SEND STUFF PACKAGING GUIDES
How to Pack Fragile & Delicate Items for International Shipping
Sending glassware, ceramics, artwork, electronics or other delicate belongings overseas? Learn how to choose protective packaging, cushion vulnerable items and prepare your shipment for international transport.
VIEW PACKING STEPS →Fragile and delicate belongings require particular care when being shipped internationally. Glass, ceramics, electronic devices and decorative items can be vulnerable to impact, vibration, compression and movement inside a package.
International shipments may pass through multiple handling facilities and transport connections before arriving at their destination. Suitable packaging is therefore essential to help reduce the risk of damage.
This guide explains how to prepare fragile items for international shipping with Send Stuff, including choosing cartons, cushioning individual items, double-boxing and preparing customs documentation.
What Types of Items Need Extra Protection?
Many everyday belongings can be vulnerable to damage when shipped internationally. The level of protection required depends on the item's material, weight, shape and fragility.
Glassware
Glasses, vases, decorative glass and other breakable items.
Ceramics
Plates, bowls, mugs, pottery and decorative ceramic pieces.
Electronics
Monitors, cameras and electronic equipment requiring protective packaging.
Artwork
Framed pictures, prints, small sculptures and decorative artwork.
Ornaments
Figurines, keepsakes, collectibles and delicate personal decorations.
Small Appliances
Delicate household devices and appliances with fragile components.
Important: Not every fragile item is suitable for standard international parcel services. Extremely valuable, irreplaceable, unusually fragile or specialist items may require professional packing, a different freight arrangement or may not be accepted.
Recommended Fragile Item Packing Materials
Choose packing materials that provide adequate protection from movement, impact and external pressure.
- Strong corrugated cartons: New or undamaged boxes suitable for the weight and contents.
- Bubble wrap: For cushioning suitably protected delicate items.
- Foam sheets or inserts: To separate surfaces and provide impact protection.
- Packing paper: For wrapping and filling appropriate spaces.
- Protective corner pieces: For frames, mirrors and other items with vulnerable corners.
- Void-fill materials: To reduce movement within cartons.
- Strong packing tape: For securing carton seams and closures.
- Second outer carton: For suitable double-boxing arrangements.
Our recommendation: Use a strong outer carton with enough cushioning to keep fragile items away from the box walls. Items should not touch each other directly or move freely inside the packaging.
How to Pack Fragile Items for International Shipping
Follow these general steps when preparing fragile belongings for overseas freight.
Inspect & Photograph
Check the item for existing damage and photograph its condition before packing.
Wrap Each Item Separately
Use suitable protective material around each fragile item, paying attention to corners, handles and protruding parts.
Cushion the Carton Base
Place suitable cushioning at the bottom of a strong carton before adding the wrapped items.
Position Items Carefully
Keep items separated from each other and from the outer walls of the carton.
Fill Empty Spaces
Use appropriate void-fill material to prevent movement without placing excessive pressure on delicate surfaces.
Seal & Check
Close and seal the carton securely. Check for movement and record the final packed weight and dimensions.
Do not overpack cartons. A box that is bulging or under excessive internal pressure can increase the risk of damage to fragile contents.
Double-Boxing Fragile Items
Double-boxing is a useful packing method for many fragile items. It involves placing a securely packed inner carton inside a larger outer carton, with suitable cushioning between them.
The purpose is to create an additional protective barrier and reduce the transfer of impact to the inner package.
How Double-Boxing Works
First, pack the fragile item securely inside an inner carton. Then place that carton inside a larger, strong outer carton with suitable cushioning on every side. The inner carton should not move freely.
General Double-Boxing Steps
- Wrap and cushion the fragile item inside a suitable inner carton.
- Seal the inner carton securely.
- Select a strong outer carton with sufficient space for protective cushioning.
- Place cushioning beneath the inner carton.
- Centre the inner carton and fill the surrounding spaces with suitable protective material.
- Close and seal the outer carton securely.
Why double-box? The outer carton and surrounding cushioning can help absorb some external impacts before they reach the inner package. However, double-boxing does not guarantee protection against all types of damage.
Packing Different Types of Fragile Items
Different materials and item shapes require different protective approaches.
| Item Type | Packaging Considerations |
|---|---|
| Glassware | Wrap pieces individually, cushion vulnerable stems and handles, and separate items inside the carton. |
| Plates & Ceramics | Protect each piece separately. Use suitable dividers and cushioning to prevent direct contact and concentrated pressure. |
| Electronics | Use original manufacturer packaging where suitable, or purpose-designed protective materials. Check battery restrictions before shipping. |
| Framed Artwork | Protect corners and surfaces. Use appropriate rigid packaging and prevent pressure against glass or artwork. |
| Ornaments & Figurines | Cushion delicate protrusions and pack individually. Consider double-boxing particularly fragile pieces. |
| Mirrors | Use purpose-designed protective packaging and rigid support. Large mirrors may require specialist packing and freight. |
Valuable or irreplaceable items: Antiques, original artwork, high-value collectibles and unusually delicate items may not be suitable for standard parcel shipping. Confirm carrier acceptance and any applicable liability exclusions before sending.
