Are you shipping floppy disks to me so that I can transfer them to modern media? Or perhaps you’re just shipping some floppy disks, and arrived at this article? I can provide some guidance!
When shipping floppy disks, the most important objective is to package them securely to prevent damage during transit. Physical trauma is by far the most significant danger. Follow these steps for safe and efficient shipping:
Shipping One or Two Disks
- Place the disks between two flat pieces of cardboard with a rubber band to prevent bending and protect the disks from minor impact. Make a protective floppy disk sandwich!
- Place the wrapped disks in a padded envelope and mail. Kraft Bubble Mailers are a good choice for shipping small numbers of disks, but make sure the envelope isn’t too roomy, as you don’t want them sliding around inside.
Shipping Multiple Disks
- Use a cardboard box for better protection.
- Bundle the disks in sets of five using rubber bands to keep them secure.
- Wrap the bundles in bubble wrap for added protection.
- Fill any empty space in the box with dense foam, crumpled paper, or extra bubble wrap to prevent movement. Your goal is to keep the disks physically secure, but cushioned should they be buffeted.
- For extra protection, try to keep disks bundled at least two inches away from the edge of the box. Floppy disks are vulnerable to magnetic fields, although those fields decrease at a cubic rate. In other words, even an inch or two of separation creates a considerable amount of protection.
Additional Tips
- Label the package “Magnetic Media” and “Do Not Bend” to prevent mishandling.
- Avoid using packing peanuts, as they offer poor protection.
- For hard drives, use dense foam or small-bubble bubble wrap for proper padding.
By following these simple steps, you can begin shipping floppy disks safely!
Further references: RetroFloppy’s “How do I package my disks?”
