how to pack boxes for international and domestic shipping
Table of Contents
When shipping boxes internationally or domestic choosing the right packaging is extremely important. It’s essential to select the proper type of box, use strong and durable materials, pack items securely, and apply adequate cushioning and fillers to prevent damage during transit.
At Expediship, we share expert packing tips to help you prepare your shipment safely and efficiently — from selecting sturdy boxes to properly sealing and labeling them.
Whether you’re shipping domestically or internationally, proper packing is always the most important step. Good packing ensures your items stay protected throughout the entire journey.
Choose the Right Type of Packaging
We usually pack items using pallets, crates, suitcases, or cardboard boxes.
In this section, we’ll focus on cardboard boxes.
Use strong boxes. Visit Home Depot, Lowe’s, or U-Haul to find heavy-duty moving boxes in various sizes—small, medium, large, and extra-large.
Plastic totes are also an option, depending on the type and weight of your items.
Recommended weight limits:
Small box: up to 20 lbs
Medium box: up to 40 lbs
Large box: up to 60 lbs
Keeping boxes within these limits helps protect your items and prevents damage.
You may reuse boxes you already have, but make sure they’re clean, sturdy, and free of old shipping labels.
Gather Packing Supplies
Before you start packing, prepare the necessary materials:
Bubble wrap or packing paper for protection
Packing peanuts or crumpled paper to fill empty spaces
Strong packing tape (like duct tape or shipping tape)
If your item is fragile, wrap it individually with bubble wrap for extra protection.
Pack the Items Properly
General Packing Guidelines
1. Use Strong Boxes
Use new or heavy-duty double-wall cardboard boxes whenever possible
Avoid weak, damaged, or reused boxes
Do not overfill or deform the box
2. Choose the Correct Box Size
Use a box slightly larger than the items
Leave enough space for protective materials
Avoid oversized boxes with empty space inside
3. Protect the Bottom of the Box
Before placing items inside:
Add cushioning material at the bottom
Recommended materials:
Bubble wrap
Packing paper
Foam sheets
Packing peanuts
Minimum recommended bottom protection:
2–3 inches (5–8 cm)
4. Fill Empty Spaces
Items should not move inside the box.
Use:
Bubble wrap
Crumpled paper
Foam
Air pillows
Shake the box gently before sealing:
If items move, add more cushioning
How to Pack Fragile Items Properly
Fragile items require extra protection because packages may experience:
Drops
Vibrations
Pressure from stacking
Long-distance transportation
Recommended Materials
Bubble wrap
Foam sheets
Corner protectors
Packing paper
Double-wall boxes
Fragile stickers (optional)
Step-by-Step Packing for Fragile Items
1. Wrap Each Item Individually
Every fragile item should be wrapped separately.
Recommended:
At least 2–3 layers of bubble wrap
Tape the bubble wrap securely
Examples:
Plates
Glassware
Ceramics
Electronics
Monitors
Decorations
2. Protect Corners and Edges
Corners are the most vulnerable parts.
Use:
Foam corner protectors
Extra cardboard support
Additional bubble wrap on edges
Especially important for:
TVs
Monitors
Frames
Furniture parts
3. Use Double Boxing for Very Fragile Items
For high-value or delicate items:
Inner Box
Wrap item well
Fill all empty spaces
Outer Box
Put cushioning between inner and outer box
Add at least 2 inches of padding on all sides
This greatly reduces impact damage.
4. Do Not Mix Heavy and Fragile Items Together
Avoid placing:
Books
Metal items
Tools
Heavy objects
Together with:
Glass
Ceramics
Electronics
Heavy items may crush fragile items during shipping.
5. Weight Distribution
Place heavier items at the bottom
Lighter items on top
Keep weight balanced
Recommended:
Large boxes: keep under 50 lb when possible
Medium boxes: around 35–40 lb
Seal and Label the Box
Before sealing, place a copy of the shipping label inside the box, near the top.
Seal all seams and edges using strong tape. Apply tape in a cross shape across both top and bottom flaps for added strength.
Clearly mark the box with:
Contents
Destination address
“Fragile” or “Heavy”, if applicable
Leave a clean, flat area on one side of the box for the official shipping label.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Shipping Boxes
For both domestic and international shipping, we recommend:
- Strong corrugated cardboard boxes
- Double-wall boxes for heavy or fragile items
- New boxes whenever possible
Avoid:
- Damaged boxes
- Wet or soft boxes
- Thin retail boxes without reinforcement
For international shipping, stronger packaging is especially important because shipments go through multiple handling points and customs inspections.
Fragile items should:
- Be wrapped individually with bubble wrap
- Have at least 2–3 inches of cushioning around all sides
- Be separated from heavy items
- Have empty spaces filled to prevent movement
Recommended materials:
- Bubble wrap
- Foam sheets
- Packing paper
- Corner protectors
For very fragile items, double boxing is highly recommended.
Recommended maximum weights:
- Medium boxes: 35–40 lb
- Large boxes: under 50 lb
- International shipping: lighter boxes are safer and easier to handle
Overweight boxes may:
- Break during transit
- Cause additional handling fees
- Increase damage risk
It is usually better to use multiple smaller boxes instead of one very heavy box.
Prohibited or restricted items may include:
- Liquids
- Batteries
- Aerosols
- Flammable materials
- Chemicals
- Cash
- Hazardous goods
For air shipping, restrictions are stricter.
If unsure, always check before shipping.
Use strong packing tape and fully seal:
- Center seam
- Both side seams
- Bottom seams
Recommended method:
- “H” taping method
Important:
- Use clear tape to fully cover shipping labels
- Reinforce heavy boxes with extra tape
Poor sealing may cause the box to open during transportation.
No. Empty space allows items to move during shipping and may cause damage.
Always fill empty spaces with:
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Foam
- Air pillows
After packing:
- Shake the box gently
- If items move, add more cushioning
A properly packed box should feel tight and stable inside.