From the Cedar Mill News

Between shipping holiday packages, planning the family trip and baking cookies, the holidays can be anything but happy. Fortunately, The UPS Store ® hopes to help keep your holidays happy and hassle-free.

For customers who prefer to do it themselves, Tim Kimble, The UPS Store owner, offers the following tips:

• Begin with the proper materials: a new cardboard box designed for shipping, professional-grade packaging tape and packaging material like foam packaging peanuts or bubble cushioning (at least two inches all around).
• Include a label on the inside of the package with the destination and return addresses.
• Use a shipping option that provides a package tracking number.
• Take batteries out of toys, electronics, etc., before shipping and wrap them separately to avoid contact with metal.
• Seal home-made holiday treats in an interior airtight container or plastic bag before packing them and use an expedited air service.
• Ship wrapped gifts and luggage ahead to your destination, especially if traveling by air.

With only 20 shipping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, good timing is critical. Mondays are typically the busiest shipping days and Dec. 12-16 is expected to be the busiest week of the year, but Tim expects to see the holiday rush as late as Dec. 22 for delivery on Dec. 23.

The UPS Store is located at 10940 SW Barnes Rd., Peterkort Towne Square.