How to Package Personal Effects for Safe Shipping

Shipping personal effects—items like clothing, personal documents, toiletries, and other personal belongings—requires careful packaging to ensure they arrive intact. Whether you're moving or sending personal belongings to a loved one, proper packaging will protect these items from damage and loss during transit. To ensure your personal effects are covered by ShipSimple Shipping Insurance, follow this step-by-step guide. We also recommend taking photos at each stage to prove the correct packaging process has been followed.

Step 1: Gather Packaging Materials
The first step to successfully packaging your personal effects is to gather the appropriate materials:
Strong Shipping Boxes or Suitcases: Use durable boxes or travel suitcases with locking mechanisms for added protection.

• Packing Paper or Tissue Paper: To wrap delicate items and prevent them from rubbing against each other.
• Bubble Wrap or Foam Sheets: For wrapping fragile personal items like electronics, glassware, or anything breakable.
• Plastic Bags or Zip-Lock Bags: To separate liquids like toiletries or cosmetics and prevent spills.
• Garment Bags: Ideal for keeping clothing items clean and wrinkle-free.
• Packing Peanuts, Air Pillows, or Foam Inserts: To fill empty spaces and cushion the items.
• Packing Tape: Strong packing tape to secure the box or suitcase.
• Labels or Tags: Clearly label the box or suitcase with your name, destination, and handling instructions like "Fragile" or "Handle with Care."

Take a photo: Before you begin, take a picture of your packaging materials to document that you're using the right supplies.

Step 2: Categorize and Organize Your Personal Effects
Sort your personal effects into categories like clothing, toiletries, documents, and fragile items. This will make it easier to pack and protect each type of item properly.

• Clothing: Fold neatly or roll the clothing to save space and reduce wrinkles.
• Toiletries and Cosmetics: Place liquids and other potentially messy items into sealed plastic bags to prevent spills or leaks during transit.
• Fragile Items: Identify any breakable or delicate items that require extra cushioning and protection.

Take a photo: Snap a picture of your sorted personal effects before you start packing.

Step 3: Wrap Fragile Items
For fragile items, such as jewelry, small electronics, or glassware, wrap them in bubble wrap or foam sheets. Use multiple layers to ensure they are cushioned and protected from potential impacts during shipping.

• For additional protection, place these items in smaller boxes within the larger shipping box or suitcase.
  Take a photo: Photograph your fragile items once they’ve been securely wrapped in protective material.

Step 4: Pack Toiletries and Cosmetics Safely
Toiletries, cosmetics, and other liquids should be placed inside plastic zip-lock bags to prevent spills. If you're shipping larger bottles, such as shampoo or lotion, consider placing these items inside smaller plastic containers to minimize the risk of leakage.

Take a photo: Document your toiletries and liquids in their plastic bags before adding them to the main package.

Step 5: Pack Clothing and Personal Items
For clothing, fold or roll each piece neatly to maximize space and avoid wrinkles. You can also use garment bags for suits, dresses, or other delicate clothing. Place the heavier items, such as shoes or books, at the bottom of the box or suitcase, and lighter items on top.

Take a photo: Once your clothing is neatly packed, take a picture to show how it has been organized.

Step 6: Fill Empty Spaces
To prevent items from shifting during transit, fill any remaining gaps in the box or suitcase with packing peanuts, air pillows, or foam inserts. Make sure all items are snugly packed and won’t move around inside the package.

• For suitcases, use clothing or towels to cushion more delicate items, creating a protective layer around them.

Take a photo: Photograph the interior of the box or suitcase once everything has been packed and secured.

Step 7: Seal and Label the Package
Once your personal effects are securely packed, seal the box or suitcase using strong packing tape. For suitcases, ensure the zippers are locked or securely fastened, and consider adding a tamper-evident seal for added security.

• Label the package clearly with your name, destination address, and any special handling instructions like "Fragile" or "Handle with Care."

Take a photo: Take a picture of the sealed and labeled package before shipping.

Step 8: Track and Document
Ensure you have photos documenting each step of the packing process, especially for any fragile or valuable personal effects. This will be important if you need to file a claim. Also, make sure to track your shipment and monitor its progress to its final destination.

By following these steps, you’ll protect your personal effects from damage during shipping and ensure they’re covered under ShipSimple Shipping Insurance. Proper packaging combined with thorough documentation will set you up for success and give you peace of mind.