If you've got kids heading off to college, you'll probably be sending them quite a few care packages. When it comes to getting shipments from point A to point B safely and securely, you've got to start with the package. The last thing you want is to have your packages arrive at their destination in less-than-perfect condition. Here are four steps you can take to make sure that your kid's care packages arrive in one piece.

Choose the Right Packaging

When you're getting a care package ready for shipment, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have the proper packaging. Different items will have different packaging needs. For instance, if you're going to be sending posters that your kids can decorate their dorm rooms with, you'll need to invest in shipping tubes. Shipping tubes will allow you to slip the rolled-up posters nicely into place. If you're going to be shipping baked goods, you'll need to begin with an air-tight storage container that you can place directly into the box you'll be shipping.

Keep Things Secure Inside

Once you have the items placed in the shipping container, you'll need to make sure that everything is securely in place. You don't want things to get jostled around during shipment. Before you seal up the box, be sure to fill the spaces with either wadded up newspaper or packing peanuts. The newspaper or packing peