Tips for packaging fragile items for long-distance shipping

[arletka100]

Hello,

After losing a glass vase in transit I started taking packaging much more seriously. A few things that really help for fragile items:

- Double-boxing: small item box inside a larger box with at least 5 cm of padding on every side.
- Air pillows or crumpled kraft paper are lighter than bubble wrap and work well around the product.
- Tape every seam with good-quality packing tape — "H-taping" both ends is the standard.
- For ceramics or glass, wrap each item individually and put a "Fragile" label visibly on two sides.
- Photograph the package before sending. If something breaks, you have proof it left in good condition.

If you're consolidating several fragile items through a forwarding service, ask them to mark the parcel "fragile" on the waybill — it doesn't guarantee gentle handling, but it helps.

What's your best packaging hack?

[arletka100]

Double-boxing has saved me more than once. I also take photos before handing off — great advice. If you don't want to DIY, some forwarders do repacking for you: Polbox's warehouse team, for instance, will add extra padding and switch you to a sturdier outer box on request. Small fee, huge peace of mind when shipping ceramics cross-continent.