How to Write a Letter (& Free Envelope Template!)

Letter writing, or snail mail, has really been a lost art in today’s culture. However, the charm and care that can be shown by a hand written note are simply timeless. Writing letters can be a great way to show others that you care, and receiving them can make the other person feel special and seen. Knowing how to write a basic letter is such a wonderful skill to have, but being able to make your own fun envelope to go with it is an added bonus.

Be honest, when was the last time you thought of writing someone a letter? Not just a quick text, email, or message, but a real, thought-out, hand-written letter? For many people, it probably has been a little bit. In the rush of today’s world, it can be hard to remember and find the time to slow down for something like letter writing. However, it can be a wonderful use of your time and also the perfect way to show someone you care.

Personally, I love the feeling of getting “fun” mail. It always fills me with joy when I receive a snail mail letter from someone. In fact, when I was in college, a few of my roommates and I would write each other letters of encouragement at different times through the school year, and we would send them through the campus mail system to give each other something fun to pick up from our mailboxes. Whatever you write about and whoever you write to, making time to compose a kind word or caring message for someone can be a great way to bring some joy into their life.

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Why write a hand-written letter you ask?

Well, for one thing, it is a classic way of communicating. It causes you to slow down and spend time thinking of another person. Letter writing is sometimes the only or main way to communicate with people in certain groups or places around the world. For example, if you are writing to someone in another country who does not have internet or electricity, they cannot be messaged over Instagram or Facebook. Instead, writing them a letter might be a better option.

How does sending a hand-written letter show you care?

I am so glad you asked! Hand-written letters are intentional. They take time and thought. Letters do not have the help of auto-correct, nor do they address and send at a push of a button. Instead, hand-written notes require that the author takes the time to sit, think, and write out what they want to say. Then, they have to address and prepare the envelope, which then goes with them to the mailbox or post office to be sent to its final destination. When you are willing to write someone a letter, you are effectively telling them that they are worth your time, thought, and energy. While this may always be the case, demonstrating this reality in a note can be such an encouraging reminder.

What do you need:

–Paper – Nothing fancy is required; you could even use notebook paper.

–Envelope or DIY Envelope from Envelope Template (check below)

–Pen/Pencil – Really, whatever writing utensil is available.

–Stamp

How do I write a letter?

The most basic parts of an informal letter are below:

• Address of sender: While this is a little more formal in nature, it can be really helpful to your reader if you place your address right at the top. This way they can reply to your message and know exactly where to send it!
• Greeting/Salutation: This is where you start the conversation by addressing your reader. Usually you will see people write “Dear ____” followed by a comma, but you can just use their name or another greeting with it.
• Introduction/Body: Now you will explain to your audience why you are writing to them. Maybe you just wanted to tell them about a trip you went on, or you are writing a thank you note. Whatever the reason, you want to convey it at the beginning of your letter. Then, the rest of the body will be a place for you to expand on the topic or purpose accordingly.
• Conclusion: Wrap up your note with some final words of encouragement or closing thoughts.
• Signature: Sign off with a farewell word and your name. You did it!

Some people love to add other thoughts to the bottom of the letter by using a post script (P.S.). That isn’t necessary though!

How to Address an Envelope:

For the United States, these are the basics for how to address the envelope of a normal letter:

• In the top left hand corner, you will write out your own address in three lines. The first line will be your first and last name. The second line is your street or post office box address, and the final line is your town or city, the abbreviated name of your state, and then your zip code.
• In the center of the envelope, you will also use three lines to write out the name and address of your recipient. Start with the name on the first line, the street or box address on the second, with the city, abbreviated state name, and the zip code on the third.
• Finally, in the top right hand corner, you will place a stamp. You should only need a single standard stamp in the corner to mail the letter, but if you are unsure about the size or weight, then you can contact your local post office to get clarification.

That’s it! You are ready to send your letter in the mail. Be sure to securely close the envelope before sending to make sure your letter makes it to its destination.

Please note that if you are sending a letter overseas or to someone in the military, you will need to look into what the requirements are for addressing the envelopes for those letters.

Free Envelope Template!

For those of you who want to get fancy with your letters, or maybe you just want to make your own envelopes easily, you can grab this download to use as your writing area and envelope! Print this out with pretty paper, or whatever paper you have on hand, and you are ready to go!