Opening a Sealed Envelope

If you need to re-open an envelope that you have already sealed and put a stamp on, there's no need to steam the flap open. Just cut the end off the front left side of the envelope (where your return address is, not the end with the stamp on it). Tap the envelope on the table to make the contents drop away from the edge. All you have to cut off is a piece about 1/16 inch wide. Then you can pull out the contents, fix it, and slide it back in the envelope.

Close the end with a piece of frosted (preferable) or clear tape folded over the edge, making sure to press all the tape down, and leave no sticky part exposed. Trim off any excess tape. This is easier, neater and faster than trying to re-open the flap. I avoid the end with the stamp because you shouldn't cover any part of a stamp with tape, so it can be canceled.

By Pixiedust7 from Wantagh, Long Island, NY