Top tips on packing your garment before sending to NZ

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It’s important to pack your garment carefully and securely so that it arrives in Nelson, New Zealand looking the same as when it left your studio. Here are our top tips on how best to package your entry.

Use the right size box:

The box should allow enough room to pack your garment firmly but not so tightly that it causes damage. Various sized boxes can be brought from packaging supply stores. Alternatively, try approaching your local removal company or appliance store. Line the inside of the box with a protective waterproof layer. Fill all the spaces in and around the garment with packing materials; make sure nothing is loose within the box.

Your box is handled several times during its journey to WOW so consider carefully its weight and ease of handling. For example, would it be better to pack the garment in smaller boxes, rather than a large oversized, heavy box? Also consider any size restrictions specified by the freight company you choose to use.

Choose the appropriate materials:

It is important the box you pack your entry in is made from sturdy, strong materials to withstand the movement that happens during shipping. In most cases, a twin cushion double wall cardboard box is best; the corners can be reinforced with compressed cardboard corner protectors for additional structural strength.

Recommended packing materials:

Use clean packing materials, we recommend using items such as tissue paper, air pockets, EVA foam, foam sheeting, archival foam, bubble wrap, Dacron padding, bagged shredded paper or polystyrene packing peanuts.

Wrap components individually:

Friction caused by movement during transit may cause damage from one surface to another. For example, metal spikes could pierce through silk chiffon if they don’t have a protective layer between them. Use a layer of appropriate packing materials between each component to create a barrier and help prevent damage.

Label the outside of the box clearly:

If your garment is fragile and needs to be transported a certain way up, clearly identify this on the outside of the box. If it is being freighted, label it TOP STOW.

Give us clear instructions:

If your garment requires reassembly or specific handling upon its arrival, please include detailed instructions and photographs. These can be sent digitally or as hard copies, but the best is to include these in your Step 3 Garment Dressing instructions document under packing notes on the last page.

Do a final check

Before you seal up your box and send it, check that you have included the following:

- All components of your garment, including any spare parts

- Repair kit

- Dressing aids
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Additionally, please carefully consider the following:

1. Please have your garment insured from the time of its dispatch through to its return.

2. Ensure your garment is packaged carefully and is easily transportable. Do not send in heavy packaging such as wooden boxes or old wardrobes! Heavy packaging should only be used if absolutely necessary. Please avoid using wood if you are sending from overseas as this carries bio-security risks which could result in your box being refused entry by Customs.

3. You are responsible for packaging your garments securely.

4. Make sure you remove any batteries from your garment before packing. See the section on batteries for more information.

5. Garments packed firmly in smaller boxes are much safer than those loosely packed in over-sized boxes.

6. If your strength is creating and not crating, you may like to ask a friend to help you pack your garment.

7. If using Mainfreight Sponsored Freighting, packed garments should not exceed more than 1 cubic metre in volume and must be booked prior to drop off or additional costs will apply. See Sending Your Garment page for more information.

8. Please print the official address label generated as part of the World of WearableArt Competition online entry process and attach to your box ready to freight your entry.

9. Boxes must have a return address clearly marked.