Ever found yourself staring at a letter, unsure whether to pop it straight into your mailbox or wondering, “How do I use a stamp correctly?” You’re not alone—many people are uncertain about the right way to stamp and send mail from their mailbox.
Getting this right ensures your message reaches its destination without delays or headaches. In this article, you’ll find easy steps and helpful tips for mailing letters from home, along with answers to common stamp-related questions.
How To Use a Stamp for Mail in Mailboxes: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a letter or a card to send, chances are you’ll need to use a postage stamp before you can drop your mail into a public mailbox. Stamps are important because they show the U.S. Postal Service that the postage for your mail has been paid. Knowing how to properly place a stamp and mail your letter ensures it reaches its destination without delay.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to use a mailbox stamp, including step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and answers to frequently asked questions!
What Is a Mailbox Stamp?
A mailbox stamp is simply a regular postage stamp — the adhesive sticker or label you place on your mail to show that you have paid the necessary postage fee. Stamps can be purchased at post offices, online at the USPS website, many retail stores, and even some ATMs. Once you affix a stamp to your envelope or package, you’re ready to send your mail via mailbox or post office drop box.
Step-by-Step: How To Put a Stamp on Mail
Follow these simple steps to make sure your mail is stamped and ready to go.
1. Prepare Your Envelope or Package
- Write the recipient’s full name and complete address in the center of the envelope.
- Add your return address (your name and address) in the upper-left corner. This allows the mail to be returned to you if undeliverable.
- Ensure the envelope is securely sealed.
2. Determine How Many Stamps You Need
- For standard letters (up to 1 ounce, within the U.S.), one First-Class Forever® Stamp is usually enough.
- Heavier or oversized mail may require extra postage.
- Packages, international mail, and unevenly-shaped envelopes need different rates. Always check the latest USPS postage rates or ask your local post office for help.
3. Affix the Postage Stamp
- Place the stamp in the upper-right corner of the envelope’s front (the same side as the address).
- If using more than one stamp (for heavier mail), place them side by side in the upper-right area.
4. Double-Check Your Mail
- Confirm that the address and return address are clearly written and correct.
- Make sure the stamp is securely attached and not upside-down or folded over the edge.
- Check for proper postage, especially if your envelope feels heavy or thick.
5. Deposit Into a Mailbox
- Take your stamped envelope to a USPS blue collection box, a post office drop slot, or leave it in your home mailbox with the flag raised.
- Pay attention to the pick-up times posted on collection boxes; mail dropped off after the last collection will be processed the next business day.
Helpful Tips for Mailing With Stamps
Sending mail is easy, but the following best practices will help ensure your letter doesn’t encounter delays:
- Always use a new, unused stamp. Reusing stamps is illegal and could delay or prevent delivery.
- If mailing small or square-shaped envelopes (like greeting cards or wedding invites), check for “non-machinable” surcharges. These may require an extra stamp.
- For thick envelopes or small packages, use enough postage to avoid them being returned undelivered.
- Buy “Forever” stamps when possible. They never expire and will always cover the basic letter rate, even if postage rates go up in the future.
- Keep envelopes clean and avoid writing or placing stickers near the stamp area.
- When mailing from home, always raise the flag on your mailbox to alert your carrier that there is outgoing mail.
Special Cases: Collectibles, Stamps for Packages, and More
- Collectible Stamps: The USPS offers stamps with special designs, historical figures, and more. These are great for personalizing your mail or for stamp collecting.
- Mailing Packages: Packages require postage too! You can buy stamps for smaller parcels, but for larger or heavier packages, it’s usually easier to use printed postage from a post office or the USPS website.
- Online Postage: If you prefer, you can print shipping labels with postage from the USPS website or other postage providers from home.
- Mailing Internationally: International letters and packages require special Global Forever® stamps or calculated rates based on destination and size.
Cost Tips for Mailing and Shipping
- Always check current rates before mailing. USPS adjusts rates periodically.
- Don’t guess the weight of your mail. Packages over 1 ounce or with odd shapes need extra postage.
- Buying books of stamps is often slightly cheaper per stamp than single purchases.
- Forever Stamps can save money in the long run by protecting against future price increases.
- At-home postage scales and printable labels can help you avoid overpaying or underpaying for postage, especially for packages.
Common Challenges and How To Avoid Them
Mailing seems straightforward, but common mistakes can delay your mail. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Insufficient Postage: Not having enough postage can mean your letter is returned. If in doubt, weigh your mail or ask a postal clerk.
- Wrong Stamp Placement: Place the stamp only in the upper-right corner. Other locations can cause mail sorting problems.
- Poorly Written Addresses: Illegible or incomplete addresses can also lead to delays or non-delivery.
- Mailing Unusual Items: For bulky, rigid, or odd-shaped mailpieces, visit a post office for help with postage and packing.
Practical Advice for Mailing Success
- Always have a few spare stamps at home for last-minute letters or payments.
- Use a pen with clear, dark ink for addressing envelopes.
- Keep your home mailbox in good repair so outgoing and incoming mail stays safe and dry.
- If you receive mail returned for insufficient postage, simply add the missing amount and try again—no need to buy a whole new stamp if you can add smaller denominations.
Summary
Using a stamp to mail your letter is simple: prepare your envelope, check the required postage, place your stamp in the correct spot, and deposit your mail in a mailbox. Take a few extra moments to ensure addresses are clear, postage is correct, and mail is securely sealed. Following these steps will help your letter arrive on time and without issues—whether it’s a quick note across town or an important parcel across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know how many stamps to put on my letter?
Weigh your letter to see if it fits the standard 1-ounce rate, which uses one Forever Stamp. If it’s heavier, add additional postage. You can ask a postal worker or use online rate calculators for help.
Can I use more than one type of stamp on the same envelope?
Yes, you can mix and match U.S. postage stamps as long as the total value meets or exceeds the required postage for your mailpiece.
Where should I place the stamp on my envelope?
Place your stamp in the upper-right corner on the front of the envelope, above the delivery address and to the right of your return address.
What happens if I put too many stamps on my mail?
Your mail will still be delivered if you place extra stamps. The USPS does not refund unused postage but your letter will reach its destination.
Are stamps required for packages, or just letters?
All mail—letters, envelopes, postcards, and packages—must have the correct postage. For large parcels, you’ll often print postage labels instead of using regular stamps, but stamps can be used for small packages if they cover the required rate.