Choosing the right box is only the first step in safer shipping. The material around the product matters just as much: it keeps items from shifting, separates multiple products, and helps protect fragile surfaces during transit.
Use packing paper to fill empty space and stabilize items. Use bubble wrap to cushion fragile or scratch-prone products. For many orders, the best approach is both: wrap the product first, then use paper to fill the remaining space.
For a reliable starting point, USPS recommends choosing a sturdy container with room for cushioning and adding enough material so the contents do not shift during handling. See USPS package-preparation guidance.
When Should You Use Packing Paper?
Packing paper works best as void fill. Crumple it lightly and place it around the bottom, sides, and top of a product so it stays centered inside the box.
It is a practical choice for:
- Filling open space in corrugated shipping boxes
- Separating several non-fragile items in one carton
- Keeping books, apparel, boxed goods, and durable retail products from moving
- Adding a clean, kraft-paper presentation to e-commerce orders
Packing paper provides stabilization, but it is not always enough for glass, ceramics, electronics, or products with easily scratched surfaces. Those items usually need a protective wrap before they go into the box.
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When Should You Use Bubble Wrap?
Bubble wrap creates a protective air cushion around the product. It is most useful when an item can break, dent, scratch, or lose value after impact.
Use bubble wrap for:
- Glassware, candles in glass jars, ceramics, and framed items
- Small electronics and accessories
- Cosmetics or retail items with fragile packaging
- Products that need separation from other items in the same carton
Wrap the item securely enough that its surface is protected, but do not rely on bubble wrap alone to fill a large box. A wrapped product can still move inside an oversized carton. Add packing paper around it until there is no noticeable movement.
The Best Method for Fragile Products: Wrap, Fill, and Seal
For breakable or higher-value products, use this three-step process:
- Choose the right box. Select a corrugated box with space for the product and cushioning, without leaving excessive empty room. Read our guide to choosing the right shipping box size.
- Wrap the product. Use bubble wrap or another suitable protective material around fragile surfaces. If you are shipping more than one item, wrap each one separately.
- Fill every open space. Add crumpled packing paper to the bottom, sides, top, and gaps between products. Close the box and give it a gentle shake. If the contents move, add more fill.
USPS also advises cushioning fragile items and preventing package contents from shifting during processing and delivery. Review the USPS mailing standards.
Match the Protection Level to the Product
| Product type | Recommended protection |
|---|---|
| Apparel, soft goods, or durable lightweight items | Poly mailer or box; use paper only if a box has unused space. |
| Boxed retail products | Corrugated box with packing paper around the item. |
| Glass, ceramics, candles, or delicate goods | Bubble wrap around each item, then packing paper as void fill. |
| Multiple products in one carton | Wrap fragile items separately and use paper between every item. |
| Heavy or dense products | Strong corrugated box, bracing material, minimal movement, and reinforced tape. |
Do Not Oversize the Box
A larger box is not automatically safer. Oversized packaging can increase shipping costs and requires more void fill. Start with a box that gives the product enough clearance for cushioning, then add only the protection needed to keep it stable.
If your products are soft, lightweight, and not breakable, a mailer may be a better fit than a box. Compare both options in our guide: Shipping Boxes vs. Poly Mailers: Which Is Right for Your Orders?
Seal the Package for Transit
After protecting the contents, seal the carton with shipping-grade packing tape. Apply tape across the main opening and reinforce seams when the package is heavier or likely to experience more handling.
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Quick Packing Checklist
- Choose a box that fits the product and cushioning.
- Wrap fragile surfaces before placing the item in the box.
- Fill empty space on every side so the item does not shift.
- Separate multiple products to prevent them from hitting each other.
- Seal all seams with appropriate packing tape.
- Check the box with a gentle shake before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is packing paper enough to protect fragile items?
Packing paper is excellent for filling empty space and preventing movement. For glass, ceramics, electronics, and other fragile items, wrap the product with bubble wrap or another protective layer first, then use paper to stabilize it in the box.
Should bubble wrap face inward or outward?
Wrap the product so the bubbles face toward the item. This helps the bubbles conform to the product surface and provide cushioning around it.
How do I know whether I used enough void fill?
Close the carton and gently shake it. If you can feel or hear the contents moving, add more packing paper or cushioning until the item stays in place.
What supplies do I need for a basic shipping station?
Most small businesses need appropriately sized shipping boxes or mailers, protective material such as packing paper or bubble wrap, packing tape, and shipping labels. See our small business shipping checklist for a complete starting list.
Build a More Reliable Packing Process
Using the right combination of box size, protective wrap, void fill, and tape helps reduce movement and makes every order easier to pack consistently. Browse shipping boxes, packing paper, and tape and labels for your next fulfillment run.