<p>I asked this in the parent forum but I thought I'd ask here as well! </p>
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<li><p>In your experience, which carrier is best for shipping big boxes? My family will be traveling together and so we will take advantage of checking baggage on our airline (I will put most of my things in boxes that we will be able to check for free), but we only get one piece of luggage each and that might not be enough for me. </p></li>
<li><p>Obviously, if you're going to shop, doing it in the campus area is better since you don't have to ship it, but what about things you already own? Which is cheaper: to ship, say, school supplies or bedding or a printer that you already own, or replacing it all once you get there?</p></li>
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<p>Thanks so much!</p>
<p>(1) I can’t speak on other carriers but USPS. Their boxes aren’t that big. With their biggest box, I still had to use 2 of them to ship my things which with another carrier with a bigger box, could’ve only been one box. I think UPS has some big boxes. I remember passing by their store and saw some nice sized boxes. Too bad UPS isn’t near my home or I would’ve shipped my things with them…</p>
<p>(2) Whether you buy the items in your home town and ship it or but it in your school area, you’re going to have to ship whatever you buy eventually (shipping it there or shipping it back home when it’s time to leave). But from experience, it’s more convenient to buy things in the school area.</p>
<p>I know a lot of people who buy when they get to the school and then rent a storage room over the summer. It’s more convienient than shipping things back and forth.</p>
<p>If you’re shipping books/dvds, then go for the media mail option at the post office. I sent something that was close to 20 pounds and only paid $6. Be careful that you don’t send anything other than ‘media’ in the boxes, though. I was told that they’re subject to inspection.</p>