Bubble wrap, shredded paper, airbags, foam pieces, or crumpled paper can provide padding without adding too much extra weight to the package. Save the packaging materials when you get mail and reuse them when you have parcels to send out. If the contents of the package are fragile, write “FRAGILE” on each side of the box in large, all-cap letters. Some prohibited items that you can’t ship to the UK include hand sanitizer, aerosols, alcohol, cigarettes, ammunition, fresh fruits and vegetables, nail polish, perfume, marijuana, and explosives.

Avoid using twine, bows, ribbon, or other varieties of string to close your package. Those types of materials are likely to get caught or ripped during transportation.

The return address should look something like this:Maya Pataky123 Star LaneAkron, OH 44304USA Don’t write with pencil—there’s too big a chance it could get smudged and become illegible. Return addresses are required by the United States Postal Service for security purposes.

For example, a package going to London would look something like this:BOB CLOUDS1234 SUNNY ROADLONDON W1P 6HQUNITED KINGDOM

The official form you need is PS Form 2976-B. Put it inside the correlating plastic envelope, PS Form 2976-E. To find a copy of the customs form, visit https://about. usps. com/forms/ps2976b. pdf. Either get the customs envelope at the post office or order some online for free at https://store. usps. com/store/product/shipping-supplies/customs-form-envelope-form-2976e-P_FORM_2976_E. If there isn’t enough space on the top of the package for the customs label, put it on one of the sides.

To calculate the amount of postage you’ll need, visit https://postcalc. usps. com/?country=10440. For example, a small package weighing less than 4 pounds (1. 8 kg) in a 13 by 11 in (330 by 280 mm) box would cost about $75 to ship. To mail a book that weighs a little less than 1 pound (0. 45 kg) in a small box or envelope would cost about $56. To mail several candles that weigh about 10 pounds (4. 5 kg) in a 12 by 12 in (300 by 300 mm) box would cost about $102.

If you give a package to your mail carrier that doesn’t have the right information, it’ll be returned to you.

You could also schedule a pickup either with your regular mail delivery or at a specific time. To request a pickup, visit https://tools. usps. com/schedule-pickup-steps. htm.

To get a quote for shipping from the US to the UK through UPS, visit https://wwwapps. ups. com/ctc/request?loc=en_GB. To get a quote from FedEx, visit https://www. fedex. com/ratefinder/home.

To seal the box, use vinyl or nylon tape around all the edges. If the contents are delicate or breakable, add a “FRAGILE” sticker to the package. If you’re mailing perishable baked goods, wrap them in plastic wrap and then surround them in bubble wrap to keep them as safe and as fresh as possible. Use an insulated foam container if you’re mailing food items that need to remain cold. You could also use gel packs or dry ice to keep the food from getting warm.

Your return address will look something like this:Return AddressJoy Glades77 Bright LaneHeswallBournemouthBH1 1AA

For example, the address might look something like this:Wallace Bumble345 Fromage LaneHeswallBOURNEMOUTHBH1 1AA 

If you have the app but can’t print labels at home, you can still purchase postage on the app and have the label printed for you when you take your shipment to a Royal Mail customer service point.

If you need proof of postage, visit a customer service point to have them process the package. If your package is over 2 kilograms (4. 4 lb), it shouldn’t go in a postbox.