4 Packaging Tips That Will Ensure Your Gifts Are Delivered On Time This Festive Season

The festivities are just beginning with the holiday season being so near. I am sure that you must have already started preparing the list of gifts that you would be sending out to your near and dear ones. But what if your gifts fail to reach them on time or if they are damaged during transit? You would be disappointed and it would definitely spoil your mood. By taking a few precautions and being careful about your choice of packaging materials, you can ensure that your gifts are delivered on time and without any damages during this festive season.

Select the Correct Packaging Box

Did you know that a crease (made in the box’s wall) can reduce the strength and durability of the package by 70%? These are alarming figures and you should be careful about the box that you chose. It is better to use a new corrugated box or one that has adequate strength even after being made from recycled materials, because a used box would have less strength.

If you have no other option other than reusing White Shipping Boxes, then you need to make absolutely sure that the box is in excellent condition with proper strength and durability. A good way to check this is to ensure that there are no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Don’t forget to remove old markings and labels before reusing the box because it could be sent to the wrong places due to old mailing information on it.

Lastly, you need to get the correct size because if it is too large, then you could be wasting your money on some extra space that would not be utilized. For getting the right sized boxes, you need to first sort out your things that you want to pack and then note down the rough measurements for the required box. This should do the trick.

Add Adequate Cushioning

During the festive season, you can expect people to handle the products roughly owing to the sudden increase in the number of packages being shipped and the urgent deadlines that need to be adhered. The best way to prevent any damages from being inflicted to the contents is to add proper cushioning.

The cushioning can be provided by covering the content in bubble wrap, adding paper pads or using loose fill peanuts for filling up the void. If you have delicate items for packing, then cover them individually with packing paper before putting it in the box along with the padding. This should help to keep the contents safe during transit.

Seal the Box Properly

People often make the mistake of not giving due attention to the manner in which the boxes are sealed. Merely getting the right box and adding cushioning would not help you to secure the contents. You need to use strong tapes (preferably packaging tape or nylon reinforced filament tape that are over 2 inches in width) for sealing the box.

The top needs to be secured by applying three individual strips of tape to keep everything intact. The same can be done for the bottom. However, it would be better to tape the bottom in a cross shape as it helps to strengthen the base even more.

Provide Appropriate Labels and Markings

The label should be placed prominently on the surface of the box so that it has proper visibility. Moreover, the information should be clearly presented on it to ensure that it reaches the desired destination. For international shipments, you should definitely include the contact names and telephone numbers of the recipient and the shipper. Remember to use just a single label as multiple labels can be quite confusing.

Markings are also important because they give an indication of the nature of the contents and the way in which the package needs to be handled. Just use markers for putting symbols or text on the Packing Material and your package should be ready for dispatch. 

7 Tips for Packing Electronics

Take a look around. What do you see? Electronic items, right? This is what the current age of technological marvels has provided us. We have been blessed with amazing electronic gadgets, equipment and tools that make our lives much easier than before. However, these electronic products also have a high price tag and this generates the need for storing and packing them carefully. You just cannot pack them like any other item because the delicate components and parts need careful attention in order to provide the highest levels of protection.

I am sure that you would not want your precious electronic products to be damaged during transit or storage. So follow these important tips and ensure the safety of your products in a better manner. 

Always Refer to the Provided Manual

I am sure that you too are among those who prefer to throw the instructions manual / guide in your drawer the moment you unpack the electronic product(s). These manuals clearly state the conditions that are needed for storing or packing the products. Moreover, you would be able to identify parts that have high risk of damage and require more attention. In case you lose the manual, you can always check out the manufacturer’s website and download the information from there.

Use the Original Packaging

There is nothing better than using the original packaging in which the product was shipped. This packaging has all the necessary characteristics that are needed for storing the product safely and this includes the correct Packaging material, labelling, size, cushioning and storage conditions.

Seek the Best Alternative Packaging Materials

In case you do not have the original packaging with you, then you need to seek out the best alternative that are available for the product. Apart from the material, you need to procure covering paper / newsprint for wrapping the product, scissors for cutting the paper or adhesive tapes, Bubble wraps and markers for labelling the boxes.

Label the Components

Electronic products usually come with a lot of attachments, accessories and components. These items need to be disassembled before they are packed. The worst part about handling such items is that things can get rather frustrating due to the improper sorting. Moreover, if the cables get tangled, then it could take a long time before you are able to untangle them. The best way to handle the situation is to label each component in such a way that you are able to understand which part goes where.

Identify Specific Storage Requirements

Certain electronic items such as personal computers and televisions need to be stored in climate controlled storage units. So you need to consult with the manufacturer or a qualified technician to understand the exact storage requirements for your device. The packaging and the cushioning should only be decided after the requirements are clear to you. This would help to ensure the safety of the products during transportation / storage.

Store Expensive Equipment in Unmarked Boxes For Safety

Labelling and marking the packages is a good practice, but not necessarily one that could protect the boxes from the evil intensions of thieves. Marked boxes that clearly indicate the worth of the goods stored inside them are primary targets of thieves who are always on the prowl for the perfect opportunity during which they would be able to get away with these valuable items. The best way to deviate attention from these products would be to pack small expensive items in unmarked boxes and ensure that nothing fancy is done with the packaging. This should reduce the applicable risk to some extent.

Ensure a Dust-Free Storage Environment

Dust is the biggest enemy for electronic items as it can damage the delicate components. The best way to minimize the presence of dust inside the devices is to wrap electronics in linen or clean paper and then completely seal off the boxes by taping them. You can also use sheets or moving pads to add another layer of protection for the sensitive components. This should help you to maintain minimal levels of dust inside the packaging.