How to ship your device
without damaging it.

If you've already removed the drive from your device, here's how to package it safely. The goal is to prevent movement, static discharge, and impact.

1. 1.

   Bag the drive

   Place the drive in an anti-static bag if you have one. If you don't, wrap it tightly in a sheet of plain paper first. Do not put a bare drive directly against bubble wrap — the small bubbles can cause static discharge. Do not use newspaper; ink particles are abrasive.

2. 2.

   Wrap in bubble wrap

   Wrap the bagged drive in at least two layers of bubble wrap. Pay extra attention to corners and edges. The drive should feel well-cushioned on every side when you squeeze the package.

3. 3.

   Choose the right box

   Use a box that fits the drive with at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. The drive must not be able to shift or rattle inside. Avoid envelopes, even padded ones — they offer no impact protection.

4. 4.

   Fill any gaps

   If the drive moves around inside the box, fill the space with crumpled paper, packing peanuts, or additional bubble wrap. Shake the box gently before sealing — if you can feel the drive moving, add more padding.

5. 5.

   Seal and label

   Tape all seams securely. Mark the box "FRAGILE — ELECTRONICS" on at least two sides. Include your name and email address on a note inside the box, and write your email address on the outside as a backup.

You do not need to open your laptop or remove the drive. Ship the whole thing. Laptops are more fragile than people expect in transit — carriers are not gentle — so packaging matters more than it might seem.

1. 1.

   Use the original box if you have it

   Manufacturer packaging is designed for exactly this. If you still have the original laptop box with its foam inserts, use it. Pack it inside a second plain brown shipping box for extra protection and to prevent the retail box from getting destroyed.

2. 2.

   If no original box: wrap the laptop first

   Close the laptop and wrap it completely in bubble wrap — at least 2 inches on every surface including the corners. Pay attention to the screen: it's the most fragile part. You can add a layer of cardboard over the lid before wrapping for extra rigidity.

3. 3.

   Use a sturdy double-wall box

   Single-wall cardboard boxes can collapse under carrier handling. A double-wall box (or two boxes nested) is much better. The laptop should sit in the center of the box with at least 2 inches of cushioning on every side.

4. 4.

   Fill all space firmly

   The laptop must not move at all inside the box. Pack foam, bubble wrap, or crumpled paper tightly around every side. Shake the sealed box — if anything shifts, open it and add more padding.

5. 5.

   Do not include the power brick unless asked

   The power adapter adds weight and takes up space. Leave it unless I've specifically asked for it. If you do include it, wrap the cord separately and tape the plug so the prongs don't dig into anything.

6. 6.

   Seal and mark it

   Tape every seam. Write "FRAGILE — ELECTRONICS" on multiple sides. Include your name and email inside. For laptops, consider adding "THIS SIDE UP" arrows.

External drives are two things: a drive inside a plastic enclosure. The enclosure offers some protection, but not enough on its own. Treat it like you're shipping a bare drive.

• ✓ Wrap the drive in at least two layers of bubble wrap, covering all surfaces and corners.
• ✓ Include the USB cable — I may need it to test different connection types.
• ✓ Pack in a snug box with no room for movement. Shake it before sealing.
• ✓ If the drive has a power adapter (desktop external drives often do), include it wrapped separately.
• ✓ Mark the box "FRAGILE — ELECTRONICS."

Tapes are more fragile than they look. The shell can crack, which can damage the tape inside. The goal is to prevent any movement or impact during transit.

1. 1.

   Wrap each tape individually

   Bubble wrap each tape on its own before putting them together. If tapes are stacked and unwrapped, they can crack each other's shells on impact.

2. 2.

   Pack them snugly

   Arrange wrapped tapes in a box so they fill the space without excessive gaps. Fill remaining space with crumpled paper or additional bubble wrap. Tapes must not rattle or shift.

3. 3.

   Protect the cases

   If your tapes are in cases or clamshell holders, keep them in those for the extra shell protection. If the cases are cracked, bubble wrap those tapes with extra care.

4. 4.

   Label your tapes before sending

   If your tapes have labels, great. If not, put a piece of tape on each cassette and write a number or description. This helps me keep track and return them correctly.

Carrier recommendations