How to Stop Packages Moving Inside a Box During Delivery

Products moving around inside a shipping box are more than an annoying packing problem. Empty space allows items to shift, which can increase the chance of impact damage during handling and transport. The solution is not simply adding more packaging. It is about creating a stable fit around the product.

Royal Mail’s current packaging guidance recommends using a sturdy box, leaving minimal space to prevent movement, cushioning items on all sides and securing the parcel with strong packing tape.

Why do products move around inside shipping boxes?

The most common reason is a mismatch between the product and the outer box. If there is a large gap around the item, the product can slide from side to side or move vertically when the parcel is handled.

Other causes include insufficient cushioning, loose void fill, weak internal dividers and packing several items together without separating them.

1. Choose a box that fits the product

Start with the outer box rather than trying to solve excessive empty space at the end. A box should leave enough room for protective material around the product, but it should not be so large that you need a large amount of filler to stop the contents moving.

For fragile goods, Royal Mail recommends a robust box with enough room for cushioning, while warning against leaving too much space for the item to slide around.

2. Cushion the product before filling the gaps

Void filling and cushioning have different jobs. Cushioning protects the product from impacts, while void fill helps prevent the packed item from moving around the box.

Bubble wrap can be used as an additional protective layer around suitable products. For fragile items, make sure the product cannot contact the sides of the box directly.

Our guide to bubble wrap for shipping explains how different bubble sizes can be used for packaging protection.

3. Fill empty space so the contents stay in position

Once the product is protected, deal with the remaining gaps. Add suitable void-fill material around the item until it stays in position without being forced into the box.

A useful test is to gently move the closed box before sealing it permanently. If you can hear or feel the product sliding around, there is still too much free movement.

4. Separate multiple products inside one box

When several products share a box, wrapping each one individually may not be enough. Products can still collide with one another if there is nothing keeping them apart.

Cardboard dividers or separate internal sections can help prevent items from knocking together. Royal Mail also recommends dividers when sending multiple fragile items.

5. Do not overfill the box

Stopping movement does not mean packing the box as tightly as possible. Excessive pressure can damage products and can place unnecessary stress on the box seams.

The aim is a stable package where the contents are supported without being crushed. If the products only fit by forcing them into the carton, a different box size or packing arrangement may be more appropriate.

6. Seal the box properly

Once the contents are stable, close the carton and seal the seams securely with suitable packaging tape. Pay particular attention to the main centre seam and any areas where the flaps meet.

Royal Mail recommends strong, wide packing tape and advises securing seams and edges when preparing parcels for delivery.

For more detail, see our guide on choosing packaging tape for shipping in the UK.

A simple packing test before dispatch

1. Check that the product cannot touch the box walls where additional protection is needed.
2. Gently move the closed parcel and listen for movement.
3. Open it again if the contents shift.
4. Add or rearrange protective and void-fill material.
5. Close and seal the box securely.

What if the product still moves?

If the contents still shift after adding void fill, the box may simply be too large for the product. Adding more material can work in some situations, but repeatedly filling a large empty carton can also increase packaging use and parcel size.

Try a better-fitting carton where possible. The goal is a package that gives the product enough protective space without creating a large empty cavity around it.

Final checklist

• Use a suitable box size.
• Protect the product before filling empty space.
• Use void fill to restrict movement.
• Separate multiple fragile products.
• Avoid crushing the contents by overpacking.
• Seal seams securely with suitable tape.
• Test the finished parcel for movement before dispatch.