The proper packaging of baseball cards for shipping is crucial to ensuring the cards arrive safely at their destination. Here are the detailed steps to follow to package baseball cards for shipment:
First, you’ll need to gather your supplies which should include penny sleeves or toploaders for each individual card, a cardboard backing such as a piece of cardboard from a cereal or tissue box that is slightly larger than the size of the cards, plastic sleeves or sheets to protect multiple cards at once, cardboard for the outside of the package at least 3/4 of an inch thicker than the protected cards, bubble wrap, packing tape and a shipping box or envelope.
Place each individual card into its own penny sleeve or toploader to protect it from scratches or other surface damage during transit. Make sure the protective sleeve fits snugly but isn’t too tight, so you don’t risk damaging corners insertion or removal. Similarly sized cards can then be placed back to back inside plastic sleeves designed to hold multiple cards at once for additional protection in groups of 2-10 cards depending on the sleeve size.
The cardboard backing is then prepared by covering it completely with bubble wrap, ensuring there are no exposed edges where the wrapping could loosen or shift during transport. The bubble-wrapped cardboard is placed bubble side down into the bottom of your shipping box. This creates a protective base and cushioning for the layers of cards to be positioned on top of.
Now it’s time to start carefully stacking the groups of sleeved cards positioned right side up on the bubble wrapped cardboard base. Arrange them neatly with consistent spacing between each group. Leave at least a half inch margin around the edge that will be covered by another layer of cardboard. Continue stacking groups of sleeved cards until you’ve used all the cards or have filled the space on the base layer.
Cut a piece of cardboard to snugly fit over the stacked cards with at least 3/4 of an inch hanging over the edges all around. Completely cover this layer with bubble wrap the same way the bottom layer was prepared, with no exposed edges. Carefully place the bubble wrapped cardboard coverage directly on top of the stacked card groups, pressing lightly so it adheres slightly to the layer of bubbles below without shifting the positioned cards.
Cut a third piece of cardboard to fit over the covered stack with at least an inch to spare on all edges. Fully wrap the outside of this top layer with packing tape, going around the perimeter multiple times to reinforce it. The tape should overlap itself as you encircle the cardboard edges.
Select a shipping box only slightly larger than the wrapped and taped package you’ve created. The box should have at least an inch to spare all around the prepared package when positioned inside. Place wadded paper, bubble wrap or air pillows into any open spaces inside the box and on all six sides surrounding the package for additional protection from impact during transit.
Secure the packaged cards inside the box with more packing tape, going around the box overlapping tape at the seams until no gaps remain. Also tape the box lid flaps closed, ensuring a tight seal is formed. Affix complete shipping labels and any required customs forms to the outside of the sealed box. You’re now ready to ship your carefully wrapped baseball card collection safely to its destination. Proper packaging is key to preserving these collectibles undamaged through the mailing process.