8 Tips for Packing & Mailing Fragile Items

Why Proper Fragile Packaging Matters

Fragile items are exposed to:

• Drops and vibration during transit
• Temperature changes
• Heavy stacking and handling

Without proper packaging, even a sturdy box won’t prevent breakage. Smart packing protects your products and shows customers you care about quality and presentation.

1. Choose the Right Box for Fragile Shipping

Your box is your first line of defense.

For fragile items, corrugated mailer boxes are a strong choice because they:

• Offer rigid structure
• Reduce crushing
• Keep items contained and secure
• Create a professional unboxing experience

💡 Pro tip: Always choose a right-sized box. Oversized boxes allow items to move and increase the risk of damage.

2. Wrap Each Fragile Item Individually

Never place fragile items directly into a box without protection.

Common wrapping options include:

• Tissue paper for lightweight items
• Bubble wrap for glass or ceramics
• Protective sleeves for candles or bottles
• Paper padding for eco-friendly packing

Each item should be wrapped separately to prevent contact with other products.

3. Fill All Empty Space

With right-sized packages you should not have much empty space although even some empty space inside a box allows items to shift, which leads to breakage.

Fill gaps for extra protection with:

• Crinkle paper
• Tissue paper
• Kraft paper
• Paper-based void fill

This adds protection and enhances the unboxing experience.

4. Place Heavier Items at the Bottom

Weight distribution matters.

When packing multiple items:

• Place heavier products at the bottom
• Center them in the box
• Surround them with cushioning
• Layer lighter or more delicate items on top

This reduces pressure on fragile items during transit.

If you’re packing multiple products together, this guide may help: packing multiple items in a mailer box.

5. Seal the Box Securely

A well-packed box still needs to stay closed.

Best practices:

• Use strong packing tape
• Seal all seams
• Reinforce heavier packages

A securely sealed box protects both the contents and the presentation when it arrives.

6. Label Fragile Shipments Clearly

While labels don’t guarantee gentle handling, they can help.

Use:

• “Fragile” labels
• “This Side Up” indicators for liquids or candles

Keep labels clean and professional so they don’t distract from your branding.

7. Balance Protection with Presentation

Protective packaging doesn’t have to look plain.

Thoughtful details can include:

• Branded tissue paper
• Branded crinkly paper
• Neat, intentional arrangement

A polished unboxing experience builds trust and encourages repeat purchases.

7. Double-Box Extra-Fragile or Spillable Items

For especially fragile, high-value, or spillable products, double-boxing adds an extra layer of protection during shipping. In fact, both UPS and FedEx recommend double-boxing fragile goods and items with small or leak-prone components.

To double-box correctly:

• Pack your item securely in a smaller box using proper wrapping and cushioning.
• Place that box inside a larger outer box like a shipping box or mailer box.
• Allow a few inches of cushioning between the inner and outer box on all sides.

This method creates a shock-absorbing buffer that helps protect your product from drops, pressure, and vibration during transit.

Common Fragile Items & Packing Focus