Shipping fragile items can feel like a gamble—especially when they hold sentimental or financial value. Whether it’s a family heirloom, glassware, electronics, or a delicate gift, improper packing is one of the main reasons items break during transit.
The good news? With the right materials and method, you can safely ship nearly anything through FedEx. At Pack It Up Cibolo, we specialize in FedEx-approved packing techniques designed to protect your items from impact, vibration, and stacking pressure.
In this guide, we’ll share how to pack fragile items correctly from start to finish, ensuring your package arrives just as it left—safe, secure, and intact.
1. Choose the Right Box
The box is your shipment’s first line of defense.
A sturdy, well-constructed box absorbs external pressure and keeps your item stable throughout transit.
FedEx recommends:
- New boxes only. Reused boxes weaken and may collapse under weight.
- Double-wall boxes for heavy or fragile shipments (e.g., glass, ceramics, electronics).
- Boxes that leave at least two inches of space on all sides for cushioning.
At Pack It Up Cibolo, we stock a full selection of FedEx-approved boxes in every size and weight rating. We’ll match your item to the right box type—so you never have to guess.
2. Use the Right Cushioning Material
Not all packing materials are created equal.
Your goal is to prevent movement and absorb shock inside the box.
Recommended materials:
- Bubble wrap: Perfect for glassware, electronics, and small delicate items.
- Packing peanuts or air pillows: Fill remaining voids to prevent shifting.
- Kraft paper: Good for lightweight items and eco-conscious customers.
- Foam inserts: Excellent for irregular shapes or high-value shipments.
Avoid: newspaper, towels, or clothing as fillers—they compress and provide little impact protection.
We offer professional packing materials in-store, ensuring your fragile items meet FedEx’s packaging standards for insurance and coverage eligibility.
3. Wrap Each Item Individually
When shipping multiple fragile items, always wrap each one separately before boxing.
For example, if you’re shipping dishes or glasses, each piece should have its own layer of bubble wrap or foam.
Stacking unwrapped items is a recipe for disaster—even with good cushioning.
Pro Tip:
Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing.
4. The Double-Box Method
For high-value or extra-fragile items, FedEx recommends double-boxing—a method that adds an additional layer of protection.
Here’s how it works:
- Pack your item in a smaller inner box with two inches of cushioning.
- Place that box inside a larger outer box, again surrounded by at least two inches of packing material.
- Seal both boxes securely using pressure-sensitive shipping tape.
This method dramatically reduces impact risk and is required for insurance claims on fragile shipments like glass or electronics.
The team at Pack It Up Cibolo can perform this double-box method for you in minutes.
5. Seal Properly Using the H-Taping Method
Even the strongest box can fail if it isn’t sealed correctly.
Always use pressure-sensitive packing tape, at least two inches wide.
Apply tape across:
- The center seam (top and bottom)
- Both edges, forming an “H” shape
Avoid masking, duct, or cellophane tape—they don’t hold up under temperature changes or weight.
Our staff at Pack It Up Cibolo uses industrial-grade shipping tape for all professional packing jobs. We’ll make sure every seam is reinforced and every corner secure.
6. Label Clearly and Protect Your Label
Labels are how FedEx routes your shipment through automated systems, so clarity is crucial.
Always place your label on the largest flat surface of the box and avoid covering seams or tape.
Tips for a secure label:
- Use printed labels whenever possible (smudge-free).
- Cover the label with clear tape or place it in a FedEx label pouch.
- If reusing a box, remove or completely cover old labels and barcodes.
- Write your return address and contact info inside the box just in case the label is lost or damaged.
If you ship directly from Pack It Up Cibolo, our system automatically prints and verifies your FedEx labels for accuracy and scan readability.
7. Mark “Fragile” Correctly (and Don’t Rely on It Alone)
Adding “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” stickers is a good idea—but it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. FedEx handling systems are automated, and labels can’t guarantee gentle treatment.
Think of these markings as a final warning, not protection.
The real safety comes from the quality of your packing materials and box integrity.
Our trained staff understands these nuances and follows FedEx’s own packaging standards, so every fragile item is ready for real-world transit conditions.
8. Insure and Track Valuable Shipments
If your item is irreplaceable or worth more than a few hundred dollars, insurance and tracking are essential.
FedEx offers:
- Declared value coverage up to $50,000 (depending on contents)
- Tracking updates via text or email
- Signature confirmation for added security
At Pack It Up Cibolo, we’ll help you determine the right coverage amount and process insurance requests directly at the counter.
9. Let Professionals Handle It
Some fragile shipments—like antiques, artwork, or electronics—deserve professional attention.
Our experienced staff knows exactly how to meet FedEx’s packing and insurance requirements to ensure your items are covered and protected.
We handle everything from custom foam inserts to double-box builds and declared value documentation.
Whether you bring your own materials or need full-service packing, we make the process easy.
10. Why Customers Trust Pack It Up Cibolo
Residents and businesses throughout Cibolo, Schertz, and Guadalupe County rely on Pack It Up Cibolo because we combine local service with national reliability.
We’re more than a shipping store—we’re a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter, which means we follow strict training and packaging guidelines to ensure every shipment meets or exceeds FedEx standards.
Our services include:
- Packing and shipping via FedEx Express, Ground, and International
- Professional packing materials and boxes
- Document shredding and copying
- Moving supplies and mailboxes
Learn more or start your shipment at https://packitupcibolo.com/pack-ship/#fedex_shipping.
Visit or Contact Us
Pack It Up Cibolo
232 Brite Rd Ste 109
Cibolo, TX 78108
Phone: (210) 255-8547
Fax: (210) 255-8577
Email: packitupshipandprint@gmail.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM | Sat 9 AM-1 PM | Closed Sunday
Website: https://packitupcibolo.com/pack-ship/#fedex_shipping
Shipping fragile items doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is preparation—choosing the right materials, following FedEx guidelines, and trusting experts who understand every step of the process.
At Pack It Up Cibolo, we treat your shipment as if it were our own. From glass to electronics to family keepsakes, we make sure your fragile items are packed the right way—so they arrive safe, sound, and exactly as intended.