How to Package Luxury Goods for Maximum Protection and Shipping Insurance Coverage – ShipSimple

At ShipSimple, we know that shipping luxury goods—whether it’s designer fashion, fine jewelry, premium watches, or limited-edition collectibles—requires more than just a standard box. These items carry high monetary and emotional value, making proper packaging essential for safe transit and valid shipping insurance claims. This guide walks you through best practices to ensure your luxury goods are secure, protected, and fully covered. Be sure to document each step with clear photos—it’s the key to a successful claim should the unexpected occur.

Step 1: Choose Premium Packaging Materials

Luxury goods deserve luxury-level protection. Start by selecting high-grade materials:

Rigid Outer Box: Use a double-walled, corrugated cardboard box or a rigid mailer. The box should be at least 2 inches larger than the item on all sides.
Product-Specific Case: If the item came in a branded box (jewelry case, dust bag, watch box, etc.), use that as the first protective layer.
Cushioning Fill: Soft foam inserts, air pillows, or high-grade tissue paper work best for cushioning elegant items.
Tamper-Evident Tape: Use heavy-duty tape and, for high-value items, tamper-evident or security seals.
Water-Resistant Layer: Consider wrapping the inner product box in a plastic sleeve to protect from moisture.

📸 Take a photo: Lay out all packing materials before you start. Include a photo of the item and any branded box or packaging you’ll include.

Step 2: Wrap and Protect Each Item Individually

Protect delicate surfaces and preserve presentation:

Wrap items like jewelry, watches, or leather goods in acid-free tissue paper or soft cloth to prevent scratches.
Use bubble wrap or foam wrap around the branded case to prevent external damage.
For clothing or shoes, place inside a dust bag or original box and then wrap securely.

📸 Take a photo: Show each item individually wrapped and/or inside its original brand packaging before boxing.

Step 3: Cushion the Base of the Outer Box

Before inserting anything:

Create a 2-inch cushioning layer at the bottom of the box using air pillows, foam inserts, or layered tissue paper.
Ensure the layer is even to support the item securely.

📸 Take a photo: Snap a photo of the cushioned base before placing the product inside.

Step 4: Place the Item Securely Inside

Now it’s time to box it up:

Place the product (in its original packaging, if applicable) in the center of the box.
Add protective fill around all sides, ensuring the item doesn’t shift during transit.
For extra security, use a second box (double-boxing) with cushioning between the two boxes for high-value shipments over $1,000.

📸 Take a photo: Show the packed box from the top before adding the top padding.

Step 5: Add Top Padding and Seal the Box

To complete the package:

Add 2 inches of padding on top of the product.
Shake the box gently—if anything moves, add more fill.
Seal using strong packing tape with an H-pattern on top and bottom. Consider tamper-evident tape or additional seals for added protection.

📸 Take a photo: Document the sealed box before labeling.

Step 6: Label and Document for Insurance

Luxury items require extra labeling and tracking:

Mark the box “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” on multiple sides.
Include “This Side Up” arrows, if applicable.
Avoid identifying the luxury nature of the item on the label to reduce theft risk.
Use signature-required service and retain your tracking number, packing photos, and receipt.

📸 Take a photo: Show the labeled box, shipping label, and tracking info.

Final Tip: Protect Your Luxury Investment

Your luxury items are worth the extra effort. By following these detailed packaging steps and keeping a photo log, you’re not only safeguarding your goods during transit—you’re strengthening your position if a shipping insurance claim is needed. Most insurance providers require evidence of proper packaging and handling, so your thorough documentation can make or break your claim.

Need to know more about insuring high-value goods? Check out these helpful resources: