How to Safely Ship Photos and Slides for Scanning: A Step-by-Step Checklist

When you’re ready to digitize your treasured photos and slides, sending them off can feel a little nerve-wracking. After all, these aren’t just pieces of paper or film—they’re your memories, your family history, and part of your legacy.

At Good Life Photo Solutions, we completely understand how precious these items are. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed checklist to help you confidently and safely ship your collection to us to be scanned. Whether you’re sending prints, slides, or negatives, this guide will help ensure your memories arrive safe, sound, and ready to be transformed into lasting digital files.

Your Photo & Slide Shipping Checklist

A little prep work makes shipping safely a breeze.

Gather Your Packing Supplies

A sturdy shipping box – New, corrugated cardboard is best; avoid anything that could be crushed or bent easily, like a shoebox or envelope.
Zip-top bags or envelopes – Protect photos and keep groups together.
Plastic wrap or bubble wrap – Cushion your items and prevent shifting.
Packing paper – Pack the box as full as possible, then fill in any remaining space to prevent movement. Please don’t use packing peanuts, which tend to attract dust – the enemy of good scanning.
Folder or envelope for documents – Place your itemized list, project notes, and contact info inside.

Protect Your Memories in Transit

Use moisture protection – It’s a good idea to place everything in oversized plastic bags or wrap it in plastic when boxing.
Label the outside clearly – Write “Fragile” and “Do Not Bend” on the box.
Include your contact information inside – Just in case the shipping label is damaged.

Shipping Tips

Choose a trackable shipping method – We recommend UPS, FedEx or USPS.
Consider insurance – Add shipping insurance based on the value of your items for added peace of mind. We recommend at least $200 worth; more for electronic items.
Email or text us your tracking number – We’ll be on the lookout for your package.

After You Ship

Notify us – A quick message to let us know it’s on the way is always appreciated.
Save your tracking info – Keep a copy of your tracking receipt until you’ve received confirmation of delivery.

A Note About Shipping Risk

We know how important your photos are, and we treat every package with the utmost care. That said, it’s important to understand that there is always some risk involved when shipping valuable or irreplaceable items.

Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the safe handling and return of your materials, please note that shipping always carries some risk. Good Life Photo Solutions takes great care in packaging and protecting your items, but cannot be held responsible for loss or damage that occurs while your items are in transit with a shipping carrier.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you’re feeling unsure about any part of the process, we’re here for you. Whether you need packing advice, help choosing a shipping method, or reassurance that your box made it safely, just reach out.

Your memories matter. Let’s preserve them together.

Ready to digitize your photos or slides?

Interested in Working with Good Life Photo Solutions?

We work both in-person and remotely, serving local clients in southeastern Virginia as well as clients across the U.S. and around the world. The first step to getting started is to schedule a complimentary consultation (via Zoom or phone) to discuss your project, your goals, and how we can help bring your vision to life.

There’s no obligation to purchase additional services—just a conversation to get to know each other and explore how we can best assist you.

Schedule your free consultation today!

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Posted in Photo Organizing Basics, Photo Scanning, Services and tagged print photos, scanning, shipping, slides