So you are ready to ship your T-shirts to Too Cool T-shirt Quilts. Then you stumble… “I don’t have a box!
Since I began making T-shirt quilts in the early 1990's, I have received T-shirts for quilts in just about every box imaginable. Here are some ideas for you. I have broken them down into two categories; Found or Free and Boxes for Purchase
Found or Free
- Printer Paper Boxes
Look at schools, work or other places with copiers! The boxes that reams of paper come in are prefect!
- Amazon, Chewy or Other Boxes Received in the Mail
When you purchase something from Amazon or other mail order companies, save the box.
- Small Appliance Boxes
We have received toaster, radio, kitchen mixer and a myriad of other small appliance boxes.
- Diaper Boxes
Do you know someone with a baby? They might have a diaper box you could use.
- Computer boxes
Did you just get a new computer? That box will work.
- Grocery Store
Most grocery stores recycle their boxes, ask if they have any available – they are happy to give them away.
- Liquor Stores
Beer, wine and spirits are heavy and are shipped in heavy-duty boxes – perfect for shipping T-shirts.
- Bookstores
Books also come in heavy boxes. Ask your local bookstore for a box.
- Craigslist
Many people give away their boxes after unpacking from their move.
- Ikea
The ultimate store with boxes! Either ask for a box or buy something fun, put it together and then use the box to ship your T-shirts.
- Free-cycle
Free-cycle is a “nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns.”
- McDonald's Fry Boxes
Here is a good excuse to go to McDonald’s! French Fry boxes are strong. Since the fries are shipped frozen, grease is not an issue.
- U-Haul Box Exchange
This is a place to find used moving boxes.
- Wal-Mart or Big Box Stores like Sam’s Club and Costco
These types of stores are always recycling boxes from shipments. They will give them to you if you ask.
- Computer Stores
Computer stores or other companies that sell large monitors may have boxes to give away.
Planning a T-shirt quilt?
Here are step-by-step directions for ordering your Too Cool T-shirt quilt.
Boxes for Purchase
- The Post Office
One-rate or flat rate shipping boxes can hold quite a few T-shirts especially if you use a space bag or fold them very compactly. Shipping cost is the same price no matter how heavy the contents.
- UPS store
One stop! They will sell you a box; let you fill it right there and ship it for you.
- Staples or Office Depot
You can purchase a single box at these or other type of office supply stores.
- Lowe's, Menards, Ace Hardware or Home Depot will all happily sell you a box.
What Else?
What else will you need to ship your T-shirts? Packing tape, a pen or marker and your order form!
Any box will do, but we do suggest you put your T-shirts in a plastic bag first. Two reasons for the bag; first, if the box gets wet, your T-shirts are protected. Second if the box is broken open during shipping, the T-shirts will be confined in the bag and won’t get separated from the box.
For more information on packing up your T-shirts for shipping, check out this article: How to Package Your T-shirts to Ship to Too Cool T-shirt Quilts.
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