If you need to transport some of your stuff some place else for whatever reason, and you are doing so via courier delivery, the last thing you want to happen is for your precious possessions, whether it be the lamp your great-grandma gifted you or your favourite vase, to be damaged in the process.
Well, try not to worry because, the good news is that, with a few smart tricks, you can ensure that everything you pack, no matter how fragile, can make it from one place to another, via courier delivery, without so much as a chip. Here’s how:
1. Pick the right box (not your old shoe box)
The first thing you are going to want to do when preparing your fragile items for courier delivery, is to make sure that you choose a box that is sturdy and well-made to place them in. A flimsy shoebox or recycled Amazon package might be fine for your more robust stuff, but if your item for delivery is of the fragile variety, they just aren’t going to cut it.
Ideally, you will want to choose a box that is double-walled and made from cardboard. It should also be big enough for your item and a little extra cushioning too. New boxes are best, but you can reuse them as long as the box in question is still in good shape.
If an item you’re sending for courier delivery is extremely fragile, then packing it in two boxes, with padding between them, will offer even more protection.
2. Bubble wrap is your new best friend
When you’re sending fragile items via courier, then you really cannot get enough bubble wrap in your life. Use it generously, and use as many layers as you can possibly fit into the exterior packaging, and it will do an amazing job of keeping your fragile possessions safe from breakages.
Just make sure that your bubble wrap surrounds every single side of your item, and secure it with tape so that it does not come loose in transist. If the object you are packing has lots of sharp edges or corners, then wrap them first separately before wrapping everything else too.
3. Fill the gaps with packing peanuts or crumpled paper
Once your item is snug in its bubble wrap, you’ll need to stop it from moving around in the box. This is where packing peanuts or crumpled paper come into play. Fill the empty spaces around your item to keep it from shifting. Movement is the enemy during courier delivery, so pack it tight!
Make sure you have at least 5-7 cm of padding between your item and the sides of the box. This will give your item a nice little buffer from any bumps or drops that might occur along the way.
4. Seal it up tight
Don’t just slap a bit of sellotape on the box and call it a day. You’ll need strong packing tape to seal all the edges and seams of your box properly. Use the “H” method—tape along the centre seam and then across the sides, forming an H-shape on the top and bottom of the box. This prevents the box from popping open mid-transit.
5. Label it as fragile
This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to label their parcels as fragile. Use bright, clear labels that say “Fragile” and “This Way Up” on multiple sides of the box. Couriers handle countless parcels daily, so you want to give them a visual reminder to take extra care with yours.
Choosing the right courier delivery service
Not all courier services are equal when it comes to handling delicate items. Opt for a reliable service like Sub60 Couriers, which has a reputation for carefully managing breakable goods. When booking your courier delivery, mention that the item is fragile to ensure it’s handled with the appropriate care.