Q&A for How to Package Books for Shipping

Yes, you can. You don't need to be part of a company or corporation to send packages via media mail. Simply explain that you are sending books and ask for the media mail shipping rate.

Bubble wrap will work better (the kind that pops). But if you don't have any, paper will work just fine.

Yes. You cannot mail loose/unpackaged books with the USPS. Priority Mail boxes are no-charge at a Post Office or online.

Yes. Be sure to wrap and pad each book individually so the books don't get damaged. Also, check with your local post office or shipping company to ensure your box is under the maximum weight restriction.

You don't necessarily have to use a box for shipping, but it is advisable. Envelopes or bubble mailers will not provide enough protection for your books, especially if they are traveling internationally. However, you could use another type of container as long as it is sturdy enough to protect your books.

Flat is best. Add packing material such as packing pillows, styrofoam peanuts, or scrunched up paper around the edges of the box, between books, and in the gaps to prevent rubbing.

Typically, no. But if you send it via Media Mail, you may want to write "Book" on the outside so it's clear that your package qualifies for the Media Mail rate.

No. The Media Mail rate is good only within the United States.

Yes, but they still need to be in regular box that has the address on it.

That is correct, it's per box only. Discounting might apply if you're a business or a bulk mailer registered with the postal service, but it is still by the weight/distance from where you're mailing it per box.

You cannot include clothing with Media Mail items. Only generic padding can be used, such as bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, wadded up newspaper, etc. If you’re not sending the books with Media Mail, then as long as you don't mind your clothes being wrinkled and you have enough space for them, this is fine.

There is no one answer for this, because it depends more on the size and weight of the books, how far you're shipping them, whether you're shipping internationally or domestically, the shipping method, and the company you're using. Most companies will have a "shipping calculator" (or "rate calculator", etc) - if you put in the destination, how much the books weigh, their value, and the size of the box, the calculator will tell you the shipping cost. Even if you're just guessing, you'll get at least some idea of the price.

Yes; the post office will accept books in padded envelopes at the Media Mail rate. However, if the book is a hardback, it may sustain damage in a padded envelope because the book covers are bigger than the book block (the pages). The covers of a hardback can become "bumped" (caved in), or the covers themselves may be damaged unless it's packaged in a box. Paperback books are less susceptible to damage because the paper covers are the same size as the book block.

Preferably, yes so it would not damage the spine or parts of the book during delivery.

No, it is not appropriate to send a book in a Priority box if it is not intended for Priority shipping. Priority boxes are specifically designed for expedited shipping services and should only be used when you are paying for the corresponding Priority service. Using a Priority box without paying for the associated Priority shipping service would be misleading and could result in additional charges or complications for both you and the recipient. If you are looking to send a book and want to use a specific type of packaging, it is recommended to use appropriate packaging materials that are suitable for standard shipping.

It depends on the type of shipping service you're using. If you're using first-class mail, you may include a note or other personal communication. If you're using media mail (the cheapest option), enclosing personal communication is not permitted.