Smart packing prevents damage and can keep your shipping costs down. Follow these eight simple rules before your next drop-off.

A well-packed box protects both your items and your budget. Start with a sturdy corrugated box and leave at least two inches of space on every side. Cushion fragile items with bubble wrap or crumpled paper, and use the "pack it so it fits" test: if contents rattle, add more padding.

Seal your box with 2-inch wide strong tape along all seams in an H-pattern. Don't reuse boxes with old labels, torn corners, or weak flaps. Finally, print a clean shipping label and place it flat on the largest side.