Tips For Getting PackagesTo Their Destination—Intact (NAPSA)—Accordingto a recent survey, the average American sends about eight gifts per year through the mail. With millions of parcels making their way across the miles, how can you ensure that your packages arrive intact? Here are a few tips that can help you pack parcels like a pro in no timeflat! Box it up: Choose a box that is strong enough to protect the contents and also provides enough space for packaging materials. Corrugated cardboard boxes are preferred. Everything old is new again: If you don’t have a new corrugated box handy, simply “recycle” a previously used one. Just be sureit’s sturdy andfree of holes or tears. In addition, remove or black out any old shipping labels. Even better— makean old box look like new! Use a utility knife to carefully cut the entire length of one edgeof the box. Then, turn the box inside-out so that the “clean”side is now the exterior. To each his own: When sending more than onefragile item in the same box, use an approved packing material to protect each one separately; then, place the itemsin the box for shipping. For added convenience and protection when sending these fragile items, try the new Inflata-Pak air cushion packaging from 3M. Simply place the object inside the bag andinflate it with the straw provided. Your item will be secure in the “inner pouch” while _ Fe =a= @ Whenshipping more than one fragile item in the same box, be sure to protect each one separately; then, box and ship. the outer pouch forms an “air pillow”that protects the object. From the outside in: When addressing a package, be sure to put the delivery and return addresses on only one side of the box. This will help eliminate confusion. It’s also a good idea to include a mailing label inside the package, in case the box accidentally comes open during the shipping process. Seal the deal: Worried that winter’s inclement weather will cause the ink on the package to smudge? Just apply a strip of clear packaging tape, such as Scotch tear-by-hand packaging tape, over the address area on the box.
