Efficient Use of Packing Materials

For all the years I've been sending out packages through eBay, I've only used foam peanuts maybe 3 times...and here's why.

1) I don't like them floating around all over the place whether I'm receiving or sending a package
2) I don't think they do a very good job if used the way most people use them.
3) If bought at a box store they are expensive.

So, here's my tip for the few times I get them free and decide to use them at all.

Most home-brew shippers never use ENOUGH OF THEM. How can a couple of cups of peanuts protect anything if
they don't actually CUSHION the item in a box?  They can't.  Either use ENOUGH or don't use them at all.

I once received a heavy metal tool (with 8 sharp corners) in a large box with peanuts, but because there weren't enough peanuts and the corners weren't wrapped with something the tool broke the side of the box and all along the route the peanuts came out until there was a large box with the tool, few peanuts, etc, etc,. I had to file a claim for damage.

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So, if I ever use peanuts I put them in plastic, permanently sealable bags to make  CUSHION PILLOW which still allows for some shifting of the peanuts, but not that much movement of the item. It may take multiple PILLOWS on bottom, sides, top of item, but it will get to its destination undamaged. I also wrap the item itself in bubble wrap or crumpled paper to sit within those cushions.

My feeling is that if you add enough barriers and don't allow for movement within the box the item will arrive more safely.

I couldn't agree more.
The last time I received a package packed with peanuts the item was in the bottom, no peanuts underneath, surrounded by peanuts and a good 3-4 inches of space on top. Apparently the packer never heard of "settling".
I guess they did provide some cushioning but not as intended.

Luckily people seem to be going "green" and peanuts are seen less and less.

I don't buy peanuts. I only use them when I get them in something else. When I do use them, I use them to stuff items. For example, put them inside shoes to keep the form.. I just shipped a Hermle Anniversary clock today. The pendulum lock is broken, so I put peanuts inside the clock to keep the pendulum from moving.

I never use peanuts. I truly hate those things. For me it is bubble wrap and heavy packing paper. Come on people find a box the item fits in. I know that isn't always easy but I would rather get an item wrapped in bubble wrap then wrapped in packing paper and put in a box with crumpled newspaper.

i love packing peanuts. you can get them all over the place in huge bulk amounts for free if you know where to look. they weigh much less than other padding materials.

i think this is the stupidest rule ever but first class packages have to be 1/4 inch thick. if your package isn't not always but sometimes they will return it to you, this requires me to put something in my envelopes to add sum bulk. i used to fold up a paper towl and tape it and drop it in. this is time consuming and heavy as is stuffing a box with newspapers or something. on flat rate who cares padd it with whatever you want but when your paying by weight packing peanuts offer cushion with the minimal amount of weight added.

when i was doing storage auctions i used to scrounge for recycled type packaging materials. now its a business expense and a write off and i like keeping a more professional presentation so i have branded envelopes, biz cards, etc which all go in my packages but heck why not use recycled stuff, free and good for the environment. my other issue with receycled stuf is where as my packing peanuts are in a bag, my envelopes are neatly in a box, my boxes are broken down and foled when your using recycled stuff at least me i used to have crap everywhere

Perhaps I'm sick... I like to use packing peanuts just because I know most people don't like them...  My inner child is a mean little brat.

Perhaps I'm sick... I like to use packing peanuts just because I know most people don't like them...  My inner child is a mean little brat.

i love packing peanuts only time its annoying is when giant boxes full of them come and then they get all over. a tip for you guys who sell things and ship things first class mail. usps doesn't really enforce this but technically you aren't supposed to send flat envlopes first class at that point its a large envelope and not a package, dont ask me the diff lol. anyhow, by just stuffing a few peanuts inthe envelope your within the ulres and your things are more likely to get scanned.

this is kinda a stupid plicy if you ask me. think about how many flat 9x11 manillas you could fit in one of those usps plastic boxes vs stuffed envelopes. i stuff mine just to meet those requirements and it takes up more space in mail carriers bags, those bins and the planes.