How to Prepare and Send a Package 

According to the United States Postal Service (and some other dubious sources) 

Step 1: Ensure what you’re sending is allowed. 

- You may not send airbags, gasoline, or liquid mercury

- Hazardous materials are usually a no, but may be shipped under certain conditions

- In general, avoid shipping things that could potentially harm the recipient (and no, emotionally doesn’t count, though that shouldn’t be much of a concern this time) 

Step 2: Select a shipping service 

- Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail are your best bets for a speedy delivery

- USPS Ground Advantage is a more affordable choice for larger packages

- First-Class Mail, of course, is the best option for letters Don’t even think about it.

- Media Mail is the way to go to fix that precarious pile of books, borrowed and recommended 

Step 3: Package your package! 

- Wrapping must be strong enough to protect your package without bulging - Measure and weigh your parcel to avoid unexpected fees 

Step 4: Address it 

- Just a few simple lines you know like the back of your hand: the place that welcomed you with open arms, now ink on the corner of a box 

Step 5: Calculate Postage 

- Use the USPS postage calculator 

- You can pay at a Post Office, use stamps, or buy postage online and print it yourself (but you still haven’t replaced that faulty ink cartridge, so best ignore that option) 

Step 6: Ship 

- Depending on the weight of your parcel and whether you used stamps, you may: - Place it in your mailbox to be picked up 

- Drop it at the Post Office 

- Request a free pickup 

Step 7: Congrats! 

- You’ve shipped your package! 

- Now, do try to find something that fills the space it’s left 

- Or don’t, it isn’t any of our business 

Come again soon, we’d love to help with any of your shipping needs!