How to Prepare a Package for Shipping

PackageIt Team • June 21, 2022

A properly packaged product has a greater chance of surviving the shipping process and arriving at its destination intact. To ensure your package travels as smoothly as possible AND arrives safely at its destination, it's important to make sure it is packaged properly. Here are four steps to consider when preparing a package for shipping:

1. Make Sure Your Item is Bundled Well

You will want to keep in mind three things: the weight of your item, the size and shape of your item, and the value/fragility of your item.

Weight: The heavier the product, the stronger the packaging material needs to be.

Size/Shape: When using a box, your item should not touch the side and you need to have enough room for cushioning material.

Value: High-value and fragile items will need extra protection and cushioning. Something like a t-shirt can be packaged in a mailer where cosmetics or housewares will need to be boxed.

Types of packages to choose from include:

Boxes: great for heavier items, odd-shaped items, and fragile items

Tubes: perfect for lightweight paper items such as posters or clothing

Mailers: similar to large envelopes, mailers are available padded and unpadded. These are ideal for documents, small items, jewelry, and some electronics.

You will need to choose a box strong enough to protect the contents and large enough to accommodate cushioning This will help the item withstand any rough handling it might encounter on its journey. Things tend to shift around in transit, and it is important to ensure that the product is secure in the package.

2. Wrap and Protect your Item

Wrap your item with protective wrapping to fill out the space inside the package. Bubble wrap is a good material to use. If your item is large and odd shaped, a void-filler may be a better option. And some items may require molded inserts or special padding. Options for filler and padding include:

3. Seal Your Package Well

Your package will need to be sealed in a way that prevents unexpected or unwanted opening in transit. When taping, you need to make sure any address or labeling is visible, and you are able to access the package shipping/tracking information. It is best to use at least 2-inch-wide packing tape, then seal the openings of your box along its entire length.

Popular options include clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. It is not recommended to use string, masking tape, or cellophane tape.

4. Label Your Package

To ensure your package arrives at its destination without any issues, labeling your package correctly is a must.

Do NOT place the label over any seams on your package.
If you’re writing the address, make sure your handwriting is clearly legible and use simple print with a pen or permanent marker.
If you’re shipping hazardous or fragile items, check standards to see what additional labeling may be required.
We also suggest including shipping details inside your box in case your shipment is damaged.

Printed labels make your package and product appear more professional. Look at options including direct thermal label printing, thermal transfer labeling and laser print labels.

Contact PackageIt for All Your Shipping Supply Needs

You need the right materials to ensure you package arrives safely and protected. You can count on PackageIt to take care of your packaging needs. From standard supplies to custom boxing or package fill needs the sales professionals at PackageIt will help find the right solutions for your products and budget. Contact a representative today for a quote.

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