Packing guide

Choose the right box

Start with the right size. Your item should fit with 1–3 inches of clearance on each side — enough space for void fill, not so much the item shifts in transit. Use the box finder to match your item dimensions to a real corrugated box.

For items over 50 lbs, or anything fragile like glass or ceramics, choose 200–275 ECT double-wall boxes. Standard 32 ECT single-wall boxes are rated for up to 65 lbs.

Prepare the box

Never ship in a box that has been used more than once. Used boxes lose up to 50% of their compression strength. If reusing, inspect every edge and corner — any soft spots or water damage means the box is compromised.

Seal the bottom seam with 2-inch packing tape using the H-tape method: one strip down the center seam, one strip across each end. Three strips minimum for boxes over 20 lbs.

Add base cushioning

Line the bottom of the box with at least 2 inches of void fill before placing your item. Good base layer options:

• Bubble wrap (large bubbles): Best for fragile items — wrap item separately first, then layer the base.
• Kraft paper: Crumple into balls and pack tightly. Works for sturdy items.
• Packing peanuts: Good for irregularly shaped items. Fill base, place item, fill remaining void.
• Foam sheets: Best base layer for flat, breakable items like ceramics or electronics.

Wrap your item

Wrap the item before placing it in the box — don't rely on void fill alone to protect it. Use at least 2 full wraps of bubble wrap around the item, with the bubble side facing inward. Secure with tape so the wrap doesn't unravel.

For items with protruding parts (handles, knobs, lenses), give those points extra wrapping. Glass items should get a minimum of 3 inches of bubble wrap on every face.

Fill the void

After placing the wrapped item, fill all remaining space so the item cannot shift more than ½ inch in any direction. Close the box and gently shake it — if you hear or feel movement, add more void fill.

Don't compress the void fill down to close the box. If the flaps won't close easily, add more fill loosely until the box closes without bowing the flaps outward.

Seal the top

Use the H-tape method on the top too: one strip across the center seam, one strip across each end flap edge. For heavy boxes, run a second strip parallel to the center seam about 1 inch from each outer edge (three parallel strips total).

Use 2-inch (48mm) polypropylene packing tape — not masking tape, duct tape, or string. Those are rejected by some carriers and don't hold under humidity and temperature changes.

Label correctly

Affix one shipping label on the largest flat face of the box. Don't place labels over seams or tape — they won't adhere properly and can fall off. If reusing a box, cover or remove all old labels, barcodes, and addresses completely. Old barcodes can misdirect your package.