Are you planning to ship a vase, a painting or your favorite plates? Things like these are fragile but sometimes you just have to ship them. It is crucial to know hot to pack fragile items, to make sure they arrive at their destination safely.

As much as we say that it’s not recommended to ship fragile items, sometimes it is necessary to ship items that you’d rather have carried along with you. Instead of living in dread, there are ways to pack fragile items properly so that they are not harmed in handling.

It is not as difficult as it may seem. If you pack fragile items carefully, they will stay compact and safe and not prone to breakage. We have created these guidelines on how to pack fragile items properly to ensure that your items are not damaged in transit.

What do you need?

Packaging Material and Supplies

1. Cardboard Box – for packing things (it should be sturdy; it could be new or used);
2. Pallet – if you are sending a pallet on which packages will be loaded (it should be strong & not broken; it could be new or used);
3. Measuring Tape – for measuring the dimensions of your packages;
4. Weighing Scales – for weighing the packages;
5. Packing Peanuts – for internal cushioning of the cardboard box;
6. Foam – for internal cushioning of the cardboard box;
7. Packing Paper – for securing delicate items;
8. Bubble Wraps – for protecting the stuff inside the cardboard boxes;
9. Duct Tape – for sealing the box.

Where to get the supplies?

1. Cardboard Box – Any stationery store or hardware store, you can get used ones in supermarkets or any other store);
2. Pallet – Any hardware store (for example, Bauhaus);
3. Measuring Tape – Any stationery store, hardware store or supermarket;
4. Weighing Scales – Any store or gym;
5. Packing Peanuts – Hardware stores;
6. Foam – Hardware stores;
7. Packing Paper – Any stationery store, hardware store or supermarket;
8. Bubble Wraps – Any stationery store, hardware store or supermarket;
9. Duct Tape – Any stationery store, hardware store or supermarket.

How to properly pack fragile items?

1. The idea is to secure delicate items separately and without any empty spaces. For example, if you are packing plates, you can put each of them in bubble wrap. Then, put them in a box with crumpled paper at the top and bottom of the boxes. If you are sending frames, put them inside small cardboard boxes. These should be lined with paper and filled with crumpled paper. If you are packing glasses, you can fill each glass with crumpled paper. You should then pack each glass with packing paper; You can use the same approach when you pack fragile items that are small enough to be packed in the same way;
2. The only thing to keep in mind is that you are packing fragile items, so you have to keep them stable inside the package. So, wrap them with lots of crumpled paper, packing paper and bubble wraps;
3. For oddly shaped items, see if they can be turned into a regular shape by filling the item with crumpled paper or adding extra boxes to the item. This will make these items regular shaped. This whole arrangement should be sealed with duct tape to make it compact. Do not restrict yourself while using duct tape. Use as much as possible because wrapping the item properly will ensure its stability;
4. Before packing your items in cardboard boxes, ensure that you fill the cardboard boxes with enough cushioning material, like packing peanuts and foam;
5. Do not forget to write this message on your cardboard boxes – ‘Fragile, please handle with care.’

Putting everything together

1. Choosing the right cardboard boxes – New boxes are recommended, but if you reuse an old box, make sure it is sturdy enough, with no holes, tears or dents;
2. Internal cushioning of the box – Foam padding and packing peanuts will fill up the empty spaces left between the items. This will prevent them from shifting inside the box. Place enough packing peanuts under the items as well and not just on the sides. Don’t use a box which is too big for the items to be placed inside. Even if you use enough cushioning material, the stacking strength will be reduced;
3. Sealing the cardboard box – Use enough duct tape and seal all sides of the box. Apply at least three strips of tape evenly and cover all flaps and seams on the top and the bottom. Use strapping for the heavier boxes.

Things to remember before shipping

1. Avoid empty spaces – Gently shake the box to make sure the items don’t move inside. This will ensure the items are packed securely inside;
2. Measure the dimensions of the cardboard box accurately before placing the order for shipping, as this information will be required for calculating the shipping prices;
3. Make sure that the actual weight and dimensions of the package do not exceed what you placed the order for;
4. Check with the shipping services provider if you need to print and put labels on the package or if the pickup driver will bring it;
5. Do not forget to put specifications on heavy boxes, for example, if the package is heavy, then put a note that it may not be easily lifted by one person;
6. Place the order for shipping at least 2 days before your departure from the location, just to avoid any risks;
7. Try to be even faster in sending shipments during the festive periods.

As you can see, it can be a piece of cake to pack fragile items. With the approach of maintaining stability and compactness for each item, you will ensure a safe trip for your items. However, if you have any other specific doubts, you can always reach our packing and shipping experts through any of our communication channels and we will be happy to help you.