How to Pack and Ship Fragile Vintage Items Safely

Nothing undoes a great sale faster than a piece arriving in pieces. Fragile vintage needs more than a wrap and a box, so the goal is to immobilize the item and surround it with cushioning that absorbs every knock. Master the double-box method and your breakage rate drops to almost nothing.

What you will need

• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Two sturdy boxes, one larger than the other
• Loose fill, foam, or crumpled paper for voids
• Strong packing tape
• Fragile labels and a marker
• Scissors

Step 1: Wrap the item

Wrap the piece in several layers of bubble wrap, paying extra attention to rims, handles, spouts, and any protruding detail. Tape the wrap closed so it cannot unravel in transit.

Step 2: Build the inner box

Line a snug inner box with cushioning, set the wrapped item in the center so it touches no wall, and fill every gap with paper or foam until nothing shifts when you shake it.

Step 3: Double-box for safety

Place the sealed inner box inside a larger box with at least two inches of cushioning on every side. This second layer absorbs drops and impacts before they ever reach the item.

Step 4: Seal and label

Tape all seams firmly, mark the box fragile on more than one side, and add a this-way-up note if the piece needs a fixed orientation. Keep a record of how you packed it in case of a claim.

Tip: Pack as if the box will be dropped, because in transit it often is. For very heavy or irregular pieces, build a custom foam cradle or ask a shipping store about crating.