Free USPS Boxes, Envelopes, & Shipping Supplies

Ever wondered what you could do with a bunch of boxes? Well wonder no more my friends, because the USPS gives them away – for free! So go get your free USPS shipping supplies and build a fort for your kids…or yourself.

I originally posted this in 2006 (👀) and it's still going strong all these years later.

You used to be able to flip these boxes inside out in order to ship things non-priority express, but they've since changed the construction of the boxes to prevent this. There's nothing stopping you from using them around the house, if you wanted, but obviously these should really only be ordered if you want to ship stuff via USPS Priority Express and skip the hassle of packaging your items once arriving at your post office. Getting these boxes sent to your home also allows you to purchase & pay for priority shipping on-line, then you can print out the paid postage and hand it to the mailperson when they drive by, thereby saving you a trip to the post office.

About the Author:

I'm a nationally renowned freebie finder & sample vetter, which I never imagined I'd be doing while getting my Bachelor's Degree in History almost 20 years ago. In my spare time, I enjoy launching my own space program and disproving the Coriolis effect.

9 comments on “Free USPS Boxes, Envelopes, & Shipping Supplies”

  1. Hey Goob, they did come after me! Postmaster came to my house today. I got a phone call confirming the amounts on the order, but no other questions. Part (about 37 packs) arrived yesterday. They are pissed and we are going to return them to avoid the potential legal issues. Back to couch cushions for us!

    Reply
      • Yeah, no thanks to a free federal prison stay! They do give them to you for free but maybe try to limit your order to something reasonable and it won’t be noticed. We had plans for a grand for for our boys of epic proportions, it seems. My husband is a carpenter so it probably would’ve been awesome but I guess we’ll make due with our hoard of Amazon boxes. Thanks anyway! Love your site. Happy New Year!!

        Reply
  2. Thank you for the helpful information. I also know you can find free shipping boxes and unwanted packing supplies on boxgiver.com. Hope this helps!

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  3. I’ve seen videos of people who have done crazy things with the boxes. So while building a fort might not be what they intended people to use them for, I have to say I doubt they’ll come after us 😀

    Reply
  4. This sounded REALLY cool(a fort from 500 boxes=badass) UNTIL i read this “I understand that Express Mail, Priority Mail, Global Express Guaranteed, Global Express Mail and Global Priority Mail packaging is the property of the United States Postal Service and is provided solely for sending Express Mail, Priority Mail, Global Express Guaranteed, Global Express Mail and Global Priority Mail. Misuse may be a violation of federal law.”

    Does Fort-building count as a federal crime?!?!…..oh well, I went ahead and ordered 500 of them, Badass fort(s) here I come!!!!
    I wonder if you can order more than once???I just hope i dont go to prison for building a fort……..well if i do then I’ll just have one of my new homies from the inside look you up goob >:)…….Nah just kiddin, your too damn cool goob

    Reply

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