Shipping a gift across great distances is always a cause for concern for many people. Whether we’re sending documents or valuables, we’re always afraid that our parcel might get damaged in transit. Or worse, lost. That’s why it’s important to pack the object properly for shipping. Otherwise, the parcel won’t survive the bumps, falls, and drops it’s bound to experience during the journey.
Good packaging isn’t just for safety, however. There’s a reason why businesses spend a lot of resources on getting their shipping right. From the box’s design, the sticker labels, down to the tape they use, every part of the packaging process is designed to leave a good impression on the recipient. If you’re sending a parcel from the USA to the UK, it’s always a good idea to spend some time on the packaging’s visual aspect.
Getting your parcel from point A to point B safely requires some planning and preparation. Here are a few guidelines you can follow to ensure your parcel arrives in one piece.
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Use the right materials for the item
Parcels go through miles and miles of conveyor belts and sorting machines and are manhandled by countless personnel while in transit. You might think you’re saving a few dollars by reusing an old box for your parcel, but it could easily fall apart as the box is thrown from one place to the next. Keep in mind that rough handling can damage the contents, even if the box itself is intact.
Make sure to use high-quality materials when packing a gift. But it’s not enough to use a durable box. You also have to consider the item that you’re going to send. For instance, a heavy object will need extra support to prevent it from moving around while in transit. You may need to use a double-layered cardboard box to seal it in.
You also need to consider the shape of the object. Irregular objects will need enough cushioning material to keep it in place. You should also ensure that the object isn’t touching the sides of the box. Leave enough room for at least three to four inches of padding.
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Don’t overfill
You need to strike a balance between space and cushioning. If there isn’t enough filler material in the parcel, the object could bounce around while in transit and get damaged. Meanwhile, an overfilled parcel could suddenly burst while it’s halfway across the world. Double-check the parcel before sealing it. There should be enough cushioning material to prevent movement, but the box shouldn’t feel overly full.
When shipping electronics, encase the object in bubble wrap and hold it in place using cardboard inserts. It’s up to you whether you want to use bubble wrap for multiple objects, but you also need to use airbags to prevent excessive movement. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper.
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Seal the parcel correctly
Yes, there is such a thing as the right tape for shipping. For starters, the packaging tape should be at least 2 inches wide, but wider is better. If the parcel comes with its own adhesive strip, you also may want to reinforce the exterior by adding more tape. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Avoid using non-standard materials such as straps when sealing the parcel. They could damage the box or come undone while in transit. Double-check the box before sending it out. Proper sealing, if done properly, should keep dirt and water from entering the parcel.
Make sure to use the H method when taping the box. This ensures that the flaps are held in place during transport. Start by sealing the center part of the box with packaging tape. Next, add tape to the edges of the box. The parcel’s top and bottom should look like the letter H. Feel free to add more tape for more security.
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Place the box inside a box
When shipping fragile or valuable objects, the box-in-box technique is a great way to keep them safe and secure. The inner box contains the object, which is then placed inside a bigger box. Make sure to add lots of filler material to keep the inner box in place. Using this method also conceals its contents and reduces the likelihood of theft since the outer box is free of branding.
The bottom line
These pointers will help you keep your parcel safe and secure. Proper packing methods ensure that your parcel will survive the rough and tumble of the shipping process. Always use the right materials for the type of object and follow proper sealing and packing methods.