Pack Fragile Items Properly in Large Shipping Boxes

Whether you are moving a long distance or simply want to send a fragile item to a loved one as a gift, it is important to properly package breakables in heavy duty shipping boxes. By taking the extra care to make sure that your items are packed correctly, you can rest assured the contents of your package will arrive at their final destination in one piece and without damage.

First, choose a box that most closely matches the size of the item you wish to ship. For example, if you are shipping glassware or china, a box that only holds ten pounds may be your best choice. Large shipping boxes are often a good choice for oddly shaped or bigger items because they prevent unneeded movement among the contents. Then, select packing peanuts or foam cushioning, and put it into the box before you add your wrapped items. Any item that you are shipping should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap or newspaper for protection.

After your items are properly wrapped individually, it is time to place them into your box. When placing them into the box, ensure that wrapped items are protected from each other with foam, packing peanuts, or paper in between each piece. It is also important that objects are placed a minimum of one inch away from the box edge, and when sending items with lids, there should always be a cushioning barrier between the main portion of the item and the lid.

After your items have been properly placed into the shipping box, it is important to ensure that any empty areas within the box are properly filled with packing peanuts, paper, or foam in order to prevent items from shifting or moving around inside of the box during transport. It is important to check for movement, and if any is identified, more stuffing should be added in order to prevent it. If you will be shipping your item with a shipping company like UPS or FedEx, double boxing may be a good option, and it is important to include packing peanuts in the empty spaces between the inner and outer boxes.

The final steps of packaging your fragile items for shipment include taping the lid shut firmly, and ensuring that the word “Fragile” is prominently displayed on the top or side of the box. Check the box for signs of indentation, as a box that can be compressed is an indication that the pressure could potentially damage the contents.

[11/7/2013]