How to Mail Manila Envelopes
Using manila envelopes is ideal if you are sending something that is too large to fit in a regular envelope, or if you have documents you do not want to fold. Manila envelopes come in different sizes, but the mailing procedure is mostly the same regardless of size.
- Address the envelope. It is ideal to do this before putting your documents in the envelope, especially if you're mailing something that will distort the shape of the envelope. Write your return address in the top left corner of the envelope, and the destination in the center. Having a ruler can help you write the address in a straight line, as many manila envelopes do not have guide lines printed on them for the address.
- Place your documents in the envelope and check the thickness of the envelope. According to the US Postal Service, the maximum thickness for a large envelope is three-quarters of an inch. Use a ruler to measure and make sure your envelope is not too thick, or it will not get mailed.
- Seal the envelope. Lift the prongs on the back of an envelope so they are pointed up. Wet the adhesive strip on the envelope's flap, and then push the flap down onto the envelope so that the prongs go through the hole on the flap. Make sure the adhesive strip is fully pressed to the envelope, and then press the prongs so they are laying flat along the envelope.
- Weigh your envelope so you can calculate postage. If you do not have a scale for this, your local post office will be happy to weigh it for you. The US Postal Service regulates large envelopes to have a maximum weight of 13 ounces. The USPS also offers an online postage calculator, so if you are unsure of postage but have weighed your envelope, you can use this feature.
- You can choose to place stamps on the envelope to cover the postage, or simply pay for postage at the post office where they will then place a label with the amount paid on the envelope. You can also choose to get things like package insurance or delivery confirmation for your envelope.