How to Use Paper Bags to Send Books by Mail

If you mail a lot of books by mail, you are probably spending more than your fair share of money on padded envelopes. Often padded envelopes can be recycled, but sometimes you are just sending more than you are receiving if you know what I mean. Fortunately, it is possible to improvise a solution that does not require buying more padded envelopes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• paper bag
• bubble wrap
• packing tape
• scissors

1. First wrap the book in thin bubble wrap by folding and taping it up like a birthday present. If you need to include a paper slip, put it inside the bubble wrap as this is easier.

2. Take a brown paper bag and rip off the handles and cut off the bottom with a pair of scissors.

3. Wrap the bubble wrapped book like a present, just like in step 1. If the bag has marks from the store make sure they are turned inwards towards the bubble wrap so the outside is a uniform brown. Do not use more tape than is necessary to hold it together.

4. Write the To and From address on the package.

5. Use more tape to reinforce all the corners. The reason you are not doing this until the end is that you want to reserve enough un-taped room to write the addresses down first.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get free bubble wrap by asking on freecycle.
• Paper bags can obtained from many stores. Just say "paper" when queried at check out.

[nicolekathaleen]

on 10/8/2009 Great article, I really enjoyed! 5* and recommended.

[nancyzee]

on 10/3/2009 Great tip on how to use paper bags to send books by mail. I recommend.

[paigeturner]

on 9/1/2009 Great tip for saving money on packaging. 5*