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Hi!
I'm currently planning a move (New England to Midwest/Zone 6). I don't have a license and the timeline is short, so UHauls are out and moving services are tough/pricey for my timing. I have some electronics (can take these on the plane), a bunch of bulky items I plan to sell, and some books/mid-size items (almost all will fit in a large moving box) I need to ship. I'm guessing the books would fill 20-30 large flat rate boxes, and the other stuff might fill a half-dozen moving boxes.
My current plan is to ship the books by media mail or flat rate box and other items (clothing, some personal effects, etc.) in retail ground boxes. I have three suitcases for anything I can fit/need right away.
Aiming to stay around $1000-$1500 for non-flight costs. I will be reimbursed for (reasonable) expenses, so if there's an extremely useful service that just comes with a small added cost that's an option.
My questions
Any obvious pitfalls/things I missed?
Would moving boxes survive retail ground handling or should I get something sturdier?
I saw online priority mail items could be scheduled for pickup at my house. Does this include flat rate boxes?
Would I need to make special arrangements given the number/weight of items involved?
Guessing I'd need to drop the retail ground boxes off at the local office - any alternatives? Things I should know or plan ahead?
Really appreciate any answers you can provide to make this smooth and avoid creating massive hassle for my carrier.
Edit: media mail seems like the best option for books. Would I need any special boxing for (e.g.) 30 pounds of books in a box? Still curious to hear answers on flat rate boxes with regards to a few other items I might send, but that would be 4-5 boxes' worth.
I realize that there are already several posts on this topic, but since rates and shipping methods have recently changed for the major carriers (i.e., USPS Ground Advantage) I wanted to get updated advice if possible. I'm planning to ship over 100 advanced copies (6 x 9 trim paperback and hardcover) and am looking for the best boxes or padded mailers as well as the most cost-effective method to ship these within the Unites States. Any advice is greatly appreciated.