(Part 2) Best mail supplies & shipping supplies according to redditors
We found 1,083 Reddit comments discussing the best mail supplies & shipping supplies. We ranked the 472 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
amazon prime brotha. Beats buying it at a UPS store. Fucking crooks in there.
and the price on amazon is super reasonable
Once you get on the trail carrying all your gear on your back vs. unloading from your car ten feet away, you will immediately notice three things matter most:
Some people think you have to be a crazy "ultralighter" to care about how much things weigh. Cutting tags off of things to save fractions of a gram, etc. Not true! Just be mindful of the weight of everything that goes in your pack. After all, you'll be carrying it up and down mountains all day. Your pack is not a suitcase, where you're rewarded for throwing in any odd object that has a slight chance of being useful. More like a punishment device, where you're punished all day on the trail for every careless pound you put into it.
It's a misconception that you have to be rich enough to afford exotic titanium and carbon fiber gear. Some weight cuts cost almost nothing. Buying your toiletries, condiments, sun screen, bug repellent in one or two ounce travel size for instance. Liquids are heavy. Here is a list of very inexpensive lightweight gear, much of it you can improvise from items around the house. Buy a scale first. Anything a half pound or more deserves a second look to see if you can reduce its weight or substitute something.
One mistake that practically every beginner makes is rushing out and buying a pack before they own any other gear, just guessing the size, then filling it with stuff. This is actually backwards. If you want to be smart buy your gear first, then the pack, in the size you need.
If you have some money to spend, one of the best places to splurge is not on a fancy pack, or fancy boots, or a fancy multitool or stove. Get a good down sleeping bag. This will save you pounds not just ounces. This one is popular and doesn't cost a fortune.
Lots of beginners overdo their shelter, taking a six or seven pound dome tent because they think they need to have room to spread out all their gear inside. Leave your pack outside covered by a garbage bag against a tree. I've done it for years and years and my gear has always stayed dry. There are a couple of inexpensive options for beginners that are fairly light. Go small for your solos. You're probably not going to be spending that much time in there anyway.
If you're interested, bubble wrap is on sale at Amazon. Only $14.97 for 150 feet...
I sell a lot on eBay and i buy a lot too. The best way to package them (my method):
I have never had complaints using this method and most sellers I buy from use something similar to this. Also, make sure you're taking pictures of any and all angles of the pops box, that usually helps buyers a lot so you don't have refunds later on.
No.
Options:
You could have shipped that record USPS Priority with insurance included for $15 tops. You must have paid them to pack it for you or gotten some other type of premium service. That's pretty much the sole way that UPS stores make money, so there is a huge mark up for the service. UPS is a little more expensive then USPS but $46 for a record is ridiculous.
Do you hav more records to sell? Go to USPS.com and get yourself some free Priority mail boxes. Go to Amazon and get a giant roll of bubble wrap for $12. If you're really stressed about the records, go to home depot and get 8 feet of 1/8 inch backer board for like $10 and sandwhich the record between two small pieces. Priority shipping from Maryland to Washington will probably be $10 and includes $50 worth of insurance. Shipping supplies might cost you $2 per record shipped?
Bix 1 doesn't have the option for flaps so I've never used them. However I can say they're generally used to reduce speed quickly when landing so they'd probably be helpful when carrying a really heavy payload. So if you wanna put on like some ridiculous 1 pound fpv transmitter that can transmit from a mile away then yeah maybe you could look into it, but for normal flying and regular fpv use, you'll be fine without them.
Also protip: get some extreme packing tape (This stuff) and put it where the control surfaces meet the wings/rudder/tail. If you don't the foam where they attach has a very high risk of breaking off, which is very bad.
A box reducer will save you loads on shipping. That might not be the best price, it's just the first google result. I think I paid $9 from my box guy.
Protip: tape over the corners where you reduce the box. The box is a little weak there, and more likely to break.
dude, if you're looking for a scale recommendation, I bought this thing for about the same price its listed right now. Keep in mind though that you might want to buy a calibration weight, too. If not, you can use 20 nickels. I think each one weighs exactly 5 grams. If you're across the pond, I think 20 pent coins weigh exactly 5 grams, too. If you're in the EU, you could use 12 0.50 euro coins, 1 0.10 euro coin, and 1 0.01 euro coin for exactly 100 grams. I'm sure there are other combinations too, you guys just don't have nice round numbers for your coin weights.
