For any avid reader, it’s a great joy to receive a book. But it can also turn into a bitter experience if it arrives damaged. Books are sturdier than breakables, such as glassware. Yet, they can still be harmed when shipped internationally.
Are you tired of seeing ripped pages? Then, aim for safe international books shipping with these packing tips. Also you can read best book recommendations.
Waterproof your book
Imagine the distance your parcel will cover if you’re shipping to Ukraine, Bulgaria, or any other country on a different continent. That’s a long road even for the sturdiest of books. You need to prepare them for any possible scenario.
Books can survive a few bumps on the road. But a water leak may be deadly. So when sending books overseas, be sure to waterproof them. You can easily do that by wrapping them in plastic. Even an ordinary grocery bag will do. Just don’t forget to wrap each book separately.
Plastic will ensure a safe package delivery by keeping your book dry and protected from any leaks. It’ll also hold the covers in place so that no page is exposed during the shipping process.
Use pieces of cardboard for better protection
International books shipping will go smoother if you add more protection. Sandwich your book between two pieces of cardboard. It’ll serve as a support for the covers and will protect the book from bending.
Cut two pieces of cardboard that would be slightly larger than the book. Add one at the front and the other at the back. If you’re worried about the cardboard increasing the weight of your parcel, you can always double-check how that might affect the shipping cost in a shipping rates calculator.
Wrap your book in additional layers of padding
Plastic and cardboard are great, but when shipping books internationally you’ll need more layers of protection. You can put your book in bubble wrap. Or cover it with paper.
It’s best to use brown craft paper, but if you don’t have it at hand, newspaper or another kind of wrapping paper will fit just fine. Wrap it on top of the plastic and cardboard pieces and secure with tape. The additional layer of paper will prevent the cardboard from moving during transit. It’ll also serve as further protection against leaks and dirt.
Select the right-size external packaging
There are several external packaging you can choose for international books shipping. A mailer and a box may both be good options depending on your situation. The key is to select the packaging that best fits your books.
When it comes to international package shipping, it’s essential to pick packaging that’s only slightly bigger than the items. So if you’re shipping a single or a few thin books, a padded mailer will be your best option. If you have more or heavier books to send overseas, you won’t do without a box. Make sure to also familiarize yourself with the equivalent shipping rates based on the size and weight of the package you are shipping. Click on the link to get an answer to the question people often ask when sending a package: How much does it cost to ship a package?
Cushion the insides and properly seal the package
To fully prepare your items for international books shipping, don’t forget to take care of cushioning. If you’re using mailers, you don’t really need to worry about it as the cushioning is already there. Just avoid putting your book in an envelope that doesn’t have inside padding.
If you’re shipping books in a box, make sure to add plenty of cushioning inside. Start with the bottom. Cover it with bubble wrap or newspaper. Load your books and fill in the remaining space with other suitable padding materials. Bubble wrap might be the best choice, but even something as simple as crumpled paper will do the job as well.
Finally, tightly seal the box and double-check the address label. When sending books internationally, it’s crucial to put down the correct address. Otherwise, your parcel may end up at the wrong doorstep or get lost.
International books shipping can be tricky if you don’t know the best way to pack your items. But with these tips, you’ll master packing books in no time and won’t ever feel frustrated about ripped pages!
