Shipping fragile items like glassware, ceramics, electronics, or anything with moving parts requires extra care. A little strategic packing can prevent cracked mugs, shattered ornaments, or customer complaints—saving you both money and stress. Whether you’re mailing a gift or fulfilling an order, follow these practical steps to ensure your delicate items arrive safely and intact.

Choose the Right Box Size

Start with a box that gives you 2–3 inches of space on all sides of the item. This extra room allows for enough cushioning material to absorb impact during shipping. Avoid oversized boxes that can cause items to shift or collapse under weight.

Use Double Boxing for High-Risk Items

For extra protection, use a smaller inner box to hold the item, and place that inside a larger, well-padded outer box. This method is recommended for items like cameras, collectibles, and anything valuable or irreplaceable. Carriers like UPS and FedEx also endorse double-boxing for damage prevention.

Wrap Items Individually

Wrap each fragile item separately with bubble wrap, foam sheets, or thick paper. Make sure the wrap fully covers the object and is secured with tape so it doesn’t loosen during transit. If shipping multiple items, use cardboard dividers to prevent them from touching each other.

Fill Every Void

Empty space inside the box is the enemy of fragile items. Fill all gaps with packing peanuts, crumpled kraft paper, or air pillows to minimize movement. The goal is to immobilize the item so it doesn’t shift or hit the box walls if dropped or jostled.

Seal the Box Securely

Use strong packing tape, not masking or duct tape, to seal all seams. Reinforce the bottom with extra tape layers and tape the top with an H-pattern (center seam plus both edges) for maximum hold. Tamper-proof and water-resistant tapes are smart upgrades for especially sensitive shipments.

Label It Clearly

Mark the package with “FRAGILE” stickers on multiple sides. While carriers don’t guarantee special treatment, clear labeling signals the need for care and helps with insurance claims if needed. Also add “This Side Up” if orientation matters for the item’s stability.

Add Insurance if Needed

If the item is valuable or difficult to replace, consider insuring the shipment. USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer coverage for declared value, and some platforms include basic coverage when labels are purchased through their system.

Test Your Packing Job

Give the box a gentle shake. If you hear or feel movement inside, reopen and adjust the cushioning. The less it moves, the more likely it is to arrive safely.