2.  It is a good idea to seal heavy boxes with a fabric tape rather than brown tape to improve strength.

3. Balance the weight within the box – an unevenly packed box is more likely to suffer damage due to instability.

4. Allow at least two inches of packing around breakable or fragile items. Don’t rely on shredded or torn up newspaper – use polystyrene peanuts and bubble wrap.

5. Use a big enough box to allow space for internal packaging, which will better protect your items. As weight and/or value increase move from ‘single-wall’ to ‘double-wall’ cartons.

6.Pack your items securely within the box to prevent them from moving while in transit. This is the single biggest reason for damage to contents.

7. If you are sending several items to the same address, spread out any valuable items amongst the packages, instead of putting all of them in the same carton.

8. Place some cardboard under the final seal of each box, to protect items in case a knife is used to open the package.

9. Seal the edges too – this adds stability and reduces the risk of snagging and tampering.

10. Write the address clearly on the box – labels are fine but can come unstuck. Protect any labels by using clear tape. Include your own full address both on and inside the carton in case of returns.