Good luck, dawg
This takes away the tactile part of popping this stuff which is half the fun.
Here is 175 feet of bubble wrap for $12
I was wrong. It didn't come with the weight; it was one of those Amazon "Frequently bought together" things that it does.
Amazon link for the scale
Amazon link for the weight
here is some other stuff you may need.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00739RFHM/?coliid=I29PI2COFGAVLW&colid=5YRFAYE9FETH&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.ebay.com/itm/36-ROLLS-2-INCH-x-110-Yards-330-ft-Clear-Carton-Sealing-Packing-Package-Tape/382274969440
https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-0-6x10-Poly-Bubble-Mailers-Envelopes-Shipping-CD-DVD-VMB-6-5-x-10-5-Bags/380819619830
https://www.amazon.com/Aviditi-SIZER-Carton-Sizer-Reducer/dp/B000ZJOGHE/ref=pd_sim_79_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000ZJOGHE&pd_rd_r=e55a63f1-c046-11e8-9456-45d4909ef258&pd_rd_w=vAZPk&pd_rd_wg=s1K4C&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=4QKB56F534CWRR2RX7BJ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=4QKB56F534CWRR2RX7BJ
I got a tape gun used for $15 on ebay
I recommend these from personal experience: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034PU6Y8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_DX.Wub1S475KV
Just remember to remove the sleeve from the vinyl and place it on top of the cover. Wrap everything with bubble wrap. Place two cut out scrap cardboards a bit bigger than the vinyl on top and bottom and tape together. This protects the corners and sides from damage. It's a perfect fit. Just place everything inside the mailer.
That's a different system, ( https://www.amazon.com/Instapak-Quick-Bag/dp/B0185R54KK shows on the bag how they work ). The high volume machine in this video is MUCH MUCH cheaper per bag, but costs a few grand last time I stumbled across one.
Get yourself a box resizer and a good razor knife. Sometimes a half an ounce or less can make the difference between $5 shipping and $7+, and you will also save packaging material by not having to stuff half of a box with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Box Resizer tool On Amazon $16.99 - Free Shipping
DONT BUY BUBBLE WRAP LOCALLY AT THE STORE. GET IT ON AMAZON.
I almost never pay more than $27 for 700ft of bubblewrap. I used to spend more than that on 250ft when I was buying it at Lowe's or Staples.
Bubblewrap on Amazon for $25.88 with free shipping
Keep an eye out for something like this at thrift stores, you can find them ALL THE TIME, usually for around $5 - $7, and they are GREAT for mounting your rolls of bubble wrap on to save space and make dispensing it easy.
Clothes rack with bar
For taking photos, I use something like this setup. I place the backdrop stand behind a dresser and drape the fabric backdrop over the top of it and tuck it into my top drawer for a seamless background that I can also lean items against since it's tucked in.
Backdrop + Stand Kit $36.90 on Amazon. Free Shipping
Photography Lighting Kit $52.10 On Amazon - Free Shipping
Buy a scale. I got mine for $20 on Amazon and it weighs up to 75LB but also can weigh in ounces.
http://www.amazon.com/Weighmax-2822-75LB-shipping-Battery-Included/dp/B002U4OEDS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426960294&sr=8-1&keywords=Weighmax
Anything under 13 oz. can ship first class for usually less than $2-4. I use poly mailers and bubble mailers for this purpose.
(I don't know if these are the best choices for your purposes, do some research on what size items you typically sell and buy mailers accordingly. These are what I buy and they fit anything from DVD's, small trinkets, and XXL jackets.)
Buy packing tape, bubble wrap, poly mailers and/or bubble mailers.
Packing tape: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005P7P9M2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bubble wrap:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D3AFMT8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Poly mailers:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HGB33U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You print your shipping through eBay/PayPal because they give you a considerably decent discount and then can print straight from whatever printer you may have access to and tape it onto the package. It's acceptable to write it on a piece of paper and tape it, but then you have to wait in line at the post office (with prepaid labels, you can just drop it in the package drop box) and pay for tracking there.
