How to Ship a Ukulele Safely – Discover the Best Guide and Tips
How to ship a ukulele- Get its dimensions, secure the ukulele in bubble wrap if it’s not in its case, box it with bubble wrap and crumpled paper, and seal it. Label your package accordingly and get a shipping solution of your choice.
Musical instruments are indeed sensitive. So shipping one takes some effort. But when it is a beautiful ukulele, things might not be that hard.
Simply wrap your ukulele with bubble wrap, put it inside a double-walled cardboard case lined with it, and fill the space with plastic foil, crumpled paper, and bubble wrap. Then seal the box and hand it to the shipping service. To know more about how to ship a ukulele in detail, follow the steps below.
What You Need to Prepare
- A sturdy box (not needed if you have the hard case).
- Cushioning material (Peanuts, Foam sheets, Newspaper, etc).
- Bubble Wrap.
- Main box (bigger than the first box/case).
- Zip bags (optional).
- Packaging Tape.
- Label.
How to Pack Ukuleles: Step By Step
This guide will lead you through the process of shipping. If you want to ship your ukulele safely, don’t miss a note!
Step 1: Ukulele’s Dimensions

It is best to start by establishing your ukulele’s dimensions. It should include its length (end to end) and the body’s width.
These dimensions will allow you to get the right boxes to fit your instrument.
The size of the ukulele depends on its type. There are at least 10 types of ukulele with different sizes. Here is a list so you can easily identify your one.
Type | Tuning | Size |
Soprano Ukulele | G-C-E-A | 21 inches |
Concert Ukulele | G-C-E-A | 23 inches |
Tenor Ukulele | G-C-E-A | 30 inches |
Baritone Ukulele | D-G-B-E | 30 inches |
Guitar Ukulele | A-D-G-C-E-A | 28 inches |
Bass Ukulele | E-A-D-G | 30 inches |
Banjo Ukulele | D-C-E-A/D-G-B-E | 23 inches |
Electric Ukulele | G-C-E-A | 23 inches |
Sopranino Ukulele | G-C-E-A | 12 inches |
Pineapple Ukulele | G-C-E-A | 21 inches (approx) |
Step 2: Secure the Ukulele

The next thing will be to secure your ukulele with bubble wrap.
You need to wrap all the parts with enough bubble wrap and secure them with packaging tape.
Make sure to put extra layers of bubble wrap on the most delicate parts.
These include the headstock, neck, nuts, frets, fret space, saddle, strings, tuners, etc.
You want to avoid possible damage to the parts while the ukulele is in transit.
Note:. If your ukulele already has a hard case, you may skip step 3.
Step 3: Put Your Ukulele in the Box

If your ukulele is not in a case and you have bubble-wrapped it, you need to put it in the box. It is best to use a sturdy double-walled cardboard box for this. To get an idea go to this link.
You can also try Amazon for cardboard boxes. Once you’ve got your box ready, line it with a layer of bubble wrap, packing sheet, and other cushioning.
I suggest you avoid putting peanuts directly into the box. Instead, put your peanuts inside zip bags, and use those as cushioning items.
Now place your ukulele, and start filling the space with crumpled paper, bubble wrap, and peanut bags. Try to trap the ukulele in its place.
Once you put it here, shake it to feel that it is not rattling. Now put some bubble wrap sheets and seal the box well.
Step 4: Put it in the Main Shipping Box

First, line the bottom of the box with cushioning, then put the previously boxed ukulele inside.
If the ukulele has a hard case, do the same procedure.
Add extra cushioning to ensure that the inner box or case is not shifting, and seal this box with your packaging tape.
If you want to ensure the shipping box’s flaps and seams are perfectly sealed, use an “H” sealing method and pass the tape twice.
Step 5: Label Your Package

The shipping company will want details about your shipment.
The primary consideration here is to label your package visibly on two of the longest sides for easier identification.
If you are using paper labels, make sure to protect them with layers of packaging tape to ensure they do not come off.
You can also add a “fragile” or “delicate” tag and indicate that the shipment is a musical instrument. For more protection, add a navigating sign showing which part should face upwards.
Note:. To secure your package, you can add a returning address on the inner box/hard case. If your package is lost or damaged, it will come back to your address.
Step 6: You’re Ready to Go

Now that you have done everything right, you only need the shipping company or courier to handle the next stages.
If your package is to be picked up, wait for the post person’s pick up. You can also drop the shipment at the mailing station nearby.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Ukuleles?
The shipping costs of a ukulele mainly depend on the shipping company you use, the chosen service, weight/size, and its destination.
The cost can be $30-$100.
If shipping internationally, you will be required to pay more than when sending domestically due to import taxes/duties.
Again, if you use a standard service or any local shipping service, you will find the shipping costs lower than with an express service.
Depending on how you pack your ukulele, if it is heavy and oversized, you will pay more than if it is light and small. Domestic and international shipping services should ideally take a day to a week.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Ukuleles
If you want to ship your ukulele cheaply, go for USPS.
You should be able to buy postage from them freely via Pirate Ship.
Weigh the package before and proceed to get the desired label for your shipment.
Using Pirate Ship will get you discounted USPS rates for different services depending on the time taken and delivery speed.
If you use the USPS Priority Express Mail or Priority Mail, you can get a free shipping box, but you have to use the company’s recommended address labels.
If your package’s size fits in any of the USPS flat rate boxes, you will be lucky to ship your ukulele at a fixed rate regardless of the distance to be covered.
Ending Thoughts
Shipping a stringed musical instrument seems to be a bit risky. It doesn’t matter if the instrument is small, like a ukulele, or a large one like an electric guitar.
Ukuleles are favorite instruments for many people who fancy music, and like traveling. This instrument is handy and can be easily carried along.
Now get the things ready and pack your melody. And if any of your friends ask you how to ship a ukulele, you can just share this article.
Best of luck!