Have you ever sealed up an envelope only to realize that you forgot something, such as signing a check or including a rebate form? Normally you would have to open it up, and throw the used envelope away, right? Well here is a handy trick that you can use to save that envelope. Just put it into the freezer for a few hours. Take it out and then run a knife under the flap. It should pop open very easily. The glue will still be good, so you can seal it right back up again. This will also work with new envelopes that might have become accidentally sealed in the humidity.
Another frugal trick when it comes to mail is to send postcards whenever possible. The postage will be a lot less than sending a first class envelope. Use postcards for contest entries and quick notes to friends.
And if you want to save on postcards, why not use some of those extra photos you have? You know the ones. I have a zillion extra shots of landscapes from old vacations that just don’t mean that much to me, for example. Or, how about any photos that may be nice, but just didn’t fit into your photo album or scrapbook? Just divide the photo with a straight line down the back, and you are all set. Grandparents especially love getting these types of postcards!
Media mail is a great option when you are sending books, magazines, videos, etc. I mail a lot of books out with Paperback Swap. But don’t assume that it is always the cheapest option. At least one time in three, you’ll find that first class can cost you 50 percent or less than using media mail, so it pays to ask at the post office.
Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Computing Blog here at Families.com where she shares everything from the latest news on technology to cool downloads and fun websites.
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