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Fit your item or items into the box or envelope, add cushioning materials (like bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing peanuts) if necessary, and seal the envelope or tape the box shut with packing tape so that it closes flat on all sides. Reinforce the flaps on the top and bottom with tape so that the box doesn’t open in transit.  For Retail Ground and First Class Mail, you can use any sturdy cardboard box. You don’t have to use the USPS Priority Mail box. Use a box that will hold your shipment, but leaves a little bit of room for you to add any padding material. If your box has other stickers or logos other than the USPS logo for Priority Mail boxes, you can cross them out with a marker or cover them with your postage label. Make sure your box does not have anything loose hanging from it like twine, string, or tape because it can get caught in the sorting equipment. the package clearly. You can use label stickers or write the address directly onto the package. Be sure to put a return address and include the zip codes. Use ink that doesn’t smear so the address remains legible as it travels to its destination. Use a permanent marker if you’re writing the address directly on the package. Before you can ship your package, you have to pay for the correct postage, which means you need accurate size and weight measurements. A postal worker at the retail counter of your post office will weigh and measure the package to determine how much postage it requires. They will also be able to inspect the package to confirm that it has been prepared correctly. When the postal worker calculates the necessary postage, be sure to ask about the cost for confirmation numbers as they may cost extra depending on your shipping method. After your package has been weighed and measured, you can purchase the necessary postage to have it shipped. Apply the postage to the package in a clearly visible location. The postage label will include a barcode that will be scanned as it is processed during its journey to be delivered, so make sure the label is easy to find and scan.  A postal worker can also give the cost to ship for multiple methods so you can compare and choose the best option for your shipping needs. The postal worker at the post office will often apply the postage to your package for you if you purchased it from them. Postage always goes in the top-right corner of an envelope, but this can vary for packages. If you printed your own postage on regular paper, use clear tape and cover the paper entirely so it doesn’t get too wet to read or scan. The postal worker behind the counter can confirm that the package has been properly prepared and the correct postage has been applied. They will then scan the package and process it for delivery. They can also provide you with a confirmation or receipt of the transaction. Tracking information allows you to follow the package in transit. This is a great feature if you need to check the status of a package or need to verify that it was delivered. It may cost extra for tracking information on a package being sent via First-Class Mail or Retail Ground, but it can give you peace of mind knowing the status of your shipment.  Tracking information comes free with Priority Mail, Priority Express, and First-Class Mail. You can also get a signature confirmation if you need to verify that the package was received by a person.

Summary:
Place your shipment into a box or envelope and seal it shut. Address Bring your package to the post office to measure and weigh it. Apply the postage to the package. Give your package to the postal worker at the retail desk. Get a tracking number if desired.