As a buyer, I like it when my LPs come in boxes like these: http://www.amazon.com/White-Record-Cardboard-Multi-Depth-Mailers/dp/B001J595VK
3.2 cents per square foot is the best I've found.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Q6HMB2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016N37PXC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These are close to the same as the one you're using. I've never had any problems shipping in these
Not sure of a shipping company to suggest, but depending on how many she's sending, they do make boxes specifically for LPs like these.
This bad boy is used by a few silverbugs here and after shipping costs about $5 more:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPTVIIY/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1
Postage scale.
is a 100 grams enough for your keyboard? http://www.amazon.com/Gram-Chrome-Scale-Calibration-Weight/dp/B000EG6T0A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1320159876&sr=8-4
Depends on your budget. You would have a hard time finding a worse scale than an American Weighs Scale, made in China using the least accurate electronic weight sensor in the world.
This one from Amazon is quite a step up, but still very inexpensive.
The world's best scales are made in Japan with the world's best weight sensors, also made in Japan. This Tanita 200g capacity is an excellent scale. I own both. Buy calibration weights for either. The cheaper one will calibrate with anything from 500grams down, (in ten gram increments) but the Tanita will only calibrate with 200 grams. Buy the 2 100s that Amazon suggests. You can calibrate both scales with those.
A simple test to show the sensitivity of a scale is to see how low of a weight it will register. Cut some pieces of paper into half inch squares. Each will weigh about 0.01g. Starting with a calibrated and zeroed scale, place a single piece of paper on the tray and see if it registers. Most cheap scales, including yours and the $17 one I recommend will not move from zero until you get to at least 0.04g, and then they must be placed all at once. The Tanita will register each piece of paper as you add them.
Remember that the electronic weight sensor in any portable scale is susceptible to to permanent damage if exposed to a very strong magnetic field like those from the silly rare earth magnets that many people think are useful to show silver purity. (They don't anyway.)
I recommend the cheaper 500g capacity scale because it has the ability to do a specific gravity test on ten ounce bars and coins. And with a piece of that size, you don't need 0.01g accuracy anymore either, 0.1 will do the trick.
Less valuable for Poshmark where box size constraints aren't as much of an issue but a box resizer is a quick and elegant solution for a lowish volume seller:
Amazon Link
Typically I get records in the mail in boxes like these: http://www.amazon.com/Record-Mailing-Boxes-Mailers-FingerPop/dp/B0034PU6Y8
If you don't have any or can't find any locally, you can always just take 2 squares of cardboard, put the record between them and tape up the edges.
There's a pretty good vinyl shipping guide here: http://reviews.ebay.com/shipping-lp-records-packaging-tips?ugid=10000000000209124
When in doubt, bring out a scale. You can even buy keychains that you clip one end to the bag and it has a little weight to tell you how much is there.
apparently they’re called postal scales
https://www.amazon.com/White-Record-Cardboard-Multi-Depth-Mailers/dp/B001J595VK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1536686167&sr=8-2&keywords=vinyl+shipping+boxes
Not endorsing one product or price, but there are a ton of options out there.
Also, grammatically "vinyls" is not correct. What you're selling is a record album pressed on vinyl. So it can be vinyl records or vinyl albums, but the word vinyl cannot be pluralized.
Get yourself a carton/box resizer. It makes resizing a box super easy!
1 X Cardboard Carton Box Sizer and Reducer by Unknown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CLW8ZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yLVqzb9EYVEEW
https://smile.amazon.com/KRAFT-BUBBLE-MAILERS-PADDED-ENVELOPES/dp/B000GHTBJ8?sa-no-redirect=1
Basically, envelope with with bubble wrap interior.
You might have different needs than me. I have like 30 EDH decks. I wanted cheap deck boxes that would should the commander. I wanted them to be replaceable if I wanted and sturdy enough I wouldn't often want to.
This is not for people who want deck boxes as lovingly crafted as their decks or want completely indestructible boxes that are hermetically sealed. This will repel some water, like rain or a quickly cleaned spilled drink, but not protect again submersion.
