Last minute gifts to mail? Don't wait in line-schedule a pickup with USPS!

December 18, 2011 | Valerie on 12/18/2011 08:41:00 AM |

Hey mamas!  I just wanted to remind everyone about an awesome service that the USPS offers...and it seems like a lot of people don't know about it.  Did you know that you can not only print postage online, but you can also have your mail carrier pick up a package directly from your house?  All you have to do to get the free pickup is use an expedited service like Priority Mail®, Express Mail®, Global Express Guaranteed®, or Merchandise Returns. How cool is that?

1. If you have a printer, some scissors, and tape, even you can print postage from home.  That's right, you don't need to go out an purchase sticky blank labels or anything like that.  And, depending on the service, you can even get a discount by purchasing postage online.  I'll make it really easy for you...click HERE to go to the USPS site and start calculating the postage for your package. (You will be prompted to create an account...but don't worry, it's all free!)

2. After you've entered in the return and delivery address, you will need to know the weight of your package. I've used a simple bathroom scale for heavier packages, and I've also used a food scale to weigh smaller packages.  Don't believe the people that say you need to buy an expensive postal scale - the food scales work great.  I have one that measures in both lbs. and ounces so it is incredibly accurate.

3. Then, choose your desired pick up date.  Most of the time, you'll be able to select the next business day for a pickup.

4. You can add insurance if you want - I typically don't send very expensive items through the mail, so I don't necessarily think it's worth the extra money:Available for Priority Mail® and Express Mail® labels.

5. Then, choose your service option.  I usually choose Priority Mail with FREE Delivery Confirmation - it's typically the least expensive option.  You can also use any of the different "flat-rate" options - but if you don't have any of these materials at your house, you'll have to make a trip to the post office anyway.  Any box will work.  Notice the "paid online" price - it's typically less expensive than making a trip to the Post Office.

6. After you select your service, just pay and print!  Use a scissors to cut out the label, and I use plain old scotch tape to affix the label to the package.

7. Now, you'll want to schedule a pick up.  NOTE: To use this feature, you'll need to purchase an expedited service like Priority Mail®, Express Mail®, Global Express Guaranteed®, or Merchandise Returns.  It is SO easy!

That's it!  You've successfully printed postage from home and saved yourself a time-consuming trip to the post office.  Enjoy your holiday!