentioned throughout, when learning how to write a shipping label, you will write the recipient’s information in the middle of the blank section. Write out your information in the top left corner.
Huge Boxes
Finally, when you want to learn how to label a package by hand on the most massive envelope, you will need to print a larger shipping label. You want it to be immediately recognizable to ensure it does not get lost in the mail.
When learning how to address a package USPS, print off one of the pre-made shipping labels. Choose a flat rate option or a package weight. Enter your recipient’s information in the middle and yours in the top left of the blank section.
You can use a blank sheet of paper for any of these box sizes when learning how to label a package by hand. Place your information in the top left corner, with the recipient’s information in the middle. The service provider will provide the barcode.
Most shipping companies estimate the cost of your packages by weight. Some do offer a flat-rate pricing package.
If you do not use one of the flat-rate price packages, you can budget ahead of time. Weigh the packages by using a kitchen scale to know more about the costs you may expect.
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What Happens if a Package or Envelope Isn't Addressed Correctly?
When learning how to label a box for shipping, you could accidentally enter the wrong address.
Several circumstances can happen after this mistake. Learn more about those below.
It Goes to the Wrong Address
If the package goes to the wrong address, the recipient can give it to the correct person. They can also cross out the barcode, writing “Return to sender” on the box or the envelope. The mail carrier will pick up the package, returning it to the post office to re-ship.
Returned to Sender
After the package gets back to your house, you have the opportunity to fix the information. Change the address as needed, and send it back to your recipient.
Call the Alternative Post Office Location
If you realize your package has the wrong address on it while it is in shipment, contact the post office in your loved one’s town. They can intercept the letter or box, changing the address on it. You may have to pay a fee, depending on the location.
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Use a Label Printer
You can use a label printer to learn how to label a box for shipping. These products will make the process go much quicker.
When using a label printer, you need access to an effective product. You need to ensure that the text is clear when learning how to write mailing address on package labels. A couple of the best label printers currently available are below.
ROLLO Label Printer
The Rollo Label Printer is still relatively new, and it relies on thermal dynamics. Anything you print will be on a direct thermal label, meaning you do not need a cartridge to get the job done.
Typically, the Rollo Label Printer works best for 4X6 labels. You can peel them right away, sticking them straight on the box.
Pros
- Compact, small enough to fit in any space
- User-friendly and durable
- USB cable to connect the printer directly to your computer
- Quick printing speed
- Comes with a few 4X6 labels
Cons
- Sometimes the ink looks too light
- Some density settings are confusing
- White spots can show up on the labels
- Small text looks fuzzy at times
Logia Thermal 300 DPI Label Printer
Most customers report that their printers get the job done at record speed. They have tens of labels for their packages within seconds. Finally, the Logia Thermal 300 DPI is compatible with most platforms. You can link it to Etsy, eBay, Amazon, USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more.
Pros
- It prints with a speed of 127 mm per second
- The resolution of your labels is 300 DPI
- The prints are clear and crisp
Cons
- You will need extra desk space as this printer is bigger
Each shipping company has a mobile app where you can track your shipments. You will receive real-time alerts to help raise your confidence when learning how to send a package.
Parcel is another tracking app that integrates with most shipping companies. All you have to do is enter the tracking number.
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Q&A
How Much Does It Cost to Mail a Letter Internationally?
If you want to learn how to mail something internationally, you must consider the cost. When sending a letter, you will need to use USPS services.
If your letter does not weigh more than one ounce, you will only need to pay $1.30. A USPS Global Forever stamp will go on the envelope.
What Happens if My Shipping Address is Wrong?
You can contact the destination post office if you find out that the address format is wrong on a package. They will intercept your package to fix the mistake.
The USPS or another shipping service provider may request that you pay a fee. You may also have to start a new order.
What Do You Do if You Receive Mail that Doesn't Belong to You?
It is easy to return a letter to the sender. Cross out the barcode on the package to start.
On the envelope, you will need to write “Not at this Address: Return to Sender.” The mail carrier will know that the letter should return to the post office.
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What Happens if the Address is Wrong and There's No Return Address?
You will need to contact the USPS as soon as possible if you receive mail that does not belong to you. You can take the letter directly to the post office.
If you do not have time to go to the post office, leave a note for your mail carrier. They will take the package to the appropriate address.
What Happens to Mail Sent to a Non-Existent Address?
If you wrote a letter to a non-existent address, it should return to you. Always put your address on your envelopes for this reason.
If you forget to write your return address, the letter will go to the Mail Recovery Center. The USPS staff will attempt to contact you to recover your letter.
Is It Better to Address Mail by Hand?
Try to address your letters by hand when possible. Keep your handwriting legible for the recipient and the mail carriers.
Addressing your mail by hand also helps to give a personalized touch to your letters. Your loved ones will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
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Addressing Envelopes and Packages by Hand
This article helped you learn how to label a package by hand. You can send any size of a box using the provided information.
When you send a boxed shipment, you will need to write on a blank sheet of paper or shipping label. Place your information in the top left corner, with the recipient’s information in the middle.
When writing a letter, you must also know how to address the package. Again, your demographical information will go on the top left corner and the recipient’s in the middle.
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