Royal Mail last post dates for Christmas 2021 - get your mail sent TODAY
TODAY is your last chance for some Royal Mail services before Christmas - have you sent your cards and gifts yet?
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If you’re making a list and checking it twice, it’s time to hurry up and get those items on your list into the post before it’s too late. The last dates to post items so they’ll arrive in time for Christmas are fast approaching. Here’s when you need to post your items by - and how to avoid the busiest day of the year in the Post Office.
Today is the last posting date for 2nd Class, 2nd Class signed for and Royal Mail 48 services from the Post Office.
This is the busiest time of year for the Post Office, so the earliest you can get your items in the post, the better.
Although today is the last deadline for 2nd Class, 2nd Class signed for and Royal Mail 48, you can still post items closer to Christmas if you’ve got some very last-minute gifts.
These are all the deadlines for posting items before Christmas
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Tuesday, December 21
The last date for 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24 and Royal Mail Tracked 48 is Tuesday, December 21.
Wednesday, December 22
The last date for Royal Mail Tracked 24 services is Wednesday, December 22.
Thursday, December 23
The last date for Special Delivery Guaranteed is Thursday, December 23.
Royal Mail works incredibly hard throughout the festive period, their busiest time of year, to ensure everyone receives their items in time for Christmas, but sometimes circumstances beyond their control mean things can get delayed.
The best way to avoid unexpected delays is to post as early as possible, so if you’ve not posted your Christmas cards and gifts yet, try to get them sent today.
Post Office says their busiest day of the year is this Monday, December 20, so if you can beat the rush and post today, you could save yourself a long queue!
Predictions from Post Office say because there are five working days before Christmas this year, they anticipate more people will save errands, including posting, until the week beginning December 20.
Post Office research says a quarter of Britons are worried that if their gift doesn’t arrive on time, it will look like they didn’t make enough effort.
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One in 10 are anxious at the thought of having to explain to their children why Santa missed their house if gifts don’t arrive on time.
To make sure your items get posted without a hitch, Post Office has four top tips for Christmas post.
1 - Where possible, avoid the lunchtime rush and make use of longer opening hours by popping in early or in the evening, perhaps after work.
2 - Try to prepare what you can before you head into a branch to save time.
Don’t wait until you’re in a busy branch to pack items: it’s much better to do it in the comfort of your own home.
3 - Think about what you’re posting. If you’re uncertain, check the restricted items list to avoid disappointment.
Many people don’t realise you can’t post gifts containing alcohol, nail polish, aftershave or perfume internationally, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.
4 - Make sure your parcels are in a fit state to send (for example, parcels with strings or bows on the outer layer won’t be accepted) and don’t forget you can take advantage of services with tracking and cover for high-value goods.