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How To Ship a CD or DVD | The Cheapest Safe Way

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CD packed in cardboard mailer shipping box

This article covers the cheapest and safest ways to ship a CD or DVD, reviewing each option and the general costs associated. All methods are cost-efficient and ensure your CD or DVD will arrive safely. 

Here are the cheapest safe ways to ship a CD or DVD:

1. Send a Mailing Envelope 

One option for shipping your CD or DVD is with a mailing envelope. There are many different options for mailing envelopes. Manila, invitation, or cardboard envelope are all excellent options for sending a CD or DVD. Simply pick out the size that’s most suitable. According to the U.S. Postal Service, shipping first-class mail will start at just $0.58 for any envelope or package under 3.5 ounces (99 g). 

  • Manila envelope. A manila envelope is an excellent option to mail your CD or DVD since it’s big enough. You can purchase single-use manila envelopes at any office supply store or order a packet of manila envelopes online. These envelopes found on Amazon are a great investment because there are several sizes ranging from 5.5×7.5 inches (13.97×19.05 cm) to 12×15.5 inches (30.48×39.37 cm). 
  • Brown invitation envelope. Standard brown invitation envelopes are another excellent option for shipping your CD or DVD. This pack of invitation envelopes is perfect for such items, as they fit nicely inside without much excess space. They’re also a relatively cheap option and provide an outer layer of protection for your CD or DVD. 
  • Cardboard envelope. A cardboard envelope is the best choice of mailing envelope as it provides the most protection for your CD or DVD. This pack of cardboard envelopes is reasonably priced, in my opinion, for a packet of 25 envelopes and will protect your CD or DVD from any scratches or damage that might occur during the shipping process. 

All of these options are inexpensive and provide a covering for your CD or DVD to protect it from shipping damage, yet for the most extensive protection, use a cardboard envelope. 

2. Use CD or DVD Sleeves

Another option for shipping your CD or DVD is to send it inside a CD or DVD sleeve, which is essentially a protective plastic casing. You have likely seen one before. When you purchase a CD or DVD, they often come inside a sleeve. This is a good choice for a shipping package and can provide reasonable protection for your CD or DVD. 

There are many sizes and shapes of CD/DVD sleeves. Some are rounded, and some are square. This clear round case found on Amazon is an excellent choice for storing and shipping your CDs and DVDs. It even locks on the side to ensure the case doesn’t open during shipping. If you are going to be shipping many disks, you can invest in a package of sleeves. 

If you want to save money, consider repurposing any old CD or DVD cases you or any friends may have in your homes. While it doesn’t matter what size or shape the DVD case is, keep in mind that the bigger and heavier the case, the more expensive it’ll be to ship. A small, clear, plastic case is often preferred because it weighs almost nothing and doesn’t take up much space.   

3. Ship in a Cardboard Box

Another option for shipping your CD or DVD is in a cardboard box. The cheapest way to use cardboard in your shipping is to repurpose a cardboard box that you already have. And just as with envelopes or sleeves, the smaller your package, the better the shipping costs. 

If you choose to use a cardboard box, make sure to fill the extra space with some type of padded filler, like newspaper, so the disk doesn’t slide around too much and get damaged during shipping.

If you can’t find a cardboard box to repurpose, or if you need multiple boxes to ship several disks, it’s possible to purchase bundles at moving supply stores and other retailers. It’s typically best to buy a package of cardboard boxes rather than just one, as it’ll be more cost-efficient. 

These shipping boxes are a perfect choice. They’re the ideal size for standard CDs and DVDs, measuring just the right amount in diameter and ensuring there isn’t too much leftover space. 

You can also source an appropriate-sized stray piece of cardboard to wrap around your disk. Simply take a 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) piece of cardboard, put the disk on one side, and fold it over. Consider using tape around the edges to ensure the disk doesn’t fall out. If you choose this option, you may also want to put the cardboard in a manila envelope, as mentioned above. 

Related How To Mail Keys | The Best Way.

4. Secure With Bubble Wrap

If you’re looking for the safest option for shipping your disk, consider using bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is a particularly wise option if you’ll be shipping disks frequently. 

It can be challenging to buy a small quantity of bubble wrap, so it’s best to purchase a roll if you can’t find some to repurpose. This Amazon bubble wrap roll is a great buy and is perfect to use for carefully wrapping CDs or DVDs to ship.

When using bubble wrap, carefully wrap the disk in a single layer for shipping. Tape it closed around the outside edges to secure and place it in either an envelope or a box to ship. Any of the above options will work fine. If you choose this option, don’t place more than one CD or DVD inside the bubble wrap. If you place them together, you run the risk of them scratching or damaging each other during shipping. 

5. Send With Other Items

Woman Packing a Shipping Box

If you’re not shipping CDs or DVDs regularly, and this is perhaps a one-time experience for you, you might consider shipping the disk with other items. If you already have a package you’re sending, depending on the items, consider putting the disk inside that package. This helps you save on both the time to find the right shipping method and the money of sending an extra package. 

Here are a few items you can safely ship with a CD or DVD: 

  • Clothes. Simply place the disk in with the package. Choose a delicate piece of clothing and simply fold the disk inside. If you choose this option, make sure to tightly pack your clothes, so the disk doesn’t slide around. Also, make sure that you do not wrap your disk in clothes that have zippers or anything metal that could damage it. 
  • Paper documents. Place your CD inside with the papers. The paper will provide some cushioning for the disk to help ensure it’s not damaged. 
  • Care package. This is a good way to send a CD or DVD, as the items will likely be packed relatively close together, and your disk will be safe from damage. 

Conclusion 

There are many safe, cost-efficient ways to ship CDs and DVDs. You can experiment with different options depending on if you’ll be sending a disk just once or if you’ll do this frequently.

You can try different mailing envelopes, CD or DVD sleeves, cardboard, bubble wrap, or shipping your disk with other items. These options are all relatively cheap ways to ensure that your disk is sent safely.

For more, check out In Transit vs. Out for Delivery | What Do They Mean?