Shipping furniture can be a major undertaking, and figuring out what boxes for shipping and other packaging items you might need to get your item to its final destination safely can seem like an impossible challenge. Fortunately, following a few tips can help to guide you through this process and can help to ensure that your furniture arrives to its recipient safely.

Packing the Item

Boxing your furniture will be the easiest way to ship it, and contacting your local shipping supply store, like Instabox, can help you to find the boxes and packaging solutions you will need. Use bubble wrap to ensure the corners and edges of your piece are well-padded, and use loose fill like newspaper or packing peanuts to fill in any empty space between your item and the box. Also consider the following tips when packing up your items:

• If it is possible to take an item apart, do so. For example, take the legs off of your tables or chairs if they are removable.
• Remove loose hardware and store it in a sealed, plastic bag. Make note of where they are supposed to go in order to assist the recipient for when he or she is putting the item back together.
• Use bubble wrap to protect legs and corners so that they don’t rub up against other items inside your package.
• Make sure that all moving parts, such as drawers and doors, are secured. Tape them shut and use folded cardboard to keep them tight. Make sure that glass is removed and packed carefully.
• Look for a box that will fit your item as closely as possible. Choosing a box that is too large can lead to higher shipping and material costs. It also provides extra room for your item to shift and move during transport, which can increase the likelihood of damage.

Dealing with Odd-Shaped and Large Items

If you are shipping a large and strangely shaped piece of furniture, remove any legs and wrap them separately. For items like a couch you may want to use stretch plastic wrap in order to wrap the item into what appears to be a “cocoon.” Also consider wrapping corrugated cardboard around the entire item so that all sides are covered, and packing tape or nylon strapping can be used to secure the wrapping to ensure that it stays in its proper place during transport.

[1/7/2014]

If you think that packaging has to be boring or that you are restricted to a plain brown box, you are mistaken. In fact, the packaging industry offers a variety of specialty boxes and bags to meet the needs of all customers, regardless of the items they are selling. So that you can get an idea of how they might meet your needs, a description of some of the most common types of packaging solutions is outlined below.

Apparel Boxes

Apparel boxes are more than standard packages, and they can go a long way to help your company in advertising its brand and products. These boxes have more visibility than other packaging specialties, so they can serve an important role in your overall marketing strategy. Available in a variety of shapes, styles, and dimensions, this packaging option can also be offered in eco-friendly options.

Jewelry Boxes

Custom cartons are commonly used for jewelry boxes, and they are a great option because they can easily be branded. When your customer gives a loved one a beautiful piece of jewelry and your business logo is displayed prominently on the top of the package, you will increase the likelihood of having a return customer in the future. Additionally, many women keep their jewelry pieces in the original boxes when they are not wearing them, and this can give you an additional opportunity to have your brand recognized with a potential return customer.

Candy Boxes

Everyone loves to get a box of candy as a gift, as these items are well-suited for just about any occasion. When it comes to packaging candy, extra precautions should also be taken to ensure that the material is sturdy and water-resistant, as moisture and even a small amount of jostling could damage the product. Other specialty items, like ribbons and bows, can also be used to dress up a candy box when giving it as a holiday present, birthday gift, or token of appreciation.

Wine Bags and Boxes

When it comes to giving wine as a gift, the packaging you choose is important, as this item is extremely fragile. A wine bag is a flexible option that allows you to carry a bottle easily, despite its weight. However, other customers choose wine boxes, as they offer more protection against damage. These packaging solutions are available to fit any size, shape, or model of quantity bottle.

[1/2/2014]

If you are in need of packaging materials for your products, you have a lot of options to choose from, including bubble wrap, corrugated pads, and void fill. However, EPS, or Expanded Polystyrene, is arguably one of the most popular packing options on the market. By better understanding the benefits of EPS, you can decide if this material is the right option for your business and packaging needs.

Versatile

EPS can be created in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it can be cut to suit the needs of any application. This versatility makes EPS a good option to use with other materials, and it is produced in a variety of densities.

Thermal Efficiency

EPS has superior thermal efficiency in comparison to other packaging options, and this makes it a great choice for products that will be sensitive to changes in temperature. Products that are packaged in containers with EPS can be kept for long periods of time in temperatures below or above ideal conditions. Examples include medical products, seafood, and fresh produce.

Durable

EPS is one of the most durable of the packaging foams, and this makes it a reliable and effective way to package items that are in need of protection. EPS offers a cellular structure that adds to its stability, and it can stand up with age.

Easily Branded

EPS is known for being easily branded, and this surface can be printed upon without difficulty. Additionally, labels can be affixed to it, which can help with marketing and to increase a company’s brand recognition.

Lightweight

EPS is a very lightweight material, and a majority of it is composed of air. This makes it a great option for packaging because it doesn’t add bulk or weight to the total package. This can ultimately reduce costs of transportation, energy consumption, and fuel. When this consumption decreases, lower global warming can be the end result.

Moisture Resistant

EPS doesn’t easily absorb water because it is a material made of closed cells. Therefore, damp conditions will not result in the loss of strength as might happen with corrugated pads. Due to its moisture resistant properties, it is able to maintain high levels of hygiene, and even when it is exposed to water for long periods of time, EPS will continue to maintain its structure, size, physical appearance, and shape, and it will only slightly effect its thermal efficiency.