I settled on BCW 100 count boxes with a hard toploader attached with packaging tape.
50 count of boxes - https://www.amazon.com/Count-Bundle-Corrugated-Cardboard-Storage/dp/B000K3XPTA/
100 count ultrapro toploader - https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Pro-Loaders-Sleeve-Promo/dp/B002K2MNGK?th=1&psc=1
If you order each 100 at a go it will cost less than $1 per box. If you buy the stuff for one box, you might pay $2 for the box at an LGS and another dollar for the toploader. it might be worth it to buy a small pack of toploaders because they are randomly useful and I have never regretted having spares.
Add any clear packaging tape and have cheap deck boxes that show off the commander. I used Duck brand max strength ultra clear HD. No clue what my tape is doing with the extra HD pixels, but it is strong and I got it walmart for less than $5 and use it for anything that needs clear tape.
With the dispenser about $6 per roll - https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Clear-Packaging-Refill-441962/dp/B0006HX2MU
Without dispenser about $2 per roll - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GR5XCW
I'm investing in some ceiling protection
Most people on here mail with PMs in a bubble mailer. I linked to it below.
As far as shipping goes, it would be more to ship to the U.S.(/u/gordie44 probably would be better than me to answer this), but I know there's a couple active silverbugs that are also from Canada, so international shipping might not be an issue.
Then the other highly recommended option is getting a tracking number on the shipment, but that can be something you and the buyer discuss
25 #000 4x8 KRAFT BUBBLE MAILERS PADDED ENVELOPES 4 x 8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GHTBJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5rjQub14X5MFQ
The drive manufacturers ship drives in antistatic bags with flexible plastic inserts on either end of the drive. See here. First picture under "custom solutions"
https://www.reflexpackaging.com/reflex-cushions
They use a simple, small, form-fitting box that doesn't allow the drive to move horizontally, but can flex up and down with those plastic inserts.
Surely the manufacturers have done their due diligence, it doesn't help them if the customer receives broken gear.
Personally, after inserting in an antistatic bag, I'd wrap the drive in some bubblewrap ---- enough that would prevent the wrapped drive from moving within the box. I'd use a solid box, and make sure that the seams of the box are sealed with packing tape. Use the stuff with reinforced fibers along the length (and width) --- it's much better than duct tape. In case it sits unattended in the rain, if you're careful with the box, you probably won't get any water intrusion.
https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Extreme-8959-RD-Inches-Yards/dp/B001AFKV0S
I'd also recommend that you ship the drive encrypted. There's too many places for that drive to be intercepted.
FWIW, I just use online backup.
PMK sets hold their value quite well, you could get 80 for base set (97 msrp) (strangely, a set for $50 from 16 days ago hasn't sold or information hasn't updated). Pro mods probably 35 (52 msrp). Pro mods are harder to sell since only some people need them.
For shipping, use paypal ship now if you are shipping to conus from conus. Would recommend a cheap pack of small bubble mailers like this one or something from walmart.
Something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Reinforced-Gummed-Inches-964913/dp/B0026RHV7A
like this one wet it apply it top and bottom of the screen and then dry it.
A few things:
The money/chicken dance/kitty's chest cards should be black and white, it will be much easier to print on sheets of colored paper. (Maybe OP is sending files like that? Something to consider to lower costs/improve quality of printing.)
Easiest way to package this will be to get a copy of Monopoly from a thrift store, fix up the box with some paper tape or similar. Then paint/etc on the box, print the board on a semi gloss and adhesive to the existing board and you've got a set with pieces, houses etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Stretch-Inches-Single-970700/dp/B000NHTUCE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452479117&sr=8-2&keywords=shrink+wrap
I have a postage scale that cost me less than $20 on Amazon and I use it at least 3 times a day. Saves me money when I ship out gifts to friends and family as well as saving buyers money when I sell something online (eBay, Reddit, Listia, etc). To each his own, I guess.
I use these guys and they're great!
