Shipping, Moving and Storing

Looking for moving tips? Ways to pack and ship fragile items so they arrive intact? Learn how to pack for a move, ship with success and keep items securely stored.

Top 5 Shipping Tips

Choose the correct box size.

• Selecting a box roughly the size of the contents will prevent jostling and breakage
• Scotch® Mailing Boxes come in a variety of sizes to fit your contents
• Especially fragile items can be protected by cushioning the main box inside of a larger one

Protect breakables.

• Wrap fragile items individually with Scotch® Cushion Wrap
• Don't cushion with newspaper – the ink can transfer!

Fill extra space.

• Eliminating empty pockets of space prevents jostling
• Use Scotch® Cushion Wrap to line the bottom of the box and fill voids

Secure box seams.

• To ensure your box doesn't open mid-route, tape the top and bottom with Scotch® Premium Performance Packaging Tape.

Label properly.

• Only use one shipping label per package and include a complete return address
• Don't place the label over a seam, and waterproof the address label with a strip of Scotch® Premium Performance Packaging Tape
• Include a copy of the shipping addresses inside the package incase your original is damaged, and label the outside of the box if your contents are "FRAGILE."

Top 5 Moving Tips:

Plan ahead.

• Inventory your belongings, purchase supplies and allow plenty of time for packing
• The basics you'll need: Scotch® Mailing Boxes, Scotch® Premium Performance Packaging Tape, Scotch® Cushion Wrap

Pack room by room.

• Pack boxes to capacity and protect your breakables with Scotch® Cushion Wrap
• Don't cushion with newspaper – the ink can transfer

Label properly.

• Label boxes according to the new room they belong in and their contents
• Mark boxes with breakable contents as "FRAGILE"

Pack a suitcase ahead of time.

• Each family member should have a suitcase with toiletries and clothes for several days
• Keep these suitcases with you and separate from your other belongings

Keep moving necessities together.

• Unpacking will be easier if tools, cleaning supplies, extension cords and surge protectors are easy to find
• Don't forget your Scotch™ Multi-Purpose Scissors for opening boxes!

Top 5 Storing Tips:

Choose the right storage location.

• Select the appropriate size
• Consider climate-controlled facilities for humidity-sensitive items

Handle with care.

• Consistent box sizes will stack best - Scotch® Mailing Boxes come in a variety of sizes to meet your needs
• Pack boxes to capacity, and protect your breakables with Scotch® Cushion Wrap
• Don't cushion with newspaper – the ink may transfer!

Label properly.

• Detailed and accurate labels will help locate needed items quickly
• If contents are breakable, be sure to mark as "FRAGILE."

Plan your stacking.

• Line the floor with pallets or tarps to protect your contents
• Leave space between boxes and walls to allow air circulation and create an aisle between boxes for access
• Group similar sized boxes and keep heavy items on the bottom

Keep frequently used items handy.

• Once your items are in storage, you may need to access seasonal clothing or files
• Label these boxes so they're easy to find and keep them near the entrance to your unit