[12/30/2013]

People or businesses needing to ensure their most delicate items arrive at their final destination without damage, often choose shipping tubes as their packaging solution. These tubes are great for mailing artwork, blueprints, and designs, as they don’t require the item to be folded or to have creases. By rolling up the item and placing it into the tube, even the most oddly shaped of items can easily be packaged and shipped across the country.

Things to Consider when Selecting Your Shipping Tubes

When choosing a mailing tube, it is important to consider some key aspects. First, ensure that your shipping tube is developed from a sustainable material, such as plastic or cardboard. In some cases, plastic will be the better option because it can protect the item from water damage, but these packages may be more expensive than a cardboard option. Additionally, heavy duty cardboard mailing tubes can also offer high levels of durability and protection.

Finding a tube that is the appropriate size is also vital when selecting a mailing tube. Most importantly, the diameter of the tube should be considered, as you will need to roll your item tighter than the width of the tube. Some tubes in which you can adjust the length may be available.

If you are a business owner, you may want to consider branding your mailing tube so that your business name or logo is displayed during transport. This can help to increase your company’s brand recognition while providing clients and potential customers with a positive first impression of your business. Tubes can be colored, plain, or even clear, but it is important to remember that a clear tube will make your items visible to the world.

Using a Mailing Tube

Mailing tubes are mandatory if you and your business do a significant amount of shipping and mailing. These packaging solutions are designed for shipping large paper items, and they typically have removable plastic caps on each end so that inserting and taking out items is an easier process. Others have ends that simply fold in on themselves before snapping shut to seal.

When using a mailing tube, it is important to ensure that your item isn’t bent or crinkled when pushing down to form the fold or to secure the plastic cap. You should also be sure that you don’t leave too much extra space, as this could cause your document to slide back and forth continuously. Instead, determine how much space your document will take up, and then purchase a shipping tube of that size.

[12/26/2013]

As the holiday season approaches, you may need to ship and package items to send to your loved ones. While this is often a daunting task, there are a variety of tips that you can follow to improve the process.

Properly Display Address Labels

It is important that when you are shipping items over the holiday season that your address labels are filled out and placed properly. Make sure addresses only appear on one side of your package and don’t contain additional punctuation. It is also best if your addresses are written parallel to your package’s longest edge.

Use Two Boxes for Fragile Items

In order to avoid potential damages this holiday season, box the most breakable items twice. Place them into a regular sized box, and then use resilient packaging materials to secure that box into a larger box.

Protect Shipping Materials in Wet Weather

If you need to ship an item during wet weather, be sure to protect the shipping materials. Place clear packaging tape over the shipping address and your return address. Be sure to avoid covering up any barcodes that may need to be scanned during transport.

Reinforce Packaging

Use reinforced, paper, brown, or clear packing tape in order to tape the seams and openings of boxes. Never use twine, string, cord, or basic tape in order to reinforce your boxes for shipping.

Ship Perishables Monday-Wednesday

This will ensure that they don’t get stuck in very cold or hot temperatures for several days over the weekend, which could happen if shipping is done on Thursday or Friday. It is also important to send them for next-day delivery.

Get Insurance

If you will be shipping valuable items, investing in low-cost insurance for your packages is a good idea. You may also want to consider photographing your items and keeping receipts as proof of your shipment.

Monitor the Weight of Your Packages

By simply reducing the weight of your packages by a couple of ounces, you can save a significant amount of money on your shipping costs. Likewise, adding even a small item to your package can have you paying a higher rate, as your item may jump up to a heavier weight class.

Use an Extra Address Label

It is recommended that you include an extra shipping label inside of your packages. In the event that the original becomes unreadable or detaches from your package, this will help your shipping provider to get the package to its original destination or back to you.

[12/23/2013]

If you are moving, you may be using folding boxes in order to pack up your items and transport them to your new home. While these boxes can make the process of moving easier, many people make the mistake of taping them improperly when using them for this purpose. This can result in the damage of your personal items and breakables, so it is important that you know how to properly secure your moving boxes with tape before loading up your items.

Tips for Taping Moving Boxes

The first step in properly taping a moving box is to select the right tape. Masking or Scotch tape should be avoided, and instead, you should invest in a variety that is designed specifically for packaging. It will be easier to manage if it is in a tape dispenser, and by choosing a high-quality and strong tape, you can ultimately use less on each of your boxes.

When preparing your folding cardboard boxes for a move, it is important to never simply overlap the opposite flaps at the bottom. This will not make your container secure, and it is likely that the bottom will fall out once you load it with heavy items. Additionally, many moving companies may refuse to move your boxes if they aren’t packaged correctly, and you may be charged if they have to repack them for you.

To start taping, begin by folding the smaller flaps on the bottom of your box, and then follow by folding in the large flaps. Turn your box, and then start taping. Many professional movers will use an “H” taping method where the middle of the letter is placed over the middle seam on the box. That middle piece of tape should be put down first, and then another strip should be placed along both sides where the flaps have been folded in.

If your load is going to be especially heavy, an “X” taping method may be preferred. With this way of taping, after the “H” method has been completed, you will tape from each diagonal corner so that the tape resembles the letter “X.” This will help to reinforce the bottom of the box.

Once you have finished taping the box, it is important to check the tape. It should lie flat against the cardboard and adhere tightly to the box. Once you have flipped the box over and have loaded up your contents, you should secure the top portion of the box with the same “H” pattern that you have already demonstrated.

[12/16/2013]