# Where do I get a box in which to ship something?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 12, 2011, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695 "2011-11-12T16:11:04Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/1 "2011-11-12T16:11:04Z")
I want to send a package via the USPS. I need a box. Can I get one at the post office (the item is small, but larger than the priority mail boxes; roughly 20x12x5), or is there somewhere else that has them?
I’ve never bought a cardboard box before.
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### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/2 "2011-11-12T16:13:55Z")
> [@Eonwe](#):
>
> I want to send a package via the USPS. I need a box. Can I get one at the post office (the item is small, but larger than the priority mail boxes; roughly 20x12x5), or is there somewhere else that has them?
>
> I’ve never bought a cardboard box before.
The USPS will have flat rate boxes, though I’m not sure on the sizes. The boxes are free and if it fits, it ships for a standard price.
> **[Store redirect](https://store.usps.com/store)**
Otherwise just go to a store and see if they have any old boxes on their way to the compactor and see if any will fit your needs. I run a produce store and we give people boxes all the time for shipping and moving. I’m sure an office supply store or grocery store would have a bazillion of them as well.
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### Author:  [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/3 "2011-11-12T16:14:07Z")
Ships USPS priority and the box is free.
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### Author:  [@fumster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fumster)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/4 "2011-11-12T16:17:39Z")
> [@Eonwe](#):
>
> I want to send a package via the USPS. I need a box. Can I get one at the post office (the item is small, but larger than the priority mail boxes; roughly 20x12x5), or is there somewhere else that has them?
>
> I’ve never bought a cardboard box before.
If it’s 3" and and not 5, then you may get by with one of [these](https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10007423&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000002&top_category=10000002&categoryId=10000036&top=¤tPage=0&sort=&viewAll=Y&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10007423):
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### Author:  [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/5 "2011-11-12T16:25:25Z")
In Southern California the is a chain of stores called Box City that specializes in selling cardboard boxes of all different shapes and sizes. Perhaps there are similar stores round your way.
UPS stores also carry a selection of cardboard boxes. You don’t have to using them to mail stuff via UPS.
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### Author:  [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/6 "2011-11-12T17:09:08Z")
Walmart sells shipping boxes in a variety of sizes. I have bought then there many times. They are located in the office supply section with other supplies needed for mailing or shipping stuff.
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### Author:  [@thelabdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelabdude)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/7 "2011-11-12T17:43:25Z")
Ha, this pack rat has hundreds of boxes in his attic. Too many to find the just right one when you need it. My little jerkwater town has a store that sells boxes, and will pack and arrange pickup by one of several carriers.
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### Author:  [@IAmNotSpartacus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAmNotSpartacus)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/8 "2011-11-12T18:01:51Z")
> [@Eonwe](#):
>
> I want to send a package via the USPS. I need a box. Can I get one at the post office (the item is small, but larger than the priority mail boxes; roughly 20x12x5), or is there somewhere else that has them?
>
> I’ve never bought a cardboard box before.
Although it won’t fit in a Priority Mail box, the post office does sell Ready Post boxes for a nominal fee. I’d say you’re looking at spending about $4 on the box, in addition to postage. Unfortunate the other posters missed the part about it not fitting in a Priority Mail box and still suggesting you look at a Priority Mail box :dubious:
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### Author:  [@Toucanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toucanna)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2011, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-a-box-in-which-to-ship-something/602695/9 "2011-11-12T18:08:43Z")
After they move, many people get rid of their boxes via Criagslist. One example in your area: [http://burlington.craigslist.org/zip/2698562871.html](http://burlington.craigslist.org/zip/2698562871.html).