Whether you’re mailing old prints or film negatives, careful packaging ensures your memories arrive safely for professional scanning. Follow these five simple steps to protect your originals in transit.
Proper packing is key to preventing damage during shipment. Always use rigid cardboard mailers or small boxes — never standard envelopes. Protect photos between sheets of acid-free paper or plastic sleeves to prevent scratches or moisture exposure.
Place photos or negatives in clear archival sleeves. These protect against fingerprints and humidity while keeping film from curling or sticking together.
Use sturdy cardboard on both sides of your photo stack, then seal it inside a rigid mailer. For larger quantities or fragile originals, use a small corrugated box with soft padding around the edges.
Mark the package as “Do Not Bend” and “Photographs — Handle With Care.” This alerts carriers that your contents are delicate and should remain flat.
Use USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx for tracking and insurance. Delivery confirmation provides peace of mind that your materials arrived safely.
Place a slip of paper inside with your name, phone number, and email. If you have special scanning instructions, include them too — this helps us process your order accurately.
When your shipment is ready, contact us for our mailing address or shipping recommendations. We’ll help ensure your materials arrive securely for professional digitizing.