Easy steps to packaging fragile items

Discover simple steps for packaging fragile items

Wrap
man carrying parcels walking through door to local shop

Our guide to packaging fragile items

No matter what you’re sending, we all want our packages to arrive in great condition, which makes avoiding any potential packaging hiccups along the way very important, especially when it comes to packaging fragile items.

Here at Evri, we always try to ensure your parcel arrives in the condition it was sent in. But, if it’s been poorly packaged, you run the risk of your items being unintentionally damaged along the way.

To help make sure you’re packaging fragile items for shipping correctly, we’ve created this detailed guide that will tell you everything you need to know about how to wrap a fragile parcel, making sure it stays safe and secure in transit until it reaches its destination.

The importance of packaging fragile items properly

While it might seem obvious, the importance of packing fragile items properly cannot be overstated. The addition of extra padding and deliberate box strengthening is essential to make sure whatever you’re sending arrives in one piece, so be sure to tick off all of our tips below before booking your parcel for delivery.

Fragile item cover

Although we try to offer every Evri parcel £20 free cover, there are some items which are excluded from this benefit. We cannot guarantee that things such as antiques, cameras, and other potentially weak items will arrive in one piece, and are therefore not covered by us. So, be sure to read our full carry guide before sending your fragile parcel with us.

woman placing label on parcel while sat at table with child

1. Consider what type of items you’re sending

The first thing you need to think about when deciding how to wrap a parcel is to examine the type of items you’re planning on sending. Different items will need different levels of packaging to ensure their safety, so you want to be sure you’re using the right amount in your parcel.

When it comes to fragile items, if you’re unsure if your item could be scratched, dented, or damaged while travelling to its recipient, it’s always best to stay on the side of caution and pack it with extra cushioning.

2. Pick the right packing material

There are many different types of packaging materials out there that you can use to ensure the safety of your fragile items. Here at Evri, we recommend you fill your parcel’s gap's space with the following materials:

1

Paper

A simple packing solution that’s easy-to-get hold of, both tissue paper and newspaper can be used inside stacked items, such as cups, to provide padding between each item.

2

Bubble wrap

Perfect for wrapping around items and absorbing impacts, bubble wrap can be used to coat your items as well as filling any spaces between your box and objects so nothing moves around.

3

Cardboard

An eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap and ideal for pottery and taller items, cardboard can be slipped into your box in layers for multiple levels of protection.

4

Sheets

A more unusual material, but ideal if you have a large, fragile item you need delivering. Sheets reduce the potential of unforeseen impacts and stop your deliveries from being scuffed and scratched.

woman holding tape measure to cardboard box while child draws sitting next to her

3. Stuff hollow items with paper

Hollow items like vases, mugs, jars, or jugs are inherently fragile, so stuffing these items with plenty of newspaper will add internal strength while allowing you to stack them without issue.

woman at table cutting paper to wrap parcel

4. Use bubble wrap for extra protection

Whether you’re starting a business and sending out new items, or you need a delivery for a personalised birthday present, always wrap your items nice and tight with several layers of bubble wrap.

But how does bubble wrap protect fragile items? Well, it keeps anything you’re sending nice and secure, by adding a protective, cushioning layer to minimise breakages and stop items from moving around in transit!

Photo of a woman sat on table wrapping parcel

5. Use lots of parcel tape

Finally, you want your parcel to be as secure as possible. So, when you’ve finished packaging your items up, be sure to use a good amount of parcel tape to secure the top and bottom of your parcel, as well as its edges and corners.

Not only will this help to stop your package from breaking open during transit, but it helps to maintain your box’s structural integrity. Just make sure that for larger and heavier items, you use packing tape as opposed to Sellotape, as it’s more adhesive and durable.

woman sat on floor holding smartphone over open cardboard box with wrapped contents

Should I write "fragile" on my Evri parcel?

Now that your parcel is ready to go, you might be wondering what to write on a fragile package to keep it from getting knocked about unnecessarily?

Unfortunately, writing "fragile" on your parcel will not be enough to guarantee the safety of the objects inside, nor will fragile tape, as our automated organizing system will be unable to scan either of these during the sorting process. This is why it’s so important to package fragile items safely so that they arrive without issue.

Photo of a customer holding parcel at shop counter

Package your fragile items with ease

And there you have it! You should hopefully have enough knowledge to become a fragile packing pro in no time; but if you’re after more handy tips, head on over to our guides section, where you can discover a variety of articles, from tips on labelling your packages properly to packaging up shoes, and more.

Don’t forget to check out our guides section for even more insights, such as tips on packaging books, sustainable packaging options, and more.