Use Cereal Boxes For Mailing

By

mom22dds

I'm surprised that a Post Master would tell anyone they could turn Priority Mail envelops inside out and use them. Don't do this! If you get caught (and some do) the receiver will be charged the Priority Mail rate.

By margaret Tx (Guest Post)

I use the cereal boxes all the time and I send them to England but I do put a lot of tape on it and i don't wrap it up in brown paper as long as you list what is inside the box it will go. I use all kinds of boxes come if they are light weight.

By Marlene (Guest Post)

Go to your local post office and get the priority mailing bags for mailing such items. My postmaster said if I didn't want to pay priority prices I could turn them inside out but generally there isn't much, if any difference in rates. They are sturdier than a cereal box and you don't need to wrap them in paper. And the bags are free, as are many different size mailing cartons. All you have to do is ask - or order them from USPS and they will be delivered right to your door. What could be easier? I've gotten several different sized boxes delivered to my door when I've been selling on ebay - no paper mess. Another thing I use for breakable items for packing is empty pop cans - no weight, they don't crush easily in the box and they are recyclable. Of course I do use extra wrapping around glassware and other breakables but pop cans can't be beat. I've gotten lots of comments about my unusual packing but I've never had a thing break in transit!!

By Lady (Guest Post)

Ive gotten items packaged in these and similar boxes.. They do not hold up well. Not only do they crush easily, but they also puncture and tear just as easily.

By

frugalelf

Do you worry that the boxes might puncture easily? Thanks!

By

Squirrley

Good use of these type of boxes, and saves Mother Earth! Just make sure not to use this type of cardboard for breakables...I have had some sellers do that...and it was amazing that the items arrived without incident! Instead of buying the rolls of kraft paper, use paper grocery bags (if they are available in your area...many times the stores have them, but don't want you to know about it as they are more expensive for them then the plastic bags). Cut off the bottom, and then cut down the seam so the bag is flat. If it has writing on it, make sure to put the writing on the inside of the wrapping. Lunch bags are good too for the smaller packages (or can be patched together to cover a larger package...many times you can find good deals on lunch bags. I have also seen the larger rolls of kraft paper in the home improvement stores...I haven't compared the price per foot, but you might want to see which is the better deal.

By

tedsmom

That is a remarkably good suggestion for saving money on shipping! I would never have thought of using cereal boxes. Thanks for sharing, and God bless you!