When moving, most people will pack up their items in a truck and hit the road. However, that's not always a feasible option, especially if you are moving countries or overseas. When this is the case, it can make more sense to send over your items to your new home through the mail. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Check Pricing
Most shipping companies will determine its prices based on the weight of the item. Some items, most often furniture, can cost up to hundreds of dollars to ship. That's why it is important to determine which items you have that are worth shipping, and which are most cost-effective to sell before you move and buy new/used items later.
There are a couple of things to take into consideration when deciding whether to sell the items or ship them. We already mentioned weight, but one thing many companies will not mention is sentimental value. Some pieces of furniture cannot be replaced easily or would be more expensive to replace than ship.
Do your research to see how much it would cost to buy new items versus how much it would cost to ship the items. Make sure to add in any money you would make from selling your furniture.
Buy/Print Mailing Labels
Buying and using mailing labels is a good way to limit the chances that your items will be lost in the mail. It is usually easier to see the address that is written on a mailing label than if it is just written on a cardboard box.
The most common shipping label size is about 4 by 6 inches. These are big enough for the average person to write an address neatly. If you need a larger size, make sure to contact the business you are ordering labels from. If you have a printer and blank shipping labels, you can also make your own labels at home.
Get Boxes
No matter where you are moving or what you are packing, cardboard boxes are going to be one of the cheapest and safest containers for your items. You can buy cardboard boxes of many sizes at your local post office, shipping shop, or big-box hardware store. Boxes usually cost a few cents to a couple of dollars. Larger boxes will usually cost more than smaller ones. New boxes will be in the best condition, which is important if you are shipping valuable or fragile items.
If you do not want to pay for boxes and do not care what condition they are in, then there are a few places you can look to get free boxes. Many people get rid of free cardboard boxes online. Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. If you don't want to get boxes from a stranger, you can also go to big box stores, recycling centers, and other businesses and simply ask for free used boxes.
Use Professional Packing/Packaging Supplies
When you travel with or ship fragile or expensive items, it's often best to leave the packing to the professionals. If you pack things yourself without taking protective measures, then your items (especially glass and ceramics) are more likely to break during transport.
If you buy your boxes or bubble wrap from the post office or another shipping shop, then it is likely that the employees will offer to pack your box for free. Take advantage of this service when you can!
When packing items yourself, make sure to take protective measures. Bubble wrap is probably the most popular safety often. Packing peanuts have fallen out of vogue in recent years, but there are now biodegradable packing peanuts that are better for the environment. Using crumpled newspapers is another great option. When you are done, tape the boxes shut to ensure nothing falls out.
Make sure to try all of these tips the next time you move to make your expenses as low as possible. Doing these things can also increase the chance that your items will all get to your new home in one piece!