One of the best way to stay connected to your loved one on deployment is through care packages. I myself have sent more than a few in my days as a MILSO and I get to know the workers at the post office really well! Now, there are tons of amazing resources to help you decorate a care package, and there are some wonderful lists of what to put into a care package. But this post is about how to get the actual care packages supplies for your next care package for FREE!
Did I Mention FREE Supplies?
Yep, that s right! The USPS offers free Priority Mail boxes and supplies both in person and online. It’s very easy to take advantage of, and you don’t have to do very much at all to get them through either method.
In Person (If you want to make the trip)
Nearly every post office has free Priority Mail supplies available. You can usually find these in a kiosk stand in the front common area or underneath the table where you can fill out the form forms by the help desk.
Usually they have two kinds of boxes available: Express and Flat Rate. (For the best savings when sending care packages, you want the Flat Rate boxes.) I personally prefer the Large Flat Rate Box. There are usually two types of envelopes available (a flexible mailer and a cardboard one) and then a small, two types of medium boxes, and one large box.
The best part is you can take as many of these products home with you to fill. You don’t need to check them out at the help desk either or pay in advance (unlike the padded, ReadyPost envelopes and boxes they also sell) and there are no limits on what you can take. Just be kind to those who also may need those supplies or let the workers know if you are taking the last couple boxes so they can refill.
Online (My Preferred Method)
If getting to the post office is a pain for you (can I get an amen?), you want bulk or different supplies, then the USPS website is the way to go. You can order all kinds of Priority Mail Flat Rate supplies for FREE. There’s no shipping fees or product fees: it’s literally 100% free. And they’ll deliver whatever you request straight to your door. This is my favorite option, especially with little kids at home.
Buying in Bulk
Online shopping even got easier for supplies because you can order in bulk on the website. Quantities of ten or 25 are available so if you are gathering care package supplies for a long deployment, or want to stock up for friends/your FRG, this is a perfect option!
Military Care Kit
This is something I have JUST recently learned about and it is a game changer! USPS provides a Military Care Kit by request at no charge. In the kit are multiple boxes, custom forms, labels, and Priority packing tape. You can order the kit online or by calling 1-800-610-8734 and requesting it by name. Again, this is a FREE option for military families and it takes even more of the pressure for care package supplies off your plate.
Other Options for Care Package Supplies
If you don’t mind shelling out a little expense, USPS’ website also makes things like customs forms, adhesive customs form pockets, and labels available for Priority Flat Rate users. These can be fun to include, especially if you have themed care packages you are sending to your loved one.
Sending It Off
Now that you have all the supplies you need and you have filled up your box, let’s talk about how to get it out the door! After all, this is the whole point right? I admit sometimes once the care package is done, getting it out the door and on its way can sometimes be the hardest part.
When your military member is sent overseas, you do not pay foreign shipping rates. The military gives them a special address, and the USPS agrees to deliver mail there at the same price that you pay domestically. Good deal, right? The address your service member has will look strange. Make sure to fill it out completely! Here is a basic guide on how the address should look.
Rank, Last Name, First Name
Company (on the 1st address line)
Unit number (on the second address line)
FPO (for city)
AE or AP (for state)
Zip code
Finally, every box that goes overseas will also require a customs form. This doesn’t get taped to the box yet, you can just fill it out and hand it to the postal clerk. You fill out his address the same way as described above and be sure to fill out the customs farm completely, including listing the contents. Make sure to follow the guidelines given to you by the command. Don’t try to sneak in items that are forbidden. Trust me, it’s not worth it!
Time to Mail!
Once you have your free boxes packed, taped up, addressed, and accompanied by customs forms, it is time to take them to the Post Office! You can mail from any office during the hours they are open. (Always check hours ahead of time!) One Pro Tip for You: don’t bother paying extra for insurance or for tracking. Once it is handed over to the military, USPS does not claim responsibility for it, so they won’t really cover any damages or lost packages. Also, you will not get a notification when it was actually delivered. So save yourself the money and just pay the standard shipping rate.
Whatever you choose to send in your care package, be sure to take advantage of the FREE resources at your fingertips! After all, they are there for you for a reason! Sending care packages should not be stressful (or break the bank)!
