For those of you who have used M Bags

I was in a hurry and didn't box or wrap my books at all. They have about another 3 weeks or so until they arrive. I suppose these books will have a worn look to them, if they survive  I don't know what i was thinking.

You never know...they may be absolutely fine. It's all a gamble. Hope they arrive in good condition 

Just wanted to add one more tip: the books that I wrapped in cellophane seem to have travelled even better than the ones that were wrapped in bubble wrap (not what I was expecting). So if I were to do it again, I would just wrap them all in that, since bubble wrap is not cheap!

You CAN also use the M-bags for DVDs and videos.

I was told at the post office this was not the case.  They specified only books and sheet music -  journals and magazines were not even acceptable.

Perhaps the CDs and Videos are only if they are related to books (where the book comes with a CD?)? 

Perhaps the CDs and Videos are only if they are related to books (where the book comes with a CD?)? 

That's what I remember from reading through the rule sheet.  I needed to ship 45 lbs of cds and would really have appreciated being able to use M-Bags.

http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub51/pub51_008.html#vnameref_1

d.   Allowable contents:
(1)   All categories of printed matter can be enclosed in an M-bag. Printed matter is defined as paper on which words, letters, characters, figures, images, or any combination thereof, not having the character of a bill or statement of account, or of actual or personal correspondence, have been reproduced by any process other than handwriting or typewriting. Articles that meet the printed matter definition include newspapers, magazines, journals, books, sheet music, catalogues, directories, commercial advertising, and promotional matter.
(2)   Certain categories of merchandise can be combined with printed matter in an M-bag provided that all of the following criteria are met:
(a)   The merchandise items being sent are limited to disks, tapes, and cassettes; commercial samples shipped by manufacturers and distributors; or other non-dutiable commercial articles or informational materials that are not subject to resale.
(b)   The merchandise items are related to the printed matter with which they are being mailed.
(c)   The merchandise items are affixed to or are otherwise combined with the accompanying printed matter.

I have just shipped my M-bags! I followed the advice that everyone gave. I wrapped all my books in plastic wrap, used the box within a box method, stuffed empty spaces with packaging peanuts and reinforced the outside of the boxes with packaging tape.

It took me forever, but hopefully everything will arrive in good condition. I work at a specialty food store (I shipped 168 gift boxes over Christmas!), so luckily I was still in packing mode! I'm counting my lucky stars that I was able to buy some good supplies at wholesale costs. I can't believe how expensive shipping supplies are in retail stores.

Anyways, I've been planning and thinking about this move for months, and it's so exciting to actually get things in motion. Thanks very much for the advice.   

I can't believe how expensive shipping supplies are in retail stores.   

No kidding! I left my job right befor I started packing, so suddenly didn't have access to all of the extra boxes/bubble wrap that I was used to being able to take from the office. I couldn't believe when I went to buy bubble wrap from Staples!

Good luck with the move!

I know - and the rollls of bubble wrap are so small and pathetic!! Thanks again!