Vacuum sealing is a packaging method to remove air from a package before sealing and shipping the item. It can effectively reduce the package's size, protect the contents, and ensure they remain airtight during shipping. You can use various packaging materials and machines to vacuum seal items for shipping. Here are ways to properly conduct the process.
Gather Your Supplies
Collect and organize all the supplies you need to vacuum seal the items. The supplies you collect should include:
- Labels, markers, and shipping materials
- Vacuum sealing machine
- Vacuum seal bags or pouches and ensure they're appropriate for shipping
- The items you want to vacuum seal for shipping
All of these supplies will help you get started.
Prepare the Items
After gathering the supplies, prepare the items by ensuring they are clean and dry. This prevents contaminants or moisture from getting sealed inside the vacuum bag or pouch.
Choose the Right Bag
Select a vacuum-sealing bag or pouch suitable for shipping. A vacuum-sealing bag has an oxygen barrier that prevents air from escaping or entering after it has been sealed. As such, you must ensure that any bag you use for vacuum sealing has a sturdy and durable oxygen barrier to withstand the shipping process.
Place the Items into the Vacuum Seal Bags
Arrange the items you want to ship into the vacuum-sealing bags and ensure they are large enough to accommodate them. You should leave space between the items to prevent punctures during vacuum sealing.
Seal the Bags Partially
When vacuum sealing, seal the bags partially to prevent items from shifting during vacuuming. Some vacuum sealers may need a larger top space than others to form a seal. However, most vacuum sealing machines can partially seal the bags before vacuuming.
Vacuum Seal
Place the partially sealed bags into the vacuum sealing machine. Follow the machine's instructions to begin the vacuum sealing process. This involves placing the machine in a particular way for the air removal to be successful and create an airtight seal. Always ensure the bags are sealed tightly to reduce the risk of air entering the bags.
Check the Seal
After completing the vacuum sealing process, inspect it carefully to ensure it's airtight and secure. There are various ways to inspect a seal; for example, visually check the seal. Ensure the spots are sealed, so the bag can maintain a vacuum. Wrinkles and creases may appear if the pack is not aligned correctly with the sealer, which may cause leakage or damage to the seal.
Label the Packages
Label the sealed bags clearly with important shipping information, such as special handling instructions, the recipient's address, and the return address. You can use a label or waterproof marker for this purpose.
Pack for Shipping
Place the vacuum-sealed bags in an envelope or shipping box of the correct size. Add any padding or packaging materials required to safeguard the contents during shipping.
Seal the Shipping Container
Ensure you seal the shipping container securely using tape or adhesive, with all seams closed and the shipment well sealed.
Address and Ship
Address the package well enough, affix the postage, and take it to your selected carrier or drop-off location.
Document and Tracking
Ensure you maintain a record of the tracking number and shipping details if you want to track the shipment's progress or for reference.
Always follow any specified packaging and shipping guidelines your chosen shipping carrier provides to ensure your vacuum-sealed items arrive safely at their destination. Additionally, it would be best to consider any regulations regarding shipping particular items, such as hazardous materials or perishables, as they may have additional guidelines.
Find Your Shipping Supplies at PostalAnnex
Vacuum-sealing your items for shipping can effectively reduce the size of your package and protect its content during transit. PostalAnnex offers various packing and shipping supplies and solutions for businesses and individuals. Contact us today, and our professionals will help you choose the right shipping supplies for your items.