What is the recommended or best and cheapest way to send an entire set of books to a single address?

Right now I'm just assuming that they are all going to the same home---the entire set was added to a wishlist request/hold,. but I want to be prepared

If they are paperbacks, I wrap each one in saran wrap and then use packing tape to tape them together making them into a brick and then cover with several sheets of paper or a plastic envelope if I have one big enough.. makeing sure the edges are well secured with tape (sometime referred to a mummy book :  )

If there are more than 6, I generall find the smallest box I have that they all fit in.... or use pieces of cardboard to reinforce the top and bottom of my bundle.

I have sent up to 5 regular size paperbacks wrapped in paper. I do what Lita does above, I wrap the books together in plastic first, (you can put them all into a plastic grocery bag, and then wrap it around the books), then I tape the books together into a single brick, then I just wrap in paper. I cut open a manila envelope, or a bubble wrapper, and then wrap the brick like a present. This has always worked well for me.

For more books, I just find a box.

I usually just scrounge up box from somewhere around the house and send it media mail.

I've also used cereal boxes before.  You don't even need to cover it with paper but I suggest you re-enforce the bottom with mailign tape.

Shoeboxes work awesome. Just tape around the top with duct tape. I am getting ready to pack up 9 for one person tonight and will probably go that way. They won't add much weight but are very secure and sturdy.

Thanks I wasn't aware that media mail took boxes, so that will make it much simpler!

You can mail packages up to 70 lbs with Media Mail. (must be media, of course)

I'm getting ready to mail 6 and like Mary I have a box that's just the right size.  I'm going to take it to the PO to decide if Media Mail is close to First Class Mail then off it goes..

I use boxes, too, for more than 3 books.  I also recommend that you tightly wrap each in something like plastic so that no covers or pages get messed up by being shifted around.  Even with added packing material, the pages can get really messed up because the USPS really throw those packages around.

Ruth

Word of caution, if using grocery bags, it seems Wal-Mart has changed their ink recently.  Noted this when putting a bag in my sink to collect trash - the ink easily comes off with a little moisture, so if using this, ensure the inked side is out (I know, a no-brainer, but....).

Any moisture encountered may cause the transfer of the ink.

Because I live in a very dusty environment (rural with dirt road and the wind always blows from the road to the house after the county grader has gone past to loosen the dust), I seal every book in a ziploc (or equivalent) when listing.  It keeps the book clean and dry while waiting to be requested and makes it easy to wrap tightly with packing tape keeping it in good condtion when shipped.

In addition, it waterproofs the book for rain/snow banks. 

However, other items can be used, such as the inflatable pillow-type bags used when packaging items.  Simply slit the top to let the air out, and deflate.  Most PBs will fit in these.

When sending multiple books, it is then possible to directly tape each book together because the bag gets the taped surface (not the book).  It also makes it easier to split apart at the receiving end....

However, for more than 2 HC or 3 PB I would most likely locate a box.