To write a mailing address for a residency transfer, follow this structure:

1. Recipient’s Full Name at the top left.

2. Street Address (including apartment number if applicable) on the next line.

3. City, State, ZIP+4 Code on the third line.

4. Date (optional but recommended) at the bottom left.

This format ensures clarity and compliance with USPS standards, which prioritize legibility to avoid delivery delays. Including the date helps institutions track updates efficiently. For international transfers, add the country at the end. Always double-check abbreviations (e.g., “St” for Street, “Ave” for Avenue) and ZIP+4 codes, as errors here can lead to misdeliveries.

The USPS reports that 4.5 billion pieces of mail were undelivered in 2022 due to address inaccuracies, costing businesses over $300 million annually in lost revenue and operational inefficiencies. Accurate addresses reduce returned mail, which accounted for 2.1% of all first-class letters in 2023 (USPS, 2023). Additionally, 68% of healthcare providers cite incorrect patient addresses as a top reason for failed appointments or medication deliveries (Healthcare Compliance Association, 2022). Structured formatting aligns with industry best practices, minimizing errors and ensuring timely processing. Residency transfers require meticulous attention to detail, as even minor typos can disrupt services like voting, healthcare, or utility billing. Properly formatted addresses enhance reliability and trustworthiness in official communications.