Shipping a fragile item—like an antique vase, a laptop, or a framed painting—can be incredibly stressful. Improper packing is the leading cause of shipping damage. In this guide, we share the professional techniques we use to protect your valuables.
This article is part of our Ultimate Guide to Shipping & Packing.
The 2-Inch Rule
The most important rule in packing is the 2-inch rule. You should have at least two inches of cushioning (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam) between the item and every wall of the box. If you can feel the item through the padding, it's not packed thick enough.
Double Boxing for High-Value Items
For extremely fragile items, we recommend double boxing. Pack the item securely in a smaller box, then place that box inside a larger box with at least two inches of packing peanuts separating the inner and outer boxes. This absorbs the shock if the outer box is dropped.
Foam-in-Place Technology
At PostalAnnex, we utilize advanced foam-in-place technology. This liquid foam expands inside the box to create a custom, rigid mold around your specific item, completely immobilizing it during transit. It's the gold standard for shipping electronics and antiques.
