At EverPresent, we know how stressful it can be to send away your family photos and videos in the mail, but we’re here to help make the process as safe and simple as possible. We send and receive dozens of packages in the mail every week containing precious family memories and heirlooms. Use these tried-and-true methods for safely packaging your photos and videos to guarantee a smooth arrival.
Prep & Protection
Based on the size of your order, choose a package with enough room for cushioning material around your items. If you have an order about the size of a stack of photos or a few cassette tapes, using a standard padded envelope would be a great place to start. If using boxes, items should be wrapped individually, and any extra space should be filled with padding like newspaper or bubble wrap. We don’t recommend packing peanuts due to their tendency to settle. Their inevitable mess and static makes it tough to sort through and dispose of. However, biodegradable and anti-static options are available, and only cost a bit more. If you feel items shifting, always add more cushioning to avoid unnecessary jostling.
What About Fragile Items?
You may be sending along fragile documents or breakables that need extra preparation. Pack any bendable prints with a firm, flat backing like cardboard on both sides. If you have framed photographs, we recommend removing the glass and frame if possible. Otherwise, use extra padding on the corners and apply masking tape to the glass to reduce shattering. For extra weather protection, slip materials into a sealed plastic bag. Heavy items like albums and film reels can easily shift along their journey, so try packing them to the brim and reinforcing with padding to keep them stabilized. In some cases, it’s better to ship USPS priority or it’s equivalent to ensure that the delivery is expedient and your items well taken care of. It costs a bit more, but can be worth it for the peace of mind.
Shipping
When your package is ready to be mailed, you can bring it to your local carrier or purchase a mailing label online to send from your mailbox. You can even schedule a pickup for a carrier to come directly to your home at your convenience. Address your mail to our flagship store: EverPresent, 84 Needham Street, Suite 130, Newton, MA 02461, and include your return address on the package as well. You might consider asking postal staff for their expertise to handle your packing for you. To determine which service works best for your shipment size and budget, check these sites:
USPS Postage Price Calculator
UPS Calculate Time & Cost
FedEx Rates & Transit Time
Ask for a tracking number from FedEx, UPS, DHL or the USPS, and then email it to us at [email protected] so we can keep tabs on your package. Upon receipt of your materials, your EverPresent consultant will be in touch within 24-48 hours to conduct a consultation and confirm the customized specifications for your project.
What’s Next:
We will send your estimate form and Client Agreement via email which you should print, sign, and include inside of your package. Feel free to add thoughts or questions about your order that we can address during our phone consultation, which will take place once we have received everything in the mail. Placing an extra address label with the delivery and return addresses inside the package will ensure that the item can be delivered in case the outside label becomes damaged or falls off.
For more information about our services and mailing procedures, visit: https://everpresent.com/mail-in-customers/ or call 617-505-1132.
Happy shipping!
