No matter how carefully you package your boxed packaged goods, you can’t completely eliminate the chance of them arriving damaged in transit. Still, there are some things you can do to minimize that risk and ensure your package arrives at its destination in good condition.
Use these helpful tips to learn the dos and don’ts of packing boxed packaged goods so they arrive safely, even during the most intense shipping season.
DO make sure you pack your boxed packaged goods well
It’s important to secure your packaged goods using strong tape, bubble wrap, and/or other packing materials. Your package should be padded so that it can survive long-distance shipping (if you’re sending something domestically) or a rough ocean voyage (if you’re sending overseas).
It should also be marked with clear instructions on how to open it; if you are packaging anything breakable, make sure handle with care is in big letters.
DON’T forget fragile items
Many people believe boxed packaged goods are less prone to breakage than their fragile counterparts, but any kind of shipping is susceptible to damage.
If you’re sending a crystal vase or expensive figurine, be sure to wrap it in bubble wrap or foam peanuts so it doesn’t bounce around during transit. Air cushions make your items more secure in case anything happens along its journey to its destination.
DO be thoughtful about what you’re packing
This means that if you’re moving from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house, don’t pack a bunch of things that can be easily stored in smaller containers or closets.
Rather, think about how much space you’ll need for each item so that you won’t end up with extra boxes when all is said and done.
DON’T crush delicate items
Avoid stressing your boxed packaged goods by being sure to be gentle when packing. There’s no sense in damaging your items before they even arrive at their destination.
However, it can be difficult to pack a box full of breakable things without putting a few dents in them here and there; just try to keep it as minimal as possible.
DO take time to Organize things before packing them
Your customer isn’t going to want to come home to a pile of boxes on their doorstep. Make sure all your items are labeled, numbered, or organized in a way that is easy for someone else to put together.
DON’T forget the kitchen sink
While it’s tempting to throw a few items into your box, it’s best to keep packing simple. After all, you want your customers to be able to remove items from their boxes with ease.
How easy is it for them if you include everything but kitchen sink? (Yes, that means no additional packing material or bubble wrap.) Avoid adding excess weight by including unnecessary things.
DO make sure you have as few boxes as possible in each area
Areas should not exceed 3 boxes, to make it easier for your movers to move them. Typically, kitchens will have more boxes than other areas in a home (due to pots, pans, large appliances, etc.), so try not to put too many dishes into one box.
For your bathroom items, try not to put small/fragile items (like makeup) in big or medium sized boxes.
DON’T stack items tightly inside boxes where they can slide around
Pack items flat, one layer deep. If you need to pack more than one item in a box, place a sheet of bubble wrap or padding between them. Otherwise, they may knock into each other during transit and break.
Even if you are shipping nothing but loose-packaged items, it’s good practice to add sheets or blankets for cushioning to avoid damage from rough handling. Pack two air pillows around any glass or fragile item that might break in transit.