💰Want a promo code?
GoRoostr
The Blog

Packaging Checklist: How to Ship Your Device Safely to GoRoostr

01/13/2026

Blog feature

Proper packaging is critical. Many pricing issues we see are caused by devices getting damaged in transit due to poor packing. The goal is simple: your device should not move inside the box.

Scroll down to find your exact device type and follow the packing checklist for that device.

UNIVERSAL PACKING RULES (READ THIS FIRST)

Use these rules for every device type.

  • Use a sturdy cardboard box (do not use a padded envelope).
  • Wrap the device in bubble wrap and tape the bubble wrap closed so it can’t slide off.
  • Add padding to the bottom of the box, place the device, then pad the top.
  • Fill all empty space so the device cannot shift in the box.
  • Seal the box using the H-tape method (tape the center seam + both edges).
  • Remove or cover any old shipping labels on the box.
  • If you gently shake the box and feel movement, add more padding.

Recommended supplies: bubble wrap, packing paper/air pillows, strong packing tape, sturdy box.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do not ship in a mailer/padded envelope.
  • Do not put the device loose in the box.
  • Do not let chargers/controllers/accessories touch the device directly (wrap separately if included).
  • Do not place the shipping label across a seam or corner of the box.

PHONES (IPHONE, SAMSUNG, GOOGLE PIXEL, MOTOROLA RAZR, OTHER ANDROID)

Goal: protect the screen and prevent movement.

  1. Wrap the phone in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap. Tape it closed.
  2. Add a padding layer to the bottom of the box.
  3. Place the wrapped phone in the center.
  4. Fill all side gaps so it cannot slide or rattle.
  5. Add padding on top and seal using the H-tape method.

WATCHES (APPLE WATCH, SAMSUNG WATCH, GOOGLE WATCH)

Goal: protect the screen and sensors.

  1. Wrap the watch in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap. Tape it closed.
  2. Use a small sturdy box (or a larger box with enough filler so it can’t move).
  3. Pad bottom, place wrapped watch, fill gaps, pad top.
  4. Seal using the H-tape method.

TABLETS (IPAD, ANDROID TABLETS, MICROSOFT SURFACE, OTHER WINDOWS/PC TABLETS)

Goal: treat like fragile glass.

  1. Wrap the tablet in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap. Tape it closed.
  2. Pad the bottom of the box.
  3. Place the tablet flat in the center (not on its edge).
  4. Fill all gaps so it cannot shift.
  5. Pad the top and seal using the H-tape method.

Extra protection (recommended): add a rigid cardboard layer above and below the wrapped tablet for crush protection.

MACBOOK (MACBOOK AIR / MACBOOK PRO)

Goal: protect corners/hinge and prevent movement.

  1. Wrap the MacBook in at least 2 full layers of bubble wrap. Tape the wrap closed.
  2. Pad the bottom of the box.
  3. Place the wrapped MacBook in the center.
  4. Fill all gaps so it cannot move.
  5. Add top padding and seal using the H-tape method.

If accessories are included at checkout: wrap accessories separately so they cannot contact the MacBook directly.

ALL-IN-ONE DESKTOP & MONITORS

Goal: big screen + heavy body = VERY high transit risk.

  1. If you have the original packaging, use it.
  2. If not, wrap the entire device with multiple layers of bubble wrap, focusing on screen edges and corners.
  3. Use a large sturdy box with thick padding on all sides.
  4. Place it securely, fill gaps heavily, add top padding.
  5. Seal thoroughly.

Best practice: double-boxing (one box inside another with padding between) reduces damage risk significantly.

Strongly recommended if you do not have the original box: Spend the money and have FedEx Office or a pack-and-ship location box it up for you This way it will ensure it is properly packaged, and if anything happens in transit, you will be covered!

MAC MINI / MAC STUDIO

Goal: dense/heavy small device—use a strong box.

  1. Wrap in 2+ layers of bubble wrap. Tape it closed.
  2. Use a snug sturdy box.
  3. Pad bottom, place device, fill gaps, pad top.
  4. Seal using the H-tape method.

MAC PRO

Goal: heavy device—pack like you’re shipping something that can crush a weak box.

  1. Use a heavy-duty box (double-wall if possible).
  2. Wrap the Mac Pro in multiple bubble layers.
  3. Pad corners and bottom aggressively.
  4. Fill gaps so it cannot move.
  5. Seal with multiple tape passes (center seam + edges).

Best practice: double-boxing is recommended.

Strongly recommended if you do not have the original box: Spend the money and have FedEx Office or a pack-and-ship location box it up for you This way it will ensure it is properly packaged, and if anything happens in transit, you will be covered!

WINDOWS LAPTOPS (DELL/HP/LENOVO/ASUS/ACER/MSI/ETC.)

Goal: pack like a MacBook.

