Common mistakes to avoid when designing a Change of Address card

1) Start with the essentials—and check them twice

It sounds obvious, but most issues stem from the basics. Before you touch colours or fonts, gather everything you need to communicate:

• Names: yours (and anyone else in the household).
• New address: house number/name, street, town/city, county, postcode (double-check spacing and capitalisation).
• Contact details: at least one working phone number and an email address.
• Moving date (optional but useful).
• Any extras: short message, forwarding instructions, or a QR code linking to a map or digital address book.

Common mistakes—and easy fixes

• Incorrect or incomplete postcodes
  UK postcodes are easy to mistype. Copy your new address from a trusted source (your completion statement or utility bill) and paste it into the card editor. Read it aloud once, then again backwards—letter by letter.
• Missing lines or abbreviations that confuse
  If space is tight, use the standard Royal Mail-style line order (house number/name street town/city county postcode). Avoid unusual abbreviations that might make delivery harder for contacts updating their address books.
• Forgetting a contact method
  If you’ve ditched the landline, say so by listing a mobile and email. If you’re adding a second number (e.g., one partner’s mobile), label them clearly.
• Un-scannable QR codes
  QR codes are handy for a map pin or digital vCard, but only if they scan. Generate the code in the editor, test it from a second device, and confirm it opens the right destination. (Utterly Printable’s online designer supports QR code generation for quick map links.)
• No room for the address
  Choose a template that prioritises legibility. If the address looks cramped, move to a larger size or a simpler layout (see Section 2).

2) Make it effortless to read: type, layout and colour

How your information is set matters as much as the information itself.

• Tiny or fussy type
  Your recipients should read the card at arm’s length. Avoid ultra-thin scripts for the address block, and don’t run everything in capitals (except the postcode).
• Low contrast
  Pale text on a pale background looks refined on screen but prints faint. Keep strong contrast for the address and contact lines.
• Too many fonts or graphic elements
  Two typefaces (a heading style and a simple text style) are usually enough. If you love decoration, keep it to the corners or the reverse.
• Overcrowded layouts
  White space is your friend. If you’re adding a photo of your new place, avoid squeezing the address to one corner; pick a design that was built for images.

Choose a style that fits your message

If you want an unfussy approach, our simple Change of Address cards put clarity first. Prefer cleaner lines and bold type? Explore modern designs. If you’re aiming for warmth, our floral styles strike a friendly note, while Change of Address cards with photos are ideal for showcasing your new front door. And if you simply want a classic “we’ve moved” headline, try the We’ve Moved collection.

3) Before you order (or download): proofing, images, paper and timing

Proof slowly and methodically

• Read every line for spelling, numbers, and punctuation.
• Zoom to 100% in the online preview. Check hyphens, commas in house names, and the space in the postcode.
• Ask someone who doesn’t live with you to proof—fresh eyes spot what you won’t.

If you’re at all unsure, order a printed sample before your full run for complete peace of mind (single printed samples are available).

Use crisp images (especially for downloads)

If you’re including a photo, start with a high-quality original (not a screenshot or a compressed messaging-app image). Check the crop, orientation, and any fine detail (house numbers on a door, hairlines around the frame). For the download-only option, print a test on your home printer to confirm sharpness and colour before sharing widely. (Utterly Printable offers both high-quality printed stationery and download-only files.)

Pick the right size and stock for the job

Different layouts suit different sizes. Popular choices include A6 (compact postcard style), 5″×7″ (generous and gift-card friendly), A5 (bold headline), and square 148×148 mm (balanced for photos). Paper stocks range from a bright white uncoated matt to a warm, lightly textured Fedrigoni; there’s also a silky photo-optimised option and an ultra-thick luxury board. All are FSC-certified and printed with professional Canon iX presses for sharp, consistent results.

Allow enough time—production plus delivery

Don’t design on the day you post. As a guide, Utterly Printable’s standard turnaround is 3 working days’ production plus delivery; express production is typically 1–2 working days, with orders placed before 6 pm having the best chance of next-day delivery (UK mainland). Delivery options include DPD Next Day and Royal Mail services (lighter orders). Scottish Highlands and offshore addresses can take a little longer.

Know the limits (so you’re not disappointed later)

• Metallic foiling, spot UV and lamination aren’t currently offered—choose designs that look great without them.
• There’s no envelope addressing/handwriting service, so plan your labels or pens.
• Shipping is within the UK and Northern Ireland only; if you’re abroad or on a tight international schedule, the download-only option is a sensible route.
• Once printing has begun, edits aren’t possible, and typos/layout errors aren’t eligible for reprints—another reason to review proofs carefully (or order that sample).

A note on sustainability (and keepsakes)

All card stocks are recyclable, glitter-free and laminate-free, with a carbon-offset add-on at checkout if you’d like to balance your print. If you love the photo from your card, consider turning it into a small framed memento for the new hallway using our framed & mounted photo prints.