How to Properly Pack a Laptop for Shipping

Shipping electronics is always tricky because they are fragile and often contain lithium batteries, which are considered a fire hazard, especially in air transportation. Here are a few tips for properly packing a laptop for shipping that may come in handy.

When shipping a laptop, the first thing you should do is choose the right box to protect your device – or, more specifically, the right boxes. Double-boxing is a must when shipping electronics, because a single box will not provide adequate protection, even if you use the original box provided by the manufacturer: such boxes are usually designed for palletized shipping and may not withstand shipping as a stand-alone item.

The original packaging should work well as an inner box. It’s the obvious choice if you’re shipping a new laptop; you can also use the original box if you’re shipping a used laptop, as long as you still have it and it’s in excellent condition. If there are any signs of wear, such as punctures, tears, or damaged corners, we recommend that you find a new box that will fit your laptop.

For the outer box, it’s best to use a sturdy but lightweight corrugated cardboard box that is slightly larger than the inner box containing the laptop. It needs to have enough room for accessories and cushioning material, but not too much so that the inside box doesn’t get bumped around during shipping.

Before packing your laptop, back up any sensitive data it may contain and then erase it from the hard drive. Then clean the laptop to make sure it is free of any dust and moisture. Turn it off and protect the power button with electrical tape or a small piece of cardboard to prevent it from being accidentally turned on. To protect the screen and keyboard, place a thin sheet of packing foam or bubble wrap between them before closing the laptop. Do not remove the battery! Shipping regulations require that laptops be shipped with the battery installed.

Wrap the laptop in bubble wrap and tape it down. Then place the device in an anti-static shipping bag to protect it from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and place it in the inside box. Wrap any accessories (cables, power adapters, etc.) in bubble wrap and secure with zip ties.

Place the laptop in the outer box and secure it in place with packing material. Foam inserts work best; loose packing material such as packing peanuts is not recommended. Place the accessories in the box, close it, and give the box a gentle shake to make sure everything stays in place. If the contents of the box move when you shake it, add more packing material.

If there is no internal sliding, you can close the box and seal it with packing tape. Before doing this, place a copy of the shipping label inside the box; it may come in handy if the shipping label is damaged in transit. Be sure to seal all edges and seams of the box with packing tape to keep moisture out.

Now it’s time to label your package. In addition to the shipping label with the information needed to deliver the package, you will need warning labels indicating that the package is fragile ("Fragile", "Handle with care"). You may also need a UN3841 label warning that the package contains a lithium-ion battery packed with equipment. This label is sometimes not required when shipping a single laptop, especially by ground, but it is highly recommended that you check the carrier’s policy before deciding to forego the battery label.

You should also consider purchasing additional insurance in the event of loss, theft or damage, as the standard amount of coverage included in the shipping cost is usually around $100. Postal and courier companies usually offer to purchase additional insurance, but you may choose to purchase third-party insurance if you are more comfortable with that option.