Kids outgrow clothes fast—and often, those items are still in great shape. Whether you’re passing along gently used clothes to cousins, friends, or donating to a local charity, mailing those items doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right strategy, you can ship kids’ clothing affordably, efficiently, and in a way that fits your family’s budget.

Start by Weighing the Load

Before choosing your shipping method, gather the clothes and weigh them. A small home scale works fine, or you can use a bathroom scale. Heavier shipments over 1 pound are often best handled via USPS Ground Advantage, UPS Ground, or flat rate boxes depending on size and distance.

Use USPS Flat Rate for Heavier Loads

If you’re sending several outfits or bulk items like jeans, a USPS Medium Flat Rate Box can be a smart choice. As of 2024, it ships for around $17.10 regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs), making it a great option for cross-country shipping. You can pick up boxes for free at your local post office or order them online at USPS.com.

Try USPS Ground Advantage for Local Shipments

For shorter distances, USPS Ground Advantage (formerly Retail Ground) is typically cheaper than flat rate. A padded envelope weighing 1–2 lbs may only cost $6–$9 to ship regionally. It includes tracking and is perfect for a couple of onesies, shirts, or lightweight pants.

Pack Efficiently

Use vacuum-seal bags or roll the clothes tightly to reduce volume. Not only does this save space, it can lower your shipping cost by keeping dimensions compact. Reusing clean cardboard boxes or poly mailers helps avoid the cost of new packaging.

Donate via Organizations That Accept Mailed Items

Many charitable organizations now accept clothing by mail. For example:

• Give Back Box lets you reuse shipping boxes to send gently used clothing to nonprofit partners.
• Baby2Baby accepts new and lightly worn children’s clothing to help families in need.
• ThredUp’s Clean Out Kit provides a shipping label for donations (though not all items are guaranteed to be accepted).

Label Clearly and Include a Note

Whether you’re sending items to family or a donation center, label the box clearly with the destination and return address. Consider including a brief note or list of what’s inside—it adds a personal touch and helps recipients organize the items more easily.

Shipping kids’ clothing doesn’t have to cost as much as the clothes themselves. By choosing the right service based on weight and distance, packing compactly, and leveraging flat rate options, you can pass along outgrown items without draining your wallet.