Snagged this one for beer brewing now for weighing gear, it's super accurate and never had an issue with it. I've tossed on mini cord locks on it to get the grams and it recognizes them fine. Takes 6 aa batteries and been about 3 years now and never replaced them yet.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S9HWKS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076DTR1N3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
You can get a 50 pack of bubble mailers on amazon. These perfectly fit one deck in the original box. Ship via USPS first class for $3.50-4! Profit.
Edit:50 not $50 😂
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FPTVIIY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm curious about ordering ingredients online.
I'm doing the full switch to all-grain. I've been driving back and forth from my place to the brewshop every brew for the last few weeks, and it's getting to be a pain in the ass. I want to start ordering online, storing grain, and keeping a scale to weigh my stuff as needed.
I found this scale on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S9HWKS/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and it looks pretty good. .1oz increments up to 1lb... which I think should be good enough for hops... and it goes up to 35lbs, which should be good enough for a 5gal all grain batch, right?
I've found a huge selection of grains on northern brewer... I'm assuming SOMEONE has experience with ordering from them... but is it the best option?
What do you do if you closest brewshop is 20/30min away?
For anyone who ships small things a lot (MUE/IMAM swaps and such), the same shipping envelopes can be found on amazon for a lot cheaper. These are the ones I bought.
I bought this recently, and like it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00739RFHM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The numbers stay on, but there's a backlight that turns off. When I put something on the scale the backlight comes back on. I'm quite happy with my purchase so far.
I bought this one and it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012LOQUQ/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A calibration weight may not be a bad idea either
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000EG6T0A/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I recommend this tape for registered. If you use a shiny tape the post office stamp won’t work. They need to stamp something over the center opening and the stamp won’t stick to clear tape.
I have two of the Accutek scales but recently found one for about the same price that I like a lot better.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00739RFHM
I was looking for another scale because I needed one with an adjustable display. After I got it, I found it will weigh as soon as you put something on the platform without having to turn it on. With the Accutek you have to turn it on and wait a couple of seconds, and it turns off automatically after a minute or so. So by the time you're ready to weigh the next package you have to turn it on and wait all over again. After I got the AWS it was incredibly annoying waiting on the Accutek.
Pokemonerd nailed it, try to group the commons. I downsized from 283 pops to 159 and it was rough. The largest groups I sold were 5 pops. After 5 shipping just gets very expensive and you either take a bigger loss or people bail because they don't want to pay the cost. Start with your local Facebook pages for the groups if you can.
These boxes were great for shipping singles and are relatively cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/Boxery-8x6x4-Shipping-Boxes-Pack/dp/B016N37PXC/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QB3F8MPDS50Q1YCZ60TY
Going to ship 2 records internationally, how should I box 'em? Can't find a box to ship them, I'm getting frustrated.
Looking for a box like this but I only need one. Where do you guys think I should be able to find some?
I hear ya. I have boxes of crap stacked in my office that are reserved for a garage sale once the snow melts. None of it is really worth selling online, maybe Craigslist for a few. Anyhoos once that is done we will donate what didnt sell and I can have a clean office. I also have a shipping scale on the way! which model did you get? I got this one
I know someone that uses this http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Stretch-Inches-Single-970700/dp/B000NHTUCE and while it is wasteful as you dispose of it, it works and is easy up and easy down. I personally have one of those $100 green greenhouses and it is a POS, but functions.
there are special carton boxes for it, like this one
http://www.amazon.com/White-Record-Cardboard-Multi-Depth-Mailers/dp/B001J595VK
Alright thanks I guess I'll just go ahead and order some of these http://www.amazon.com/KRAFT-BUBBLE-MAILERS-PADDED-ENVELOPES/dp/B000GHTBJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407271796&sr=8-1&keywords=4+8+bubble+mailers#productDetails
I should be able to fit an ebay shipping label on a 4 x 8 area right?
Or.....................spend $5
http://www.amazon.com/Postal-portable-analog-weight-detection/dp/B000HKPN7I
Your safest bet would be to remove the GPU and pack it separately.
