Every year, millions of people send gifts via the Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, and others. This can really add up, and somtimes it seems you spend more on shipping than you do gifts! I’ve done a little research, and discovered a couple of ways you can save time and money during the holidays!
1. Pack it yourself
USPS doesn’t offer packaging services, but FedEx & UPS charge a premium for packing services. If you can re-use a box and stuff it with newspaper of plastic bags, you’ll save yourself anywhere from $5-20. Of course, use your discretion for fragile items.
2. Go during the downtimes
8:00-9:30am, 12:00-2:00pm, and 5:00-7:00pm tend to be the busiest times, so try and make it when lots of people aren’t also going to and from work, or on their lunch break. You can save yourself 30 minutes or more!
3. Ship your travel clothes
Unless you’re flying on Southwest, you’ll have to deal with baggage fees, and they’re incredibly frustrating. Of course we all want to be the carefree traveler with a little carry on bag, but we have stuff we need to bring!
Consider shipping your travel luggage through UPS or FedEx. The rates end up being very comparable ($30 depending on size and weight), and you don’t have to deal with toting the luggage all over the airport and waiting in line to check the bags. Simply walk right to the security line! Just be sure the expected arrival date of your bags matches your own arrival.
And now, the best money-saving tip I can give on shipping! Drumroll please…
4. Understand Dimensional Weight
This was a crazy thing to me, but it makes sense when you know about it. When a box reaches a certain size, say 18x18x18, then the box ships based on its dimensions and not on the weight of the goods inside.
For example, if you have big gift boxes that must go in a 20x20x20 box, the cost isn’t going to change whether the gifts weight 10lbs or 30lbs! Granted shipping in one box is (almost) always cheaper than shipping two smaller boxes.
What you can do!
Instead of boxing and wrapping at home, send the gifts unwrapped if possible. This may allow you to send the gifts in a smaller box. If not, pack lots of extra stuff in the box if need be, like the cookbook you’ve been meaning to send to your sister. It won’t cost you anything extra (to a point)!
I hope these tips helped, have safe travels and happy holidays with your loved ones!
