**Short answer:** Consolidation means we combine several of your packages into one box so you ship them together. It takes **2 business days**, and it's charged per package: **$3.25** on Free, **$2.00** on Premium and **free** on VIP.

![Combine several packages into one shipment](https://support.forwardme.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcDhnIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--013f7be3b0c3a3ff2f57a46f647b586ded7c067c/consolidation.png)

## What consolidation is (and isn't)

When you consolidate, our team opens your packages, puts the items into one box and gives you one new package to ship. Couriers charge by weight and size, so one box usually costs less than several separate shipments.

**Paying for several packages at the same time is not consolidation.** If you select several packages at checkout without requesting consolidation, each one ships as its own package with its own shipping cost. To combine them, you have to ask for consolidation when you create the request.

**Keeping the original box.** To combine packages into one, our team opens the originals and repacks the contents, which can mark up the original packaging and remove inserts or warranty cards. That's fine for most items, but if you collect sneakers or other boxed collectibles and the original packaging matters to you, tell support before you ship. We handle it as a special request, since it needs extra care and processing time, and any related fee depends on that handling time.

## How to request consolidation

1. **Wait until all the packages have arrived.** Each package appears in your account once we've logged it. Tip: add the tracking numbers of upcoming orders under **Expected Packages** so we can match them quickly.
2. **Go to Create Request** in your dashboard.
3. **Select the packages** you want to combine and ask for consolidation.
4. **Confirm the request.** Our team combines your packages within 2 business days.
5. **Check your new consolidated package.** Review its customs declaration, then choose your shipping option and pay.

## What it costs

Consolidation is charged for each package you combine:

| Plan | Fee per package | Example: 4 packages |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $3.25 | $13.00 |
| Premium | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| VIP | Free | $0 |

You can compare plans on our [membership page](https://www.forwardme.com/membership).

## Plan around your free storage

Each package keeps its own storage clock while you wait for the others to arrive, and consolidation adds 2 business days. If one of your packages is close to the end of its free storage period, request consolidation early or ship that package on its own. See "Free storage periods and storage fees" for the days on your plan.

## When consolidating doesn't save money

Combining usually lowers the cost, but not always. Couriers bill the higher of a package's actual weight and its dimensional (size-based) weight. If one item is very bulky, putting everything into a larger box can raise the billable weight. In that case our team may recommend shipping some packages separately. See "Why your shipping quote is higher than expected, and how to lower it".

## Common questions

**How long does consolidation take?**
2 business days from your request. Our team doesn't work on weekends.

**Can I add another package to a consolidation request that's already in progress?**
Contact our support team as soon as possible with the details, and we'll check whether it can still be added.

**If I check out two packages together, are they combined into one?**
No. Only packages you request consolidation for are combined. Otherwise each package ships separately.

**A store split my order into several shipments. Do I pay the fee for each one?**
Yes. The fee is charged for each package we receive and combine, even if they came from the same order. On VIP, consolidation is free.

## Still need help?

Our support team is available on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 ET at support@forwardme.com.