How to Pack & Ship
Moving or shipping a box filled with your personal belongings can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, if you are properly prepared, it can be an easy task.
If you choose to ship in a recycled box, make sure it is in excellent condition and remove any prior labels before you begin assembling your new package.
Determine the method of shipping your box prior to packing. If you are using a moving company or a shipping company, they will need to be contacted in advance to schedule a time to pick up your box.
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Things You'll Need
- Corrugated box
- Nylon reinforced filament packing tape
- Scissors
- Bubble wrap
- Expanded polystyrene "peanuts"
- Inflatable packaging (air bags)
- Crumpled craft paper
- Permanent marker
Instructions
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Safely Packing and Shipping a Box
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1
Assemble a proper-sized corrugated box in excellent condition for the contents you wish to pack. Use packing tape to secure the flaps of one side of the box in position. Tape one long strip lengthwise over where the flaps meet in the center and two shorter strips on either end to secure the edges of your box.
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2
Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap. Fragile items should not touch each other or the edges of the box when shipped.
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3
Add internal protection such as polystyrene "peanuts," inflatable air bags or crumpled craft paper to surround the contents of your box. Each item should have 2 inches of protection surrounding it. And, there should be at least 2 inches of protection between the items packed and any side of the box.
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4
Fill in any gaps with leftover polystyrene or crumpled paper so that each item is secure and nothing is rattling or moving around in the box. Pick up the box and shake it gently to test that everything is secure.
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Close your container securely using nylon reinforced filament packing tape. Tape it the same way on the top as you did on the bottom, making sure that each edge is sealed.
Labeling and Shipping Your Box
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Write the complete shipping address on a clean white label using a permanent marker. Be sure to include the full zip-code of the recipient and the complete return address of the shipper.
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Adhere the shipping label to the box on an area that is flat. Do not adhere it over other tape or on a seam.
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Contact your shipper. Delivery services, such as UPS, FedEx and DHL, require an appointment to pick up packages. Or, you can bring your package to the United States Postal Service during business hours.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Karton mit Luftposter image by Marem from Fotolia.com
