How to Ship a Package from Home

If you’re wondering how to ship a package from home, you’re in good company. Home may be where the heart is—but nowadays, your home is your office, your business, a place of learning, and a healthcare setting, too.

Fortunately, shipping from the comfort of your home is straightforward. Whether you’re sending a care package to a loved one or delivering a purchase to an e-commerce customer, here are five simple steps for shipping a package from home.

1. Select your Shipping Service

The first thing to determine is how quickly you’d like your package delivered. As a rule, the faster the delivery, the greater the cost—and vice versa.

The good news is you have a wide selection of shipping services at your disposal. For urgent and time-sensitive deliveries, explore express shipping. Services such as UPS Next Day Air^® and UPS Next Day Air Saver^® will get your package to its destination the following day.

If time is less an issue, UPS^® Ground provides comprehensive, day-definite coverage within the United States.

It may also be faster than you think. Check out the Time-in-Transit Maps to view transit days for various routes across the 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Make it easy by shipping with UPS^® Simple Rate, based on package size and shipping speed.*

For packages up to 50 lbs, UPS^® Simple Rate is a great option:

• Select your shipping service, including UPS Next Day Air Saver^® and UPS Ground
• Pick the box you want to use (just make sure it’s in good condition)
• Determine the box’s size—multiply width by depth by height for cubic capacity in inches

then you’re ready to use UPS^® Simple Rate to ship anywhere in the United States.

Shipping overseas?

Remember that international shipments require customs documentation. The forms you need to complete will depend on the items you’re shipping and the country you’re shipping to. UPS’s online shipping wizard will help guide you through the paperwork.

2. Pack your Goods Safely

An essential rule of shipping from home is don’t scrimp on the packing. Taking the extra time to pack well will help protect your shipment against the bangs and bumps of the sorting machine and delivery truck.

Luckily, there’s support available to get your packing skills in shape. Whether you’re shipping electronics, books, or glassware, and everything in-between, explore UPS’s online resources or check out the UPS Packaging Advisor for step-by-step guidance on safely packing a wide range of items.

If you need additional packing materials, stop by The UPS Store^® locations for supplies or order what you need online.

Is your package subject to Dangerous Goods regulations?

It’s important to be aware of the rules that govern the shipping of hazardous materials and other regulated items. Consult UPS’s Dangerous Goods resources online or speak with a UPS representative.

3. Organize the Shipment

Follow these simple steps to create your shipment online:

• Log into your UPS.com profile, or set one up from scratch. When signed in, you will have access to your shipment history and personalized address book.
• Enter relevant details such as package dimensions and your recipient’s address and other contact details.
• Confirm your selection of shipping service.
• Print the label (the online wizard will guide you here) and affix it securely to the package. If you don’t have access to a printer, request the UPS driver bring the shipping documents to your home.

All that’s left is to confirm your payment method, and your package is ready to roll.

4. Schedule a Pickup

Organizing a pickup is plain sailing. Schedule a UPS On-Call Pickup^® online or call 1-800-PICK-UPS^®.

(If you have more than one package to ship, have them ready at the same time. Pickups are charged per pickup, not per package.)

For regular shippers, consider UPS Daily Pickup or Daily On-Route Pickup. For a weekly fee, these services allow you one pickup each weekday.

Drop-off options:

Shipping from home is simple, but don’t forget the wide range of drop-off locations available through the UPS Access Point^® network. From drop boxes and local stores to self-service lockers and big-name chains, you’ll be surprised at the options nearby.

5. Track your Package

Now your package is on its way, follow its progress with UPS tracking.

For business customers shipping from home, sign up to UPS My Choice^® for Business and enjoy visibility into your inbound and outbound shipments through a customizable dashboard.

Get Shipping

Home is at the heart of so much these days, and that includes shipping. Whatever your circumstances, shipping from home couldn’t be easier. Schedule your home pickup now.

Ship Now

*Terms and conditions apply. Additional fees apply for certain services or package characteristics. Rates for shipments to or from Hawaii or Alaska may vary. For details see the applicable UPS Rate and Service Guide.