Packaging Instructions
Ensure your storage device can withstand the rigors of shipping by following these packaging tips.
Step 1: Gather Materials
To safely pack your hard drive, you will need:
Anti-static bag
Bubble wrap
Packing foam
A sturdy box
You can find anti-static bags at many electronics retailers. Home improvement and office supply stores often have packing foam for small items. If time is not a factor, you can order all materials online.
Warning: Do not use packing peanuts. These foam pieces, typically made from an expanded polymer, easily carry a static charge. Discharge could damage the device’s electronics.
Step 2: Choose the Right Box
Select a rigid, corrugated box that is not much larger than the device. Smaller boxes require fewer materials to fill the empty space. Inspect it for signs of damage and wear before placing the device inside.
Warning: Do not ship the storage device in a chipboard box or padded envelope. You want a container that provides more protection against jostling during shipping.
Step 3: Prepare Device for Shipping
Many disks, SSDs, or USB flash drives have exposed printed circuit boards (PCBs). In such cases, put it in an anti-static bag before wrapping it. This layer insulates it from harmful static discharge. Tape the sides to keep the drive from slipping out of the bag.
We recommend packing the storage device in 3 to 6 inches of bubble wrap. Fill the remaining space in the box with packing foam to immobilize the drive. This padding will absorb most impacts that occur in transit.
Hard Drives: Desktop HDDs have exposed PCBs. Insert them in an anti-static bag to prevent discharge. Ensure the disk cannot slide around the box.
Solid-State Drives: Most SATA and M.2 SSDs in desktops and laptops are susceptible to ESD. Pack them in an anti-static bag to safeguard components.
External Hard Drives: External drives often do not require an anti-static bag because their enclosure shields them from discharge. Include the drive’s interface and power cables.
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): Use anti-static bags and 3 to 6 inches of packing materials per storage device. None of the drives should be able to move. Label the position of each disk in the array, remembering that most numbering systems start with Drive 0. Include the RAID controller in an anti-static bag if requested.
Mobile Devices: Firmly pack iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones or tablets, and other consumer electronics in bubble wrap. Cover displays with a screen protector and foam padding. Original packaging for the product could work well if available and intact.
Removable Media: Put SD cards and thumb drives in an anti-static bag. Tape the bag shut to secure the storage. Use bubble wrap to further protect the media.
Magnetic Tape: Mark all cartridges for easy identification. Place each tape on its edge so the axis of the reel is horizontal to the shipping container. Keep the tapes in the appropriate storage case and surround them with bubble wrap. Label the box as fragile and magnetically sensitive.
The packaging instructions also apply if you want to send us transfer media.
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