How to Mail a Package: Sending With USPS, UPS, or FedEx

Okay, let’s talk about mailing a package. It feels like one of those adulting tasks that should be simple, but the details can trip you up. Is the box okay? Did I use enough tape? Which shipping company won’t cost me a fortune?

Don’t worry — it’s way easier than it looks. Once you do it once or twice, you’ll be a pro. Here are the simple package mailing tips to get your stuff from here to there without any headaches.

 

 

Step 1: Get Your Box Ready

First, you need a box. You can absolutely reuse an old Amazon box, just make sure to peel off or completely cover any old shipping labels and barcodes. If the item is heavy or fragile, a brand new, sturdy box is your best bet.

Now, pack it tight. Use bubble wrap, crumpled paper, or air pillows to fill any empty space. The goal is for nothing to shift around inside. Give it a gentle shake — if you hear or feel things moving, add more padding. This is the single best thing you can do to prevent damage.

Seal it up like you mean it. Use strong packing tape (not Scotch tape or masking tape!) and use the “H-tape” method. That means taping down the middle seam and then across both edge seams. It creates a seal that’s way less likely to pop open.

 

 

Step 2: Weigh and Measure Your Package

This is the trick nobody tells you: weighing and measuring your package at home saves you a ton of money. If you just show up at the counter, you’re paying the full retail price. Doing it yourself lets you buy cheaper postage online.

For small, light items, a simple kitchen scale works. For bigger boxes, you can use a bathroom scale. Weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the box, and do the math. Or, even better, grab a cheap digital shipping scale if you plan to do this more than once.

You’ll also need the dimensions. Just use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height. Always round up to the nearest inch. Write these three numbers down: Weight, L, W, H. You’ll need them for the next step.

 

 

Step 3: Choose Your Carrier (USPS vs. UPS vs. FedEx)

This is where people get stuck, but it’s pretty simple when you break it down. Each carrier has its strengths.

 

 

USPS (United States Postal Service)

The post office is almost always the cheapest for small, lightweight packages (under 2-3 pounds). If you’re shipping a book, their special “Media Mail” rate is unbelievably cheap. For most everyday items, I always check USPS first.

 

 

UPS (United Parcel Service)

UPS is your go-to for heavier and larger domestic packages. Their ground shipping network is fantastic and their tracking is super reliable. They’re a workhorse for business shipping for a reason.

 

 

FedEx

Think speed. FedEx built its reputation on fast, time-sensitive deliveries. If you need something to get there overnight or in two days, guaranteed, FedEx is usually the top choice. This premium service often comes with a higher price tag, though.

 

 

Step 4: Buy and Print Your Label

You have two choices: buy postage at the counter or buy it online. Buying it online is almost always cheaper. You get access to commercial rates that are way lower than the retail price you pay standing in line.

You can use the carrier’s own website (usps.com, ups.com) or a third-party service like Pirate Ship to enter your package details (weight, dimensions, destination) and compare costs. Pick a service, pay with a card, and download the label as a PDF.

Print the label on regular paper and tape it securely to the top of your box. Make sure all four edges of the paper are taped down flat. The trick is to cover the whole label with clear packing tape to protect it from rain, but try not to put tape directly over the barcode itself, as it can sometimes cause glare for the scanners.

 

 

Step 5: Send It Off!

You’re at the finish line! Getting the package into the system is easy. If it has a prepaid label and is small enough, you can just drop it in a USPS collection box or a dedicated UPS or FedEx drop box.

For larger boxes or if you need a receipt, just walk into any Post Office, UPS Store, or FedEx Office location and hand it over the counter. Since you’ve already paid, they’ll just scan it and you’ll be on your way in seconds.

Here’s a pro tip: for USPS packages, you can often schedule a free pickup right from your front door! Your regular mail carrier will grab it when they deliver your mail. It’s the ultimate convenience.

 

 

A Few Things That Make Life Easier

You don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment, but a couple of key items can make shipping from home a breeze and save you money in the long run.

 

 

Amazon Basics Digital Postal Scale

The Amazon Basics Digital Postal Scale starts at $35 and is perfect for most home users and small businesses sending out small to medium packages. It handles anything up to 66 pounds.

Reviewers love its reliability and simple design. It gives accurate readings down to a tenth of an ounce, which is key for not overpaying for postage. It also has a handy “tare” function to zero out the weight of a container.

The Downside: The platform is a bit small, so balancing a very large, wide box on it can be tricky without blocking the screen.

 

 

Rollo Shipping Scale

At $39.99, the Rollo Shipping Scale is a fantastic step up if you ship frequently or deal with heavier items. This one has a weight capacity of up to 110 pounds.

What makes it great is the separate, adjustable display screen connected by a cord. You can weigh a huge box without it blocking your view of the numbers. Users consistently praise its accuracy, which helps avoid any surprise postage-due fees from the carriers.

The Downside: It costs a bit more than the most basic models, but the features are worth it for serious shippers.

 

 

Accuteck ShipPro 110lb Digital Shipping Scale

The Accuteck ShipPro costs around $30 and is a favorite among eBay sellers and even brewers who need precise measurements without a big investment.

It’s praised for being a great value, offering a 110-pound capacity and multiple power options (USB, battery, or AC adapter). The platform even has foldable extensions to better support larger parcels. People trust it for getting postage costs right every time.

The Downside: Some users have noted that the reading can fluctuate if the power cord gets bumped, so it’s best to keep it still while weighing.

 

 

Gorilla Heavy Duty Packing Tape

A six-pack of Gorilla Heavy Duty Packing Tape runs about $14.89, and it’s worth every penny. This isn’t the flimsy stuff that splits and peels off before your package even leaves town.

This tape is extra thick and super sticky. You can seal a heavy box with just one strip down the middle and feel confident it will hold. It’s designed to resist tearing and stands up to moisture and temperature changes during transit.

The Downside: The included dispenser can be a little clunky and sometimes gets stuck, but the quality of the tape itself is top-notch.

 

 

You’ve Got This!

See? Not so scary. Once you have your box packed, weighed, and labeled, the hard part is over. You’re just a quick drop-off away from getting your package on its way.

Now you can finally mail that gift, return that online order, or start your side hustle. Happy shipping!