Packing Tips:

 

1. Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.
2. Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes, so they're not too heavy.
3. Buy clean newsprint to wrap items, and bubble wrap for padding.
4. Pack breakables loosely in plastic storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.
5. Write "FRAGILE" on all boxes with breakables and stack these boxes on top

 

The Do's

• Choose the size of the package according to its content. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse; overloaded ones may burst.
• Always use high quality materials for your shipments. Consider strength, cushioning, and durability when selecting your wrapping supplies.
• Choose boxes made of corrugated cardboard, with good quality outer liners. Use heavy-duty double-layered board for valuable items.
• Make use of cushioning materials, especially to stop your packaging contents from moving.
• Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don't touch the sides. Your item should be well cushioned on all sides.
• Ensure liquids are stored in leak-free containers, packed with a lightweight, strong, internal material (for example, Styrofoam) and sealed with a plastic bag. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
• Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape, then wrap in grease resistant paper. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
• Place powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid fibreboard box.
• Use "arrow-up" label for non-solid materials.
• Repack your gifts properly. Many goods sold in attractive packaging may not be suitable for shipping.
• Use triangular tubes not round tube-type cylinders to pack rolled plans, maps and blueprints.
• Remember always to pack small items in flyers appropriately.
• Protect your data discs, audio and video-tapes with soft cushioning material around each item.
• Complete the address clearly and completely, using uppercase letters when handwriting labels to improve readability for DHL personnel.
• When shipping sharp items, such as knives or scissors, ensure that you fully protect the edges and points. Heavy cardboard is suitable for this. Fix the protective material securely so that it cannot be accidentally removed in transit.
• Always use cardboard dividers when sending flat, fragile material (such as vinyl records).
• When re-using a box, remove all labels and stickers. Ensure that the box is in good shape and not worn out.

 

The Dont's

• Do not use bags made of fabric or cloth.
• Do not over seal your package. Remember that all shipments can be opened by customs authorities for inspection.
• Do not use cellophane tape or rope to seal your shipment.
• Do not consider "Fragile" and "Handle with care" labels as a substitute for careful packaging. They are only appropriate for information purposes.

 

Internal packaging advice for shipment protection.

It is recommended that you leave a space of at least 5cm between the outer container and the product inside. This space should be filled with padding of some type, any substance from crumpled newspaper to old pieces of clothing will do.

 

The following are the most common purpose-made products to be found on the market:

• Cushioning
• Sheets, pads & rolls
• Cushioning

 

Different types of cushioning are available, from loose "chips", "shreds" and "peanut" shaped materials to rolls of bubbled-plastic sheet.

 

Loose cushioning is usually made out of very lightweight materials - it's used to fill in corners, keep the articles centred in the container and provide cushioning and shock absorption. It is clean and reusable but can be bulky to store. Most of the fillings available in the market are manufactured from recycled products. Avoid the use of polystyrene, as in many countries it is considered not to be environmentally friendly and it may be forbidden or fined at destination. Vegetable-based and biodegradable materials are preferred.

 

Many materials found around the house can also be used - old newspapers, shredded clothes, cushion stuffing all make ideal cushioning.

 

Bubble wrap is made of pockets of air distributed on a plastic film. It provides very good protection to shock, vibration and abrasion, as well as being lightweight and flexible.
Sheets, pads and rolls

 

When packing items or stacked objects, you should always use dividers, which provide absorption to shocks.