Packing a globe for safe shipment a practical guide

     I send and receive a fair number of globes in the mail.  So let me tell ya I've seen it all when it comes to packing and shipping fragile items.  So I thought it might be a good idea to add my 2 cents to the conversation and throw in a few do's and dont's when it comes to packing and shipping globes.

1. Don't put any newspaper in the box, newspaper is not a good shock absorber, and it is not a good fill material around any fragile item.  Yes it's cheap and that is it's appeal but please don't use it to protect anything it is false security.

2.  Don't skimp on box size.  Even a smallish globe probably needs at least a 16x16x16 inch box in order to safely travel any distance.  All too often in the zeal to save $4 in shipping costs people skimp on the size of the box.  It's not worth the savings if the item is damaged.
     A 12 inch full mount globe will probably need a 20x20x20 box to safely travel,  probably a bit smaller if a simple offset mount.

3. Do disassemble the globe before shipping,  remove the orb from the base and cocoon in bubble wrap separately, then wrap the stand separately.  It is always best practice to take these things apart.

These two pictures are an example of expert packing. Notice the rigid Styrofoam inner shell, and the extensive use of air packs to absorb impact, as well as hold everything in place. This good job was done by a Manhattan UPS store, not cheap, but absolutely no worries. the box was a 24 by 24 inch cube for a 12 inch globe. Probably the best packing job I've seen.

4. Do make liberal use of packing peanuts, air packs, and bubble wrap. These materials are your best defense against damage during transport.  Not the most environmentally sensitive, but these materials can be used over and over again.

This next group of pictures is another example of an expert packing job, notice the tomb of packing peanuts.  Below inside that mystery box of peanuts each piece of the dis assembled globe is wrapped seperetly in a protective layer of bubble wrap.
     By now you should be asking yourself " why the heck did he take so many pictures as he opened his mail ? "  A completely valid question.  Now would be a good time to mention my other blog "picking packing pictures.blogspot.com................Ha Ha  just kidding (  that blog name was already taken)
     Seriously this brings me to number 5.  Do take pictures as you open an expensive package. Because you never know and if you have damage, and you need to submit an insurance claim what better proof of trouble than a picture!

     In closing,  a lot of this should be common sense but  there are so many horror stories out there from eBay about horrible packaging.  The keys to success are start with a large box, over use peanuts, and disassemble the globe.  Many of these ideas are applicable to any fragile items you are shipping.

Don't hesitate to discuss, below in the comments, I love to hear feedback!!