This article will show you how to pack a parcel for delivery.
STEPS
1. Choose a box. The box will need to be big enough for your item to fit into with a generous gap all the way around. Use a new box, as second hand boxes may result in damage to your item, due to the box being weakened during use.
Cardboard boxes come in two main types, single or double walled. Boxes of 30 centimeter (11.8 in) squared or greater should be doubled walled, also boxes taking items heavier than 5kg should also be doubled walled.
2. Wrap your item in a protective material (such as bubble wrap) and place into the box with packing material (such as loose fill) all the way around so as to stop your item from moving around in the box.
3. Close up the box and seal along any edges by high quality tape. If at this point you feel that your item may sustain damage during its transit, you may wish to double box your item.
Double boxing is the process of placing your box into a larger box separated by packing material (such as loose fill) between the two boxes. The larger box is then closed up and sealed including edges by high quality tape.
4. If you have used a second hand box you will need to ensure that any old delivery labels or address details are removed before sending.
5. Address your parcel depending on the requirements of the carrier company you have chosen. Some of the carrier companies require you to print and attached bar coded label whereas others will require you to address the parcel for them to then attach a bar code. In either case, it is best that you place at least two copies of the bar coded label or delivery address on your parcel.
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Even if you're old enough to order certain deliveries in the mail, your parents might not approve of these products. This might be for personal, moral, or social reasons, but if you need to have mail delivered, there are ways you can get it without parental interference. Be aware that sneaking around behind your parents' backs can put you in a vulnerable position. PO boxes could be watched by dangerous individuals, or you could get into serious trouble if you're attempting to order something illegal. Your first concern should always be your safety and well-being. If after you've made certain your actions are legal and safe you still want to get mail without your parents knowing, you'll need a little creativity, some effort, and potentially a friend to help you out.
Method 1. Mailing To A PO Box
1. Choose a post office that suits your situation. You might choose the closest post office to your home to purchase a Post Office (PO) box to have your mail sent to, but this could result in you coincidentally bumping into friends, neighbors, or even your parents. This might raise questions that you'd rather avoid. The safest option for secretive mailing might require you to travel to a post office farther away, like one in a neighboring town or on the other side of your city
2. Bring the necessary information and forms to the post office. You will need to fill out Form PS 1093 to apply for your PO box. You'll also need to provide the post office with a home address, a phone number, and a list of minors who will be receiving mail. You'll also need to provide two forms of identification when you apply with at least one ID bearing your picture.
Print out Form PS 1093 before you go to apply for your PO box. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with what you'll need and fill out necessary information. This way you're not scrambling or scratching your head trying to fill out the form at the post office.
Accepted forms of photo ID include: valid driver's license or state issued ID card, armed forces, government, university ID card, passport, passport card, or alien registration card.
Accepted forms of non-photo ID include: current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust, voter or vehicle registration card, Home or vehicle insurance policy
3. Choose your PO box size. Some PO boxes, especially those intended for commercial purposes, can be quite large. You will, however, likely have to pay extra for a larger box. A smaller box should suit your purposes just fine; even in the event you have a large package shipped, if it is too large for your box, it will be held behind the counter of the post office.
Larger packages that don't fit in your PO box will be indicated by a slip that will be put in your box by post office staff. Simply present this slip to the postal worker at the counter and your package will be given to you
4. Explain your reasons. Explaining why you need a PO box will likely put the postal worker helping you with your purchase more at ease. There are many acceptable reasons you might want to get a PO box; telling the postal worker handling your PO box request why you need it can help them understand your situation. Some reasons you might need to apply for your box might include things like:
"I'm a collector and I buy a lot of stuff through online vendors. My parents were worried that something valuable might be stolen so they told me to come down here and get a PO box."
"This is part of a school assignment. I'm setting up a small business as my final project for my business class."
Postal workers are within the scope of their duties to call or mail your parents to verify they know about your PO box purchase. Even with a good reason for your box, they still might want confirmation from your parents.
5. Calm Your Nerves You may be nervous when you go to apply for your PO box, but the United States Postal Service allows minors to get a PO box unless your parents send a written letter saying otherwise to the postmaster.[9] Acting suspicious or overly nervous while applying for your box may lead to a postal employee calling the phone number you provided or sending a notification to your home address.
Sometimes running through what you will say can help you be more comfortable with the situation. You might even benefit from writing a loose script of what you plan on saying when you rent your box.
6. Pay for your PO box. Cash will prevent a suspicious charge that your parents might notice from appearing on your bank statement or credit card bill. Most post offices will require you to rent your PO box for six months to a year, and the cost of your box will depend on the post office and the size of the box you are renting. In most cases, $100 should be enough to cover the cost of renting the smallest PO box available for six months.
Make sure you get a copy of your receipt for the rented PO box. This will serve as verification that you paid in case you need proof. Additionally, a receipt may be required if you decide to cancel the service and get a refund.
7. Use your PO box to receive your mail. Use the information provided with your PO box to receive all incoming mail that you want kept private from your parents. Don't forget that you'll have to renew your box. This usually is required every 6 to 12 months, and to keep suspicious activity from showing up on your bank statement or credit card, you should continue to pay for your box in cash.
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