Distance should not prevent you from sending friends and loved ones living overseas with presents during special occasions. Packages bearing gifts make the trip everyday and you, too, can safely send presents to other parts of the world without any glitches if you know how to properly pack and ship presents abroad. Here are some things to consider when packing and shipping presents abroad to ensure that they will arrive on time and without any damage.
The best presents are those that the recipient really need or wants. But before packing your present, check first if the recipient’s destination allows such shipment. Each country has its own shipping restrictions and regulations and you must abide by these rules to avoid any issues with your shipment. The internet is a great place to find these important information.
The key to successfully shipping presents is to pack them properly. Whatever item you are sending, make sure that it is well packed and does not rattle inside its box. Item banging onto another item or onto the sides of its box are one of the most common causes of damage during shipping. Use a lot of bubble wrap to protect your item before placing it in a gift box. Fill empty spaces the box with shredded paper or more bubble wrap to prevent movement. You can then wrap the box as you would a regular gift and you may even add a bow. Don’t forget to fill up and attach the gift tag!
Place the wrapped present inside a slightly larger shipping box. It should be sturdy and big enough to accommodate the present and still have at least 2 inches of extra space on all sides, top and bottom. Keep the present in the center of the shipping box by placing packing materials on the bottom of the box first, then the place the present on top, and fill the remaining spaces on the sides with more packing materials until the box is well-packed. Shredded paper and bubble wrap can be used as packaging materials. Small balloons can also be used as fillers. They are colorful and will surely add to the delight of the recipient once he opens the package!
Close the box and seal with packaging tape. Make sure that the container will not burst open during transit by securing all openings and box seams with packaging tape.
Address and label the package. Shipping labels should have the correct sender and recipient’s addresses, written or printed legibly. Protect the labels with clear tape to avoid peeling off or getting smudged due to moisture. As an added precaution, it is a good idea to insert a piece of paper bearing the shipping addresses inside the package before sealing it. Packages with damaged or lost labels are usually opened by carriers to look for any shipping information. When you place shipping labels inside the box, you can rest assured that the box will run its course even if its labels are lost or damaged.
Take the package to your local post office or shipping company. Ship in advance so that the package can arrive before the recepient’s special occasion, instead of after.