Alternatively I've heard of businesses using expanding foam packaging.
https://www.amazon.com/Instapak-Quick-Bag/dp/B0185R54KK
This is what I ended up doing as I didn't have the original box either. If you go this route, you'll probably need 2 of these (at least I did to be extra safe). I shipped the graphics card in a separate package entirely. If you have a bulky heatsink remove that too, otherwise if you have an AIO you can keep it on. Use ground shipping if you can, as air can be more unpredictable. Good luck on the move!
There are paper backed mailing tapes. http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Reinforced-Gummed-Inches-964913/dp/B0026RHV7A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415425409&sr=8-2&keywords=paper+packing+tape
Hope that helps!
EDIT: I just realized you were talking about 45s and not 33s. My advice still stands, just use stuff for 45s instead of 33s like I picked out.
http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Original-Cushioning-12-Inches-284054/dp/B00D3AFMT8/ref=pd_sim_229_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51O8jqTCtCL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=04FPPQ05XYY0CQE2ZS1D
The Boxery 8x6x4'' Shipping Boxes 25 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016N37PXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_iRR62aZJVzitv
For one at a time these are the boxes I use, they are only around 30 cents apiece
Of course. Get your stuff packed up ahead of time, take your time with this, tape and cushion the tubes if they are in tubes, make sure everything is immobile, use papers or whatever to fill any void space, because these will be heavy. The green plastic monster box won't fit in any of the flat rates, so pack those with your other home items. If you want to apply the gummed craft tape shit at home to save time, this is what I'm talking about. Determine when your local post office is the least busy and try to go then, because you're about to back things up a bit. If you can pick up some registered mail forms with your flat rate boxes ahead of time, that will save you some time as well. Bring your packages in and tell the postal worker that you'd like to ship the flat rates with the registered mail service and insured. You simply declare a value and attest to the contents on the forms. USPS is pretty confident that registered mail won't get lost, so they won't need to inspect the contents unless you have a nosy or ignorant postal worker, which is possible as I've found the working knowledge of the average USPS employee to be all over the place. If you haven't already covered every seam and I mean every seam at home with that insidious, contemptible, craft tape garbage, you will have to request the tape, wet sponge and scissors at the front desk. They should have it for free, but who knows, maybe call ahead. Now get ready for some real fun. You'll probably have to move down to some unoccupied part of the counter, fumbling around like a dolt. It will take you a good while and copious profanity to apply that Satan-spawned crap at the post office, then you'll be ready to pay and ship. You may get a little grief if your desk clerk is a spindly-armed weakling, but all should go well at this point. Just get organized and prepared ahead of time, I know you've got the move to contend with, but don't cut corners here, as it will leave your custody and make its way across the country without you. JM Bullion does a [pretty good] (https://www.jmbullion.com/how-to-ship-silver-and-gold-safely/) write up about it too. A couple of tips: if you do the crap-tape at home, use a small round sponge in a shallow dish filled with water, with the sponge sitting slightly above the rim. You cut to length and glide the gummed side of that horrid tape over the wet sponge's surface and quickly apply. More is better as they take registered mail very seriously and the tape is there so that they can apply metric shit-tons of little stamps to the surface to insure that no employee breaks the seal for a peek. With four monster boxes, you're going to become top-ace at applying that awful shit. Also, only the exterior box need be taped. Go in, act like it is completely normal and get your job done. The majority of the bill will be registered mail and insurance, silver is down now, so hopefully it will be less than I remember. Try a calculator on the USPS site and get an idea. You perhaps can see now why I would drive it, but only you are the best judge for your situation. Either way, a little inconvenience to accomplish your goal. Despite what others have said I have no reservations about bullion in USPS registered mail, but ONLY registered mail. I speak from direct experience here, same process same monster boxes. Good luck my friend.
Have you tried this one? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Q6HMB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7fG3CbR5QR140
Looks like Amazon is the best price on those. HBlife 4x8 Inches Kraft Bubble Mailers Self Seal Padded Envelopes, Pack of 50 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DTR1N3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VmkaCbPD62N8Q
i just ran out of packaging tape. i don't need any immediately, so i'm looking for good, cheap tape. is this duck brand any good? any better / cheaper places than amazon?
