Best way to package up a Mac Pro...

[adr1974]

Selling my Mac Pro, and no longer have the original package materials. Obviously packing ain't rocket science, but I'm just wondering if anyone has any useful tips for the best way to package it up. Thanks!

 

[DanielCoffey]

When I had to ship a UPS back to APC without the original box, I took the actual measurements, bought a significantly oversized "double-walled" premium cardboard box from a removals company as well as a huge sack of polystyrene pieces (not the easily compressible starch ones but bits of expanded polystyrene cut up into chunks). Once it was appropriately cocooned, I then taped it up real good and made sure it was insured when posted.

 

[adr1974]

That right there is excellent (and well-appreciated) advice.

 

[jenzjen]

If you live in a major city, check craigslist as I see people selling MP boxes all the time for $20-40.

 

[DocNo]

If you live in a major city, check craigslist as I see people selling MP boxes all the time for $20-40.

Or a UPS or FedEx store will create a custom foam mold for about the same price - although an original box would be best if you can get it, of course.

 

[adr1974]

All good ideas. Glad I posted.

 

[philipma1957]

home depot has 2 foot by 8 foot firm blue foam insulation it is about an inch or so thick very sturdy under 20 bucks. I have some I will take a photo of it and post. they also sell big boxes low cost just double box. I would put the pro in two large garbage bags then cut this foam up for the four side and top and bottom of the machine. I would wrap the foam on the bags with tape make sure to have two pieces of foam on the bottom of the box. I may even use a third garbage bag over the foam. here is a link for the bags


http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...+bags&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

notice they are 3mil very thick and strong.

 

[DocNo]

notice they are 3mil very thick and strong.

But they won't hold the Mac Pro securely to keep it from shifting around.

That's why there are form-fitted styrofoam holders in the original packaging. It's not just a matter of protection, but also securing it from "rattling around".

You are much better off going to a shipping and packing store and letting them pack it securely. While there are plenty of times I will go "homebrew" in my solutions, for shipping something this expensive this isn't one of them where I would skimp.