Packing and shipping may not be as simple as you believe it is if you choose to do it yourself. You have to think about fitting your big Santa figurines and a fragile gingerbread house in a box. Bottom line, an ordinary box and irregularly shaped things don’t mix. Well, unless you want them deformed or shattered when they arrive from shipping.

Don’t worry, though. It’s never too late to learn things like this. So, if you want tips straight from the experts, read on!

Here are holiday packing and shipping tips from the top packing and shipping company in Orange County!

You would want to feel assured that your gifts and packages will reach your loved ones looking like it just got off of the shelves.

Follow these tips before you pack:

Choosing your box

Of course, you wouldn’t use a huge box if you’re only going to pack a single snowglobe. So make sure you just use the right size for your things. You don’t want your stuff forced into a small box, or toss and turn in an unnecessarily big box.

In choosing the right box size, make sure there’s at least 2-in of space around your item in the box. You will use this area for packing peanuts or other cushioning to serve as an added protection. Of course, it is uncalled for if you chose to use bubble wrap for your stuff.

When packing fragile items, make sure you always use new boxes. Reused boxes become soft and saggy, especially at its corners. It’s also the reason why you shouldn’t use old boxes as they are less reliable in protecting your delicate things.

Packing breakables

Be sure to organize your things in the box correctly. Never stack heavy objects on top of small, delicate ones. Keep in mind that your boxes may seem okay when it’s still in your home, but it will go through a lot during shipping.

Efficiently packing your fragile things takes time. You have to do individual wrapping before you even start putting them in their boxes. Preparing in advance may be a wise decision.

Packing Electronics

It may seem like a load of work, but you need to repack your electronics if you are going to ship them. Maybe you think why, since it already has its own box. But you should know that the packaging of electronic devices is too thin to withstand the process of shipping.

Again, use the right box size when repacking. Also, you don’t actually have to remove the box of your electronics and repack them in a different box. Make sure you will use a sturdy and high-quality box for repacking. It’ll be useless if you’re going to use another thin box, don’t you think?

If your electronics require batteries or have batteries inside, make sure you remove them. It is prone to overheat and leakage, so you should put them in a different container or pack.

Choose the right type of tape

It does sound like a minor thing, doesn’t it? And yet, the right type of tape will bring your package through hundreds and thousands of miles. Literally. Although, most people would just walk into a store and purchase any tape they think would suffice.

The optimal width of the packing tape you should use is 3-inches. You can check out this website for more information about the tape you should and shouldn’t use. Just know that you shouldn’t use any customary tape as it is not as adhesive as high-quality packing tape.

When applying your tape, make sure you make an “H” on both the top and bottom. You don’t have to wrap the whole box like a Christmas gift. Well, technically, you may intend to deliver it as a gift, but you get the point. Also, check if you’ve covered all open seams.

Done packing your holiday gifts and knick-knacks? It’s not over yet! The next thing you need to do is pick up that phone and call a trustworthy packing and shipping company. Read reviews or ask your friends before you choose. Only hire the one who can promise you utmost care for your package without costing you an arm and a leg.