My local Prime Now has 6 rolls of Duck HD Clear (328 yards total) for $9
https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Clear-Packaging-Refill-441962/dp/B000GR5XCW
Here you go.
This is the one I use. It's durable and as accurate as the post office scale. http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Postal-Shipping-Postage-Scales/dp/B001S9HWKS/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1419716384&sr=8-22&keywords=digital+shipping+scale
Has any one used moving shrink wrap like this?
If it's a $ you can use a hand scale for small amounts: https://www.amazon.com/Postal-portable-analog-weight-detection/dp/B000HKPN7I/ref=asc_df_B000HKPN7I/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312152778655&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3218714584647596173&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018827&hvtargid=pla-569394986790&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=57631862330&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312152778655&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3218714584647596173&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018827&hvtargid=pla-569394986790
I'm still using these rolls from Amazon that were posted here a while back. The reviews are all horrible and there seems to be a chance they will short you on the amount of feet, but it has been fine for me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Q6HMB2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJBGNN2
I would suggest using as much padding as possible inside and around the pc case (remove any pcie cards beforehand as mentioned by someone before and maybe even the cpu cooler, if it's a large one). Some thick blankets might do for the outside and for the inside I would suggest something like this probably but in fitting sizes.
Apart from that, pray and good luck.
Seriously. If it's an option, I would rather suggest shipping it with UPS, DHL and the like while still using instapak for the inside but probably better using the case box with the styrofoam padding your case came with for the outside, if you still have it, instead of a suit case.
You should be able to insure your package but I am not sure if that would be possible if you take it with you on the plane.
No personal experiences, just my thoughts.
Amazon has them for under $20
See if you can buy a single one of those somewhere https://www.amazon.com/Instapak-Quick-Bag/dp/B0185R54KK?th=1&psc=1
It's expansive foam inside a closed bag, you put it inside, "inflate" it, and it will grow and become hard enough to protect everything inside the case during transport...
Maybe use some packing stretch wrap around the cardboard and styrofoam?
EDIT: Should be able to find it at any hardware or office supply store.
Here is some ! https://www.amazon.com/Variable-Depth-Record-Mailers-White/dp/B0034PU6Y8 . I see you post on vgmvinyl let me know what you are selling I might be interested!
I used a combination of Home Depot Heavy Duty Medium Boxes and Heavy Duty Extra Large Boxes.
We packed them well, mostly sideways trying not to crush boxes, with some full MTG card boxes filling in gaps. Moved them using a moving company from Eastern to Mountain time zones with zero damage. They had to unpack everything repack it all twice outside of our supervision. We ended up with a few other broken/damaged items, but all the games were fine.
The double layered boxes were definitely key for that, as multiple moving boxes ended up damaged, but nothing seemed to puncture both layers.
Also, look into some packing tape with threaded reinforcement, something similar to Scotch Extreme. The best packing in the world won't save your games if the bottom tape fails.
Not the same grade of tape. [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Performance-Packaging-1-88-Inch-441962/dp/B000GR5XCW/ref=sr_1_23?srs=2590846011&ie=UTF8&qid=1505823299&sr=8-23) is.
SPARCO can vary in quality as others have said. Usually it's very good.
The Boxery 8x6x4'' Shipping Boxes 25 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016N37PXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kz2kybNQCMSK1
I use these! But you can get them at like a staples!
I've found the Duck HD Clear tape to work very well.
https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Performance-Packaging-1-88-Inch-441962/dp/B000GR5XCW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1479710796&sr=8-5&keywords=heavy+duty+packing+tape
That's not the good stuff though. The good stuff is the Duck brand shipping tape. I get it on Amazon.
Want a new one?
https://www.amazon.com/Postal-portable-analog-weight-detection/dp/B000HKPN7I/ref=asc_df_B000HKPN7I/
Attach letter to clip.
Hold up by the ring.
The arm with the letter, weight, and arc with weights marked are pulled down by the weight of the letter.
Read the weight of the letter, pointed to by the pointer on the left,
which is attached to the arm you are hanging it from.
tl;dr: don't move:
-Ikea anything
-mattress sets (unless replacement costs over $2k)
-Furniture that is old and should be replaced soon anyway
-Stuff you haven't used in over "n" time
IMO, it's nice to have nice new stuff when you make a large move..I opted to take what fit in my car for two of my moves and buy all new. Those moves were the least stressful.