Common Fragile Item Packing Mistakes
Many packaging problems arise from insufficient cushioning or using unsuitable outer cartons.
| Avoid | Better Approach |
|---|---|
| Reusing damaged or weakened boxes | Choose strong cartons suitable for the contents and handling conditions. |
| Allowing glass or ceramic items to touch | Wrap each item separately and use suitable dividers or cushioning. |
| Leaving empty space inside the carton | Use suitable void-fill materials to reduce movement. |
| Placing fragile items directly against box walls | Provide cushioning between the contents and every side of the carton. |
| Overfilling or bulging the carton | Use a larger carton or divide the contents between packages. |
| Relying only on a FRAGILE label | Use protective packaging designed to withstand normal freight handling. |
Remember: A "FRAGILE" label may help identify delicate contents, but it does not replace appropriate protective packaging or guarantee special handling.
Restricted Items, Customs & Documentation
Some fragile belongings may contain restricted components or require additional documentation for international shipping.
Electronics & Batteries
Cameras, laptops, electronic devices and other equipment may contain lithium batteries. Battery transport restrictions depend on the battery type, configuration and applicable transport rules.
For specialist dangerous goods shipping enquiries, visit DG Solutions .
Liquids, Aerosols & Chemicals
Some household products, cleaning chemicals, paints, aerosols and other substances may be restricted or prohibited. Do not include them without checking acceptance requirements.
Customs Information
International shipments generally require accurate descriptions of their contents and declared values. Additional documentation may be required depending on the destination and item type.
- Clear description of each item or category of goods.
- Quantity of items.
- Whether the goods are new or used.
- Reasonable declared value.
- Sender and recipient details.
- Any relevant destination import documentation.
Customs duties and taxes: Used personal belongings are not automatically exempt from import duties or taxes. Any applicable concessions depend on the destination and circumstances of the shipment.
Read our Customs & Import Duties Guide and Prohibited & Restricted Items Guide for further information.
Weighing & Measuring Fragile Packages
Fragile items often require additional cushioning and larger outer cartons. This can increase the final package dimensions and shipping weight.
When requesting a quote, provide the final packed weight and external dimensions of each carton.
Measurements to Provide
- Number of cartons being shipped.
- Final packed weight of each carton.
- External length of each carton.
- External width of each carton.
- External height of each carton.
- General description of the fragile contents.
- Collection location and destination postcode.
Measure After All Packaging Is Added
Do not estimate shipping dimensions using the item's original size. Measure the fully sealed outer carton, including any additional protective packaging.
Learn more in our Shipping Costs Explained guide.
Fragile Item Shipping Checklist
Before handing over your package for international shipping, review the following.
Before You Send Fragile Items
- Each fragile item has been inspected and photographed.
- The outer carton is strong and undamaged.
- Items have been individually wrapped where appropriate.
- Vulnerable corners, handles and protrusions are protected.
- Items are separated from each other.
- Suitable cushioning is provided beneath and around the contents.
- Empty spaces have been filled to prevent movement.
- Double-boxing has been considered for particularly delicate items.
- The carton is not overfilled or bulging.
- Restricted items and batteries have been checked.
- The package is securely sealed.
- Old shipping labels have been removed.
- Final packed weight and dimensions have been recorded.
- Customs descriptions and declared values are accurate.
- Photos and proof of value have been retained where available.
Before shipping valuable items: Confirm that the selected carrier accepts the goods and review any applicable exclusions or limitations of liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship fragile items internationally from New Zealand?
Some fragile items may be accepted on suitable international freight services, subject to carrier packaging, contents and destination requirements. Send Stuff can review your shipment details.
What is the best way to pack fragile items?
Use a strong outer carton, wrap items individually and provide suitable cushioning on every side. Prevent items from touching each other or moving inside the box.
Should I double-box fragile items?
Double-boxing can provide additional protection for many delicate items by placing a cushioned inner carton inside a larger, cushioned outer carton.
Can I ship glassware and ceramics overseas?
Acceptance depends on the carrier and packaging requirements. Glassware and ceramics require careful individual protection and may be subject to carrier liability exclusions.
Can I ship a television or computer monitor?
Some electronic equipment may be accepted, but large or fragile screens often require manufacturer-designed or specialist protective packaging. Carrier restrictions may apply.
Does a FRAGILE sticker guarantee special handling?
No. A fragile label does not guarantee special handling or replace suitable protective packaging.
Can I ship electronics containing lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries are subject to dangerous goods transport rules. Acceptance depends on the battery type, configuration and shipping service. Contact DG Solutions for specialist assistance.
Will customs duties apply to fragile personal belongings?
This depends on the destination, item type and shipment circumstances. Used personal belongings are not automatically exempt from import duties or taxes.
What happens if a fragile item arrives damaged?
Photograph the item and packaging, retain all protective materials and report the issue promptly. See our Claims, Loss & Damage Guide for more information.
Need to Ship Fragile Items Overseas?
Whether you're relocating, sending personal belongings or shipping delicate items internationally, tell us what you're sending, the destination and the final packed weight and dimensions. We'll review your requirements and provide a personalised shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Disclaimer: This guide provides general packaging information only. Packaging does not eliminate all risk of damage. Carrier acceptance, packaging requirements, customs procedures and shipping restrictions vary by service and destination. Some fragile or valuable items may be excluded from carriage or subject to limitations of liability.