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This year it’s even more vital that gifts reach our loved ones in time.
Facing the prospect of not being able to hand out Christmas presents in person, no doubt many of us will be relying on the world of online shopping and special delivery, even if we don’t live a world away from family members.
And then, of course, there’s those relatives that live on the other side of the world.
Luckily, Royal Mail have announced the last posting dates, as well as other important information, so you can be well prepared.
All that’s left to do now is Christmas shop.
Have any questions, or simply want to share your Christmas 2020 plans, let us know in the comments or by emailing ellie.kendall@reachplc.com.
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Latest Recommended Posting Dates
| Friday 18 December | 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For |
| Monday 21 December | 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 48* |
| Tuesday 22 December | Royal Mail Tracked 24* |
| Wednesday 23 December | Special Delivery Guaranteed |
*Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Royal Mail Tracked 48 services are not available to purchase at Post Office® branches
(Image: Matt Carter)
International Economy
| Monday 5 October | All non-European destinations (except South Africa, Canada, Middle and Far East, USA) |
| Monday 12 October | Middle and Far East, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa |
| Monday 2 November | Canada, Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece, Iceland, Malta, Turkey, USA |
| Monday 16 November | Western Europe |
International Standard & International tracking and signature services
| Friday 4 December | Australia, New Zealand |
| Wednesday 9 December | Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central and South America, Far and Middle East |
| Thursday 10 December | Canada, Cyprus, Malta |
| Friday 11 December | Greece, Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and Turkey |
| Saturday 12 December | Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA |
| Wednesday 16 December | Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland |
| Friday 18 December | Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg |
International HM Forces Mail
| Monday 30 November | Airmail to Operational HM Forces |
| Monday 7 December | Airmail to Static HM Forces |
How to prepare your post
Royal Mail has some handy tips for how you should wrap and package any mail, be it Christmas gifts or otherwise, so it doesn’t get lost, opened or damaged in transit.
The first thing to do is to ensure that the address you’re sending your mail to is written clearly on the package. You can search for up to 50 postcodes or addresses for free with Royal Mail’s Postcode Finder.
When addressing your parcel, Royal Mail advises:
- The name and address go on the bottom left corner of the front of the envelope or parcel.
- Use a clear and easy to read hand writing (or font if you are printing the address).
- Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel.
- Left align the text (no centred or ‘stepped’ lines).
- No commas or full stops.
- Leave a generous margin around the address.
- Place the correct postage on the top right.
To protect you and the recipent’s privacy please don’t include telephone numbers or email addresses on the outside of your item.
Remember to include a return address and make it clear this isn’t the address you’re wanting it to be sent in the first place.
Royal Mail use sorting machines, so it’s important to ensure you’ve packaged your precious parcel correctly.
Royal Mail advises:
- Use padded envelopes for sharp edges or odd shapes.
- Make sure any outer containers are strong enough for their contents.
- Fragile items shouldn’t touch either each other, or the side of the container.
- Fill out containers with cushioning material like bubble-wrap or polystyrene chips (available from most Post Office® branches).
- Write a return address on the item.
- Put a contact name, address and telephone number inside.
- Seal securely with nylon or vinyl tape along all edges and openings.
- Flatten any sharp edge from staples or metal fastenings, and cover with tape.
- Use a ‘FRAGILE’ sticker, if necessary.
For a complete size and weight guide, click here.
Keepsafe
If you’re going to be away and are worried about where to send your post, Royal Mail will keep your mail safe with Keepsafe.
Royal Mail says: “A Keepsafe will help keep your home and identity safe by letting us hold onto your mail in our secure premises while you’re away.
“As soon as you get home, notify us and we’ll deliver your mail to your home address.
“It’s easy to apply for a Keepsafe online and we will get you set up as soon as we can, though it could take as long as five days.”
Post Office opening hours
Throughout the Christmas period, there will be later opening hours for your local Delivery Office, where you can collect your post if you miss initial delivery.
This handy tool lets you search for priority post boxes and Delivery Offices near you.
For Post Offices near you, as well as opening hours and postal dates for Christmas, head to the Post Office website.
What to do if you or a family member misses a delivery
If you can’t make it to a Delivery Office, the easiest way to get your post is to arrange a redelivery to either your home, a neighbour or your local Post Office.
Book your redelivery here but, take note, COVID-19 is causing delays.
Other ways to post
Parcelforce Worldwide boasts a plethora of international delivery options to choose from.
What’s more, it delivers to more than 225 countries across the globe.
For more information, including last posting dates for Parcelforce customers, click here.