  1. Wrap laptop in 2+ bubble layers. Tape closed.
  2. Pad bottom, place laptop, fill gaps, pad top.
  3. Seal using the H-tape method.

If a charger is included at checkout: wrap separately so it cannot scratch the laptop.

WINDOWS DESKTOPS (TOWERS)

Goal: heavy + sharp edges—protect corners.

  1. Wrap the tower in multiple bubble layers.
  2. Use a box with space for padding on all sides.
  3. Pad bottom heavily, place upright, fill gaps/corners.
  4. Pad top and seal thoroughly.

Best practice: double-boxing recommended.

Strongly recommended if you do not have the original box: Spend the money and have FedEx Office or a pack-and-ship location box it up for you This way it will ensure it is properly packaged, and if anything happens in transit, you will be covered!

CHROMEBOOKS

Goal: pack like a laptop.

  1. Wrap in 2+ bubble layers. Tape closed.
  2. Pad bottom, place Chromebook, fill gaps, pad top.
  3. Seal using the H-tape method.

XBOX / PLAYSTATION CONSOLES

Goal: medium-heavy, protect edges, keep accessories separate.

  1. Wrap the console in 3+ bubble layers. Tape closed.
  2. If controllers/cables are included at checkout, wrap each separately.
  3. Pad bottom, place console, fill gaps, pad top.
  4. Seal using the H-tape method.

NINTENDO SWITCH

Goal: treat the console like a tablet; keep parts separate.

  1. Wrap the Switch console in 3–4 bubble layers.
  2. If Joy-Cons/dock are included at checkout, wrap each separately.
  3. Pad bottom, place items so nothing touches the screen, fill gaps.
  4. Pad top and seal.

STEAM DECK / LENOVO LEGION GO (HANDHELD PCS)

Goal: handheld screen device—pack like a tablet.

  1. Wrap in 3–4 bubble layers. Tape closed.
  2. If charger is included at checkout, wrap separately.
  3. Pad bottom, place device, fill gaps, pad top.
  4. Seal using the H-tape method.

APPLE VISION PRO

Goal: high value + optics. Overprotect.

  1. If you have original packaging, use it.
  2. Protect lenses/front optics (do not allow pressure on the front).
  3. Wrap headset and battery separately (if included).
  4. Use thick padding and fill gaps so nothing shifts.
  5. Double-boxing recommended.

META QUEST

Goal: protect optics and keep controllers separate.

  1. Wrap headset in multiple bubble layers, focusing on the front/optics area.
  2. Wrap controllers separately.
  3. Pad bottom, place items, fill gaps, pad top.
  4. Seal using the H-tape method.

VALVE INDEX

Goal: more parts = more risk. Separate everything.

  1. Wrap headset, controllers, and base stations separately.
  2. Ensure hard parts cannot contact each other in the box.
  3. Use thick padding and fill gaps.
  4. Double-boxing recommended if base stations are included.

PLAYSTATION VR / PS VR2

Goal: optics protection.

  1. Wrap headset in multiple bubble layers (avoid pressure on lenses).
  2. Wrap controllers/cables separately.
  3. Pad bottom, place items, fill gaps, pad top.
  4. Seal using the H-tape method.

GRAPHICS CARDS / GPUs (NVIDIA, AMD, ETC.)

Goal: protect the circuit board, fans, connectors, and cooler from impact or bending.

  1. If you have the original GPU packaging, use it whenever possible. Place the GPU in its anti-static bag and secure it inside the original molded foam or protective insert.
  2. If you have an anti-static bag, place the GPU inside it before wrapping. If you do not have one, wrap the GPU first in clean paper or kraft paper to create a barrier between the electronics and the bubble wrap. Then wrap the GPU in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap. Avoid placing regular plastic bags, loose packing peanuts, or other static-prone packing materials directly against the GPU’s exposed circuit board or connectors
  3. Wrap the entire GPU in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap, paying extra attention to the corners, fans, PCIe connector, and display ports. Tape the bubble wrap closed so it cannot come loose.
  4. Add a thick layer of padding to the bottom of a sturdy cardboard box.
  5. Place the wrapped GPU in the center of the box and fill all empty space around it. The GPU should not be able to shift, slide, or bounce inside the box.
  6. Add additional padding on top and seal the box using the H-tape method.

Important: Do not ship a GPU loose in a box or allow the graphics card to come into direct contact with other computer components, cables, or accessories.

Best practice for expensive or very large GPUs: Double-box the GPU by placing the securely packed inner box inside a larger box with additional padding on all sides.

FINAL CHECK BEFORE DROP-OFF

  • Attach the label flat on the top of the box (not across a seam).
  • Make sure the package is fully sealed.
  • Shake test: if anything moves, add more padding.
  • Drop off at a staffed FedEx Location or schedule a FedEx pickup

Reminder: If it can move in the box, it can break. Please pack so it cannot shift.

Have more questions?

Contact Us