Boxing & Packaging Tips

The Box

Choose a box with enough room for cushioning material around the contents. If you’re reusing a box, cover up or black out any old labels and markings.

Cushioning

Place cushioning all around your items. Close and gently shake the box to see whether you have enough padding. Add more newspaper, Styrofoam, or bubble wrap if you hear things moving around.

Sealing

Tape your box shut and reinforce the seams with 2" wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape. Do not use cord, string, or twine because it gets caught in sorting machines.

Weight & Size

The weight of your package cannot exceed 70 lbs. Some countries have specific weight restrictions.

Find out what you can send internationally ›

Size limits depend on the service you are using.

See minimum and maximum sizes for each service ›

Correct Address

Using a complete and correct address is the best way to get it there.

Learn how to address international packages ›

Drop Off

For some items, if your mailing weighs less than 13 oz you can leave it in a blue collection box or hand it to your carrier.

More than 13 oz? If you’re paying for postage with stamps, you’ll need to hand it to an associate at your local Post Office™.