You can get FREE USPS Priority Mail shipping supplies (boxes, labels, etc...) from www.usps.com. They have a slew of different sizes to choose from as well. The small boxes are perfect for sending a 5'er out.

I usually put sticks in a baggie with a humi-pack. Pad the box with newspaper or whatever you have handy. In the end when you shake the box, you shouldn't hear anything moving. Tape the $h!t out of it and its ready to go.

If you use click-n-ship from the usps website, DC is free and they'll pick it up from your front door.

spiffy