Writing an apartment address accurately is essential to ensure timely delivery of mail and packages. A single mistake in the address can lead to significant delays, lost mail, and unnecessary frustration for both the sender and the recipient. The precision in writing addresses is not just a matter of postal etiquette but a necessity for efficient communication and delivery.
According to USPS (United States Postal Service), writing an apartment address is a proper process. Doing it wrong can cause difficulty for the recipient when submitting a claim if lost. So, it is definitely worth your time to know the answers to how to write an address with an apartment number. Here, we have come up with the proper apartment address format, ensuring your correspondence reaches its intended destination without any hiccups.
The Essential Formula
When you are ordering something online or sending anything to your friend by post, usually there is a second line where you write the recipient’s unit or apartment number. However, here is the catch: line two doesn’t exist as per the US Postal Service. So, you have to include all the information in one line. So, what elements to include when it comes to how to write an apartment address?
- Recipient Name
- Street Number & Street Name
- Apartment/Unit Designation (including abbreviation) & Apartment/Unit Number
- City, State Abbreviation, & Zip Code
For Example:
Taylor Smith
451 Quartz St, Apt 26A
New York, NY 10024
Breaking Down the Components
Recipient Name
The first element of the apartment address format is the recipient’s name. Write your full legal name to avoid any kind of confusion with all alphabets. This enhances readability, especially in the cases of unclear handwriting. Avoid using nicknames or incomplete names, specifically when multiple residents are staying at the same address. You must also include necessary titles like (Mr., Mrs., and Ms.) to ensure transparency.
For instance – Taylor Smith
Street Number And Street Name
Street number and street name form the fundamental elements of any address. The Street number comes before the street name. Write them in clear handwriting so that it is easy to read them.
For instance – 562 Barton Avenue
Apartment/Unit Designation
When writing the apartment units or designation, several abbreviations are used, such as Apt, #, Unit, Suite, or OFC. You must be consistent in using these abbreviations, especially if the recipient frequently receives the mail at that address. For instance, if you want to send mail to your boss at work, you should use “Attn”(Attention) and “C/O”(in care of) when addressing the letter so that the letter is sent to the intended recipient.
Some common abbreviations used are –
- Apartment – APT
- Building- BLDG
- Floor – FL
- Suite -STE
- Department – DEPT
- Unit – UNIT (No abbreviation)
- Basement – BSMT
- Front – FRNT
- Lobby – LBBY
- Hanger – HNGR
- Slip – SLIP
- Lot – LOT
- Pier – PIER
- Rear – REAR
- Side – SIDE
- Lower – LOWR
- Space – SPC
- Room – RM
- Trailer – TRLR
- Key – KEY
- Penthouse – PH
- Department – DEPT
- Office – OFC
Also, include a pound sign (#) when following the apartment address format. There should be a space between a pound sign and the apartment number. Don’t forget to include the directional details for the street you are sending the letter to (NE, NW, SE, and SW). Skipping it may let the package end up on the wrong side, as some cities have two different streets with the same name.
For instance – 451 Quartz St, Apt 26A
City, State Abbreviation, & Zip Code
Now comes the final line of writing the address. Include city, state abbreviation, and ZIP code. A ZIP code is usually a 5-digit number that identifies a particular postal delivery area in the United States. To further enhance the delivery speed, you can include ZIP+4 codes, which reduce the delivery time by as much as two days.
For instance – New York, NY 10024
Some Examples of Clarity
Let’s help you understand this with the help of few examples –
1) Single Recipient:
If you are sending the letter to a single recipient –
Taylor Smith
451 Quartz St, Apt 26A
Brooklyn, NYC 71834-2341
2) Multiple Recipients:
If you are sending the letter to multiple recipients –
Taylor Smith
Jane Smith
451 Quartz St, Apt 26A
Brooklyn, NYC 10023
3) Apartment Complex with Building Number:
If you are sending the letter to larger apartment complexes with multiple buildings, include the building number –
Taylor Smith
Building 2, Apt 26a
Willow Creek Apartments
342 Magnolia St
Brooklyn, NYC 10023
Including the building name or number helps the mail carrier locate the correct unit within the complex.
What should you do if you have recently moved and need to change your address?
You have to change your address and notify many departments if you have decided to move to a new residence. Use your legal name whenever you are signing up for new services. Notify the post office, update your address on online accounts, and inform your friends and family to receive everything at the right place and avoid any headaches.
Conclusion
How to put the apartment number in the address is a small but significant detail that ensures your mail and packages are delivered promptly and correctly. With the above-mentioned tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to write precise and effective apartment addresses, enhancing your overall mailing experience.
Additionally, if you have recently moved, updating your address promptly with all necessary parties will ensure a smooth transition and prevent any disruptions in your mail delivery. You can get assistance from professional moving companies to move your belongings to the right address and guide you toward a comfortable moving experience. Big Apple Moving is one such reputed name in the moving industry.
All in all, accurate addresses not only improve your personal and professional communications but also make the work of movers and delivery services more efficient and reliable.