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I've stuffed my books into small boxes (similar in size to file boxes) and will be shipping those media mail via USPS. Clothing I plan to stuff into suitcases and take with me on the plan. As for everything else (that I haven't donated/sold/thrown out)...
Well I'm not sure. I wish we were driving but we're not so we have to deal with shipping boxes across the country. I know there are some other options to look into but I think we've agreed just to go with UPS ground or Amtrak considering our time frame and everything.
In any case, I was wondering what size boxes would be the best to use. I bought some large boxes and they just seem... so big. I don't even know how we will get them* to UPS (schedule a pick-up?). I'm also scared they will get even more banged up because they are so large. For reference, I have some 20 x 20 x 24 and then some that are a bit wider. Should I go for smaller boxes or will I be okay? I'm thinking of the shipping price as well.
I've stuffed my books into small boxes (similar in size to file boxes) and will be shipping those media mail via USPS. Clothing I plan to stuff into suitcases and take with me on the plan. As for everything else (that I haven't donated/sold/thrown out)...
Well I'm not sure. I wish we were driving but we're not so we have to deal with shipping boxes across the country. I know there are some other options to look into but I think we've agreed just to go with UPS ground or Amtrak considering our time frame and everything.
In any case, I was wondering what size boxes would be the best to use. I bought some large boxes and they just seem... so big. I don't even know how we will get them* to UPS (schedule a pick-up?). I'm also scared they will get even more banged up because they are so large. For reference, I have some 20 x 20 x 24 and then some that are a bit wider. Should I go for smaller boxes or will I be okay? I'm thinking of the shipping price as well.
Thank you!
I always went to the grocery and asked if I could get some of the boxes their eggs come in.
They are perfect size and have built in handles.
If you use UPS for a pick up you have to have everything weighed, addressed and paid for before they will come and pick anything up and you can do all of that online, even schedule the pick up.
Personally I would get rid of more stuff and I would never ship books anywhere unless they are very special, first print collectors books.
Most other books can be replaced via online or on an ereader.
UPS may also have an issue picking up 30 boxes at one time and you really need to make sure that everything is protected and packed tight if you are going UPS, USPS or FedEx and do not put the word "fragile" on anything, it is too tempting.
Your best bet is to call the shipping companies you are considering and ask them for their pricing guidelines. Also, keep in mind that if your boxes do not weigh much they may charge you based on the demensions of the box rather than the weight.
A friend of mine rented a U-Haul and was able to store it at a locked U-Haul storage center until he found a place to live. It was the cheapest option.
I've stuffed my books into small boxes (similar in size to file boxes) and will be shipping those media mail via USPS. Clothing I plan to stuff into suitcases and take with me on the plan. As for everything else (that I haven't donated/sold/thrown out)...
Well I'm not sure. I wish we were driving but we're not so we have to deal with shipping boxes across the country. I know there are some other options to look into but I think we've agreed just to go with UPS ground or Amtrak considering our time frame and everything.
In any case, I was wondering what size boxes would be the best to use. I bought some large boxes and they just seem... so big. I don't even know how we will get them* to UPS (schedule a pick-up?). I'm also scared they will get even more banged up because they are so large. For reference, I have some 20 x 20 x 24 and then some that are a bit wider. Should I go for smaller boxes or will I be okay? I'm thinking of the shipping price as well.
Thank you!
Well, at first you said "media mail via USPS". That's the cheapest way to ship books. As for boxes, (Free) liquor store boxes are great for books. A good size & sturdy.
UPS will likely be a lot more expensive than media mail. And 20 x 20 x 24 boxes for books--those had better be some really sturdy boxes. Have you loaded one with books & weighed it; & seen if the box seems likely to make a x-country trip intact by UPS ground?
About arm width wide for easy carrying
Commonly available
Find a box maker in YOUR town.
Buy their seconds (mistakes) cheap.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by CSD610
I always went to the grocery and asked if I could get some of the boxes their eggs come in.
They are perfect size and have built in handles.
If you use UPS for a pick up you have to have everything weighed, addressed and paid for before they will come and pick anything up and you can do all of that online, even schedule the pick up.
Personally I would get rid of more stuff and I would never ship books anywhere unless they are very special, first print collectors books.
Most other books can be replaced via online or on an ereader.
UPS may also have an issue picking up 30 boxes at one time and you really need to make sure that everything is protected and packed tight if you are going UPS, USPS or FedEx and do not put the word "fragile" on anything, it is too tempting.
Thanks for the heads up about UPS! And unfortunately, I have a sentimental attachment to my books I think I could do a better job of weeding out the ones I don't feel I need but it's been a difficult task involving lots of cutting and re-taping lol I had no idea labeling "fragile" was bad! I'll definitely avoid doing so, thanks again!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaskan Mutt
Your best bet is to call the shipping companies you are considering and ask them for their pricing guidelines. Also, keep in mind that if your boxes do not weigh much they may charge you based on the demensions of the box rather than the weight.
Thanks, I'm definitely going to call around!
Quote:
Originally Posted by linicx
A friend of mine rented a U-Haul and was able to store it at a locked U-Haul storage center until he found a place to live. It was the cheapest option.
We have a place to live, thankfully! Just a matter of getting our stuff to the other side of the country!
Quote:
Originally Posted by WoodyWW
Well, at first you said "media mail via USPS". That's the cheapest way to ship books. As for boxes, (Free) liquor store boxes are great for books. A good size & sturdy.
UPS will likely be a lot more expensive than media mail. And 20 x 20 x 24 boxes for books--those had better be some really sturdy boxes. Have you loaded one with books & weighed it; & seen if the box seems likely to make a x-country trip intact by UPS ground?
Sorry for the confusion! What I meant is that I am already shipping my books media mail in small file-box-sized boxes. My question about what boxes to use was aimed at all my other stuff -- kitchen things, files, shoes, etc. I was going to put them in big 20 x 20 x 24s but I'm realizing they are way too big (and probably wouldn't arrive intact).
I used the big boxes, maybe even a little bigger than you mention in your last post on this. I used UHaul boxes (labeled as suitable for shipping) and a standard moving box from Home Depot.
They made the trip but if I had to do it over again, I'd have used Heavy Duty moving boxes. Home Depot has several sizes of these that would probably work for you.
[quote=WoodyWW;36217174]Well, at first you said "media mail via USPS". That's the cheapest way to ship books. As for boxes, (Free) liquor store boxes are great for books. A good size & sturdy.
The boxes from the Liquor store may be sturdy but don't show up at the Post Office trying to ship something in them or any other box that is labeled ORM-D or labeled for any liquid or aerosol, automatic rejection!
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I think I could do a better job of weeding out the ones I don't feel I need but it's been a difficult task involving lots of cutting and re-taping lol I had no idea labeling "fragile" was bad! I'll definitely avoid doing so, thanks again!
