Fragile items need special care. In general, a fragile item must have at least 2-5 inches of approved protective material around it. Some approved protective materials include:
- Bubble wrap
- Styrofoam packing peanuts
- Approved air packs
Improper cushioning materials (i.e. those which should NOT be used) include:
- Clothing
- Blankets and linens
- Pillows
- Plush toys
- Shredded newspaper
- Newsprint
Once the fragile item has been bundled up with 2-5 inches of padding around all sides, place it inside a sturdy box.
Seal that box with an approved packing tape such as:
pressure-sensitive plastic tape
- Nylon reinforced tape
- Water activated tape
- Clear packing tape
- Brown packing tape
Improper tapes (i.e., those that should NOT be used) include:
- Masking tape
- Scotch tape
- Cellophane tape
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
That box should then be placed inside another sturdy box so that the interior box has at least 2-5 inches’ worth of space between its sides and the sides of the exterior box.
Fill the space around the interior box with approved protective material, seal the exterior box with an approved packing tape, and your fragile item should arrive safe, sound, and intact!
