Pack n Send Blog

In our previous blog post, we talked about "How Not to Pack a Package." We are now going to provide you with some useful advice on how to send packages the right way. How you pack and send any item will depend on the needs of the item itself. Its size, shape and what it needs for protection during the shipping process will decide how you need should prepare it for its trip. Here are some basic instructions for the most common types of items people ship.

Protecting Fragile Items

Any item that is in danger of breaking has to be carefully protected during the pack and send process.

• Choose a box large enough to allow ample space for packing peanuts or bubble wrap in addition to the items you are shipping.
• Avoid using crumpled or shredded paper as protection for your fragile goods. It will frequently compact during shipping and will not provide enough cushioning to protect the items securely.
• Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap and then place the items on a cushioned surface.
• Make certain there is also a protective layer between the wrapped items and the sides and top of the box as well.
• Clearly label the outside of the package as fragile on all sides.

Shipping Heavy Items

When you pack and send heavy items, choose a box strong enough to handle the weight. Choose double-walled boxes and ensure that all seams are taped securely.  

Bulky or Irregularly Shaped Merchandise

Some items are shaped oddly or too large to fit into standard-sized boxes.

• Check the dimensions of the item and find a shipping company which will accept items of this size.
• Be cautious about following all of their requirements regarding appropriate shipping materials and labels.
• Consider that there may be extra charges for over-sized items.
• Custom built boxes or pallets may be needed for shipping.

Books and Printed Material

• All books and printed materials will need to be tightly bound to prevent pages from becoming bent or torn.
• Small shipments can be wrapped and packaged in padded envelopes.
• For larger shipments, choose sturdy boxes and securely tape every seam.

Clothing and Other Fabrics

• Fabric can be shipped in plastic, corrugated cardboard or inside of a tube depending on the type of the fabric. 
• Depending on the type of fabric, you may want to fold the items carefully and wrap with tissue paper prior to shipping. This will prevent some wrinkling during transport.
• Bulky items like bedding can be shipped either individually in large boxes or you can use vacuum space-saver bags to reduce their size and make it possible to ship more than one item in each box.
• Consider using plastic bags,even inside boxes, to ensure fabrics are protected from potential water damage. 

For every package, regardless of the contents, it is important to follow all shipping regulations to avoid delays.

• Only pack and send items in sturdy, undamaged boxes.
• If you are reusing a box for shipping, use a marker to black out any previous shipping bar codes. Also over any labels or graphics that may make the box seem to contain a hazardous material.
• Remember to remove or entirely cover any previous mailing labels on used boxes.
• Never use masking tape, duct tape or scotch tape to seal the outside of your package. Only packing tape should be used.
• Clearly address the package using a large, easy-to read label. Avoid writing the address directly on the box. Use only waterproof permanent markers to write the labels. If printed labels are used, choose weatherproof labels or cover with plastic.
• Always include a return address on any labels.

By following these instructions and those given by the shipping company you are using, you will be doing everything you can to get your package safely to its destination.