Packing Tips

GET IT THERE IN ONE PIECE!

Our packaging tips will help to ensure that your consignments arrive undamaged

Your packages to any destination need to be robust enough to survive passing through many hands. Here are some important considerations:

General

Use strong and durable packing materials, with reinforced edges and corners or padding if needed
Size matters! Select a package or box relative to the size of the contents. Under-filled boxes can collapse and overfilled boxes could burst
Select appropriate filling or cushioning – for example air bags, moulded polyethylene trays, polystyrene chips, shredded paper
Use strapping around boxes where possible, or strong packing tape. But do not over-seal as goods travelling across country borders are liable to be opened by customs personnel
For rolled items such as maps, blueprints, manuscripts etc, triangular tubing is more robust than round cylinders
Use large address labels and complete addresses clearly, in full, preferably using a printed label or at least writing in CAPITALS. Always affix your return address.
Re-using boxes is great for the environment, but make sure you remove all old labels to avoid confusion.

Writing ‘Fragile’ or ‘Handle with Care’ on fragile items is helpful, but alone, it won’t protect delicate items
Anything fragile should be surrounded on all sides by padding, and incapable of ‘drifting’ to the edge of its container
Gifts can come in attractive packaging which is nonetheless wholly inappropriate for travel. Brown paper won’t be enough - they will need to be re-packaged if you want them to arrive safely
Secure any sharp objects such as scissors or knives and other blades safely, using heavy cardboard. Ensure that they are secured tightly enough that they won’t come adrift in transit and cause wounding.

If liquid leaks, you won’t just lose the liquid, as spillage will damage other items in transit. Containers should be leak-free, double-sealed in plastic bags and cushioned with polyethylene trays or Styrofoam
Semi liquid substances such as oils, gels, pastes etc should be sealed with adhesive tape and grease-resistant paper. If containers are not robust, ensure you pack with appropriate cushioning (see above).