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Planning a T-shirt Quilt

Shipping Your T-shirts - Where to Get a Box

March 7th, 2022

By Andrea Funk

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

  • Where to find a box to mail your T-shirts to your quilt makerPrinter 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.
  • BookstoresWhere to find a box to mail your T-shirts to your quilt maker
    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.

flat rate boxBoxes 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. 

Where to find a box to mail your T-shirts to your quilt maker

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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Andrea Funk

Andrea Funk is the inventor of T-shirt quilts made with multiple blocks sizes. The modern method of making T-shirt quilts. In 1992 she founded Too Cool T-shirt Quilts. Her life has been immersed in T-shirt quilts ever since.