I've wanted something to help me make these decisions as well. Every time I've tried this analysis myself, I end up being too subjective and keeping things that don't make sense when I get to my destination.
What I've learned is to get rid of Ikea furniture and either re-buy it new at my destination or upgrade to real stuff.
Mattresses and box springs are another item I think I could have bought new at my destination easily...but they aren't the easiest thing to get rid of before you leave. They are fairly hard to pack in a way that won't get them dirty too. You have to either buy some sheeting plastic and wrap it up, or buy a zippered bag. Get an air mattress for when you first arrive at your destination and order a new mattress set online right away and it should be there within a week.
I've always has a lot of electronics in bins that I've just accumulated over the years. I recently went through and consolidated 17 bins into 3. Recycling/tossing stuff I didn't need or had no value. If I had done that before my last move, it would have saved me a lot of space...but it's time consuming.
Definitely buy cheap moving blankets from harbor frieght or some place like that. Also buy a few of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NHTUCE
I've moved across the country 4 times in the last 7 years. I rented the 16' moving van/truck from Penske for $700-$900, $700-$1200 in fuel (8 mpg), and $400-$800 in hotels and food. Penske will drop prices if you call, and give AAA and online discounts....just to give another option to those shipping container companies.
You have to be comfortable driving a fully loaded truck and understand how to balance the load properly.
When I made those moves, the journey out was with whatever fit in my car, with the intent of buying stuff when I arrived. The first time, I spent ~$7000 on furnishing a 1 bed apartment. Then I moved back to home and took all of that with me in the moving truck. When I moved again, I left all of that (long story, didn't sell the stuff) and again moved with what fit in my car. I furnished a new 1 bed apartment for about $5000. Then I moved again with a truck and took all of that stuff, picked up all of the other stuff from the previous move to where I'm at now. By the time I picked up that first set of furnishings, the value was low...but the replacement cost was high...so I took it with me.
a good wrapping in something like this can mitigate damages when this happens.
https://smile.amazon.com/Duck-Brand-Stretch-Handle-Single/dp/B000NHTUCE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1526247979&sr=8-13&keywords=pallet+wrap
not much else you can do about strap breaking, other than transport in an enclosed van.
My bad. Copy and paste issues.
https://www.amazon.com/HBlife-Inches-Bubble-Mailers-Envelopes/dp/B076DTR1N3/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=yo_pop_d_pd_title
its not even like bubble loaders are expensive either
Here is the mobile version of your link
Ordered this at the same time - 100 gram calibration weight for $3.19 shipped.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EG6T0A
Have had this one since Xmas, no complaints so far.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00739RFHM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this scale on Amazon a few years ago and it's worked out great. Should be able to get it for around $25 - $28 shipped.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001J595VK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Weighmax 35 works great for me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZJQ5RU/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I got this via S&S for like $11. Best tape I've used so far.
I have this scale and I ripped apart an old hdd for magnets. Like /u/FartSkin said the Redbook is nice to have.
next time u wanna do that use this shit. you put it on the corners of the boxes and the normal openings no extra layers needed
https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Fiberglass-Reinforced-Activated-964913/dp/B0026RHV7A
.69 on my last order, but I only buy 50 at a time..
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034PU6Y8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That said 100 for .465 a piece:
https://www.amazon.com/FingerPop-Mailing-Boxes-Box-LPBX100/dp/B0141LY27A/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=12%22+Variable+Depth+Record+Mailers&qid=1557326857&s=office-products&sr=1-8
I'm not sure how this trade is logistically easier/cheaper than just buying in bulk, but I could be missing something...
Shipping alone seems like it's going to eat a lot of costs...
stretch wrap and shrink wrap is essential the same thing.
This stuff works well enough
http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Stretch-Inches-Single-970700/dp/B000NHTUCE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421646846&sr=8-1&keywords=duck+shrink+wrap
I use these 8x6x4 boxes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016N37PXC/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They're about 30 cents per box with free shipping.