How to package a game for shipping.

This is how we package games that are given to trucking companies to move them within the United States.

STEP 0:

This is the game to be shipped. Make sure it is clean and ready to go.

Make sure the levelers are tight against the game and the game is level.

STEP 1:

Protect the marquee. Cover the marquee to the edges of the cabinet. This is to prevent damage to the marquee should someone break the box there.

Use stretch wrap to hold the cardboard in place. Make sure the stretch wrap is tight. Use tape to hold the end of the stretch wrap to itself.

DO NOT tape anything to the game. If it is absolutely necessary, tape it to the top or back of the game ONLY.

STEP 2:

Protect the control panel. Cover the CP to the edges of the cabinet. This is to prevent damage should someone break the box there.

This game is pretty easy. When we need to cover a CP that sticks out from a game, we cover the sticks and buttons with small inverted boxes so no pressure can be applied to the controls.

When a game has exposed glass, it is covered again with heavy cardboard and stretch wrap.

Use stretch wrap to hold the cardboard in place. Use tape to hold down the end of the stretch wrap.

STEP 4:

Use the box knife to open up one side of the box.

Assemble the box such that three sides are in the right place. Roll the game in so it fits the best way. In this case, there was very little room to the front and back if the game was placed this way. A nice, tight fit.

Also note that we like to wrap games such that the arrows on the printed box face UP. This is just another bit of insurance. You never know who will be driving a forklift at the other end.

STEP 5:

Fold the box so it is tight around the game. This picture is from the opposite side from step 5.

Score cardboard where you need to add folds. Since this is double corrugated cardboard, we cut through to the center wall of the box from the OUTSIDE of the box. That allows the box to fold nicely without tearing or folding in a strange way.

STEP 6:

Since this game is narrower than the box, the cardboard has to be folded in new places.

Do this all the way around for the bottom of the game. Make the last side overlay the first. That way, there is something to tape to. Tape the box together where sides 1 and 4 meet or anywhere you need to cut the box to fit.

Notice how the bottom flap is about to slide in and under the game. This will help hold it together.

Notice also how the cardboard is bent and folded over the CP to protect it again.

STEP 7:

Once the box for the bottom is complete, stretch wrap the whole thing again. This will hold the bottom box to the cabinet.

Make it tight! That way the game won't shift during transport.

STEP 8:

Use the box knife to open up the second box.

Assemble the second box on the ground. 2 sides this time because the top of the game is narrower than the bottom of the game.

If this box is not long enough to overlap the bottom box, we recommend extending the top folds of the box straight up to form higher walls. Then this requires a cap box similar to the way box #2 will be used here.

Box #2 will slip over the other box completing the packaging. Make sure that any holes in the boxes (left center) are cut out when used.

STEP 9:

Place the box on the top of the game. Press in from one corner to make it tight. Since games rarely have flat tops, have a helper hold it in place.

Score and fold the box as you did with the first one. This one is easier because the cardboard tends to drape over the game.

STEP 10:

Complete the top box. Even if it looks strange, it is strong. Notice the diagonal bends. This is to make a nice seam on the corners of the game.

Here the sides were folded forward and taped to cover the front of the game.

STEP 11:

We generally cut another piece to cover the monitor and marquee. Yes, again. It makes it look better as well.

Note the thickness of the front of the game... Four Double corrugated cardboard pieces.

STEP 12:

Scratch out or remove any previous shipping labels. That way your package won't end up at the wrong place.

STEP 13:

Completely stretch wrap the whole game. Go over the top and all the way to the ground.

This will protect the game from moisture and dirt.

Use tape to hold down the end of the stretch wrap.

STEP 14:

Take the game to Forward Air.

Put the game on a palette and use the ratchet straps to secure it. One strap from side to side and another from front to back. Be careful not to put tension on the glass or plastic parts of the game. Generally at this point, it should be impossible.

Shake the game to ensure the straps are tight and that the game is balanced on the palette. Someone is going to lift this with a forklift and drive it to the scale to be weighed.

The game is ready to go.

Call a local furniture store early. We have to call before 8 a.m. or they cut the boxes and throw them into a dumpster. If we call ahead, they hold the boxes inside for us. This is especially nice on rainy days. They would much rather give these boxes to us than pay to have them carted to the recycling center.

You can buy 18" wide stretch wrap at moving supply places. We go to Mayflower Moving Company in Nashua to pick up 3 rolls at a time. This also comes in handy when moving games from PA to NH in the back of a pickup truck. The games stay clean and dry in their shells.

Keep your utility knife sharp. You are much more likely to cut yourself with a dull knife than a sharp one.