10 Steps on How to Ship a Small Package from Home

Trying to get something from point A to point B? It’s definitely not rocket science, but there are certainly some tips and tricks you can use to ensure your small package arrives safely. Small packages are often kind of annoying, because they fall somewhere between a proper parcel and a letter. They are small, light, and easy to lose, but also more expensive and bulkier than a letter.

Here are the ten steps on how to ship a small package and ensure that it arrives safely to the destination:

1. Find an appropriately sized box or envelope

Whatever you are sending, you are likely going to be paying for it by both weight and size. To help keep your courier and shipping costs down, make sure your item is packed in a box, container, or envelope that closely matches its size. It will also help to ensure it doesn’t move around too much – this is especially important if it is a breakable item.

2. Make sure you can send it legally

Different countries have different delivery rules. Often different types of drugs, alcohol, and natural goods cannot be sent to another country, or even another province or state. If you are unsure about the contents of your package, even if it is very small, double check your provincial and national laws for mailing, and the provincial/state and national laws of the package’s destination.

3. Wrap it and pad it

Especially if it is breakable, but also if it is not, wrap your item in some kind of padding, even one layer. This will protect it from becoming damaged, and if something happens to the envelope or the box, then there is still another layer of protection over the item. It will help it to not get bent, torn, or dirtied while the package is being transported to its new destination. While couriers generally take pretty good care of the packages they are delivering, things happen, and it’s a great idea to do your own due diligence to ensure your package is safe.

4. Secure it

Security is a huge component on how to ship a small package successfully. Many couriers and the post office will notice if a box or package is not secured properly, but it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure it is closed and will not come open on its journey. Use tape to seal all edges firmly.

5. Use the right tape

When you are securing your package, it is important that you use the correct materials. You can tape your package all day with masking tape or scotch tape, however a proper packing tape will be much more trustworthy. Once again, it is important to remember that it is your responsibility to ensure your package is properly prepared for shipping. Using the right materials is one way to do that.

6. Label it well

Make sure that both the sending address and the return address are written legibly and correctly in the appropriate spaces on the package. This is the only way the courier can get it where it needs to go – unfortunately they haven’t figured out telepathy yet. Help them out by making sure everything is written as it should be. Even better, many couriers and the post office offer online services now, where you can print off your package’s information and tape it to the box. This leaves even less room for error.

7. Get a tracking number

Couriers and the post office will offer a tracking number for most packages being sent. This allows you to see where your package is at in its journey to its new destination, and helps the delivery service to locate it if ever it gets off track. Keep your tracking number safe until you are sure that the package has arrived, it is the only way you can check in with the delivery service if ever you are concerned about the whereabouts of the package.

8. Decide on a time frame

Most delivery services have a number of different delivery options, depending on where the package is being sent. The more quickly you need the package to arrive, the more its going to cost you though, so decide in advance what your delivery needs are so that you don’t pay more unnecessarily.

9. Shop around

If you want to learn how to ship a small package, you should know that different couriers may offer different prices. If you are just looking to send something small, you probably don’t want to break the bank over it. Shop around to different delivery services to see which one will be able to get a small package to its destination in the necessary time frame, for the best price.

10. Plan

Depending on where you are shipping, it may be more difficult to get your package there within a certain timeframe. As well, weekends and holidays will either be impossible or more costly to send on. Beware also of peak seasons like the holiday season in December. Plan your delivery accordingly.