Good box, strong tape, and clear address will help gifts arrive safely
December 7, 2020 - SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Postal Service has been busy making sure every box on Santa’s sleigh is ready to go this holiday season. A little preparation will make sure your gift arrives safe and secure to your loved ones. Here are some easy tips to follow:
- Select a sturdy box that is strong enough to protect the contents. If you are reusing a box, totally remove or obliterate all previous labels and markings with heavy black marker. The Post Office provides free Priority Mail boxes in a variety of sizes.
- If you mail heavy items, make sure to use a sturdy box with heavy packing tape and no content shifting.
- Place cushioning all around your item until you cannot hear the item move inside when you shake it. Use newspaper to stuff glass and fragile, hollow items, like vases to avoid damage. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.
- Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. Keep new batteries in the original packaging
- Use the proper address. Don’t guess. To find the correct spelling of a city name and state abbreviation or to find a ZIP Code visit www.usps.com.
- Print addresses clearly and include all address elements, such as apartment numbers and directional information (ex: 123 S Main St. Apt. 2B)
- Include both “to” and “from” information on packages – and only on one side.
- Place a card inside the package that contains the delivery and return address. This ensures the package can be delivered or returned should the mailing label become damaged or fall off.
- Mark your packages "Fragile" if they can break. Mark food items as "Perishable."
- Don’t use twine around your box. Use high quality 2-inch packaging tape.
- Pay for your postage and print your postage at home using Click N Ship at usps.com
- Drop off at a Post Office or leave for your carrier.
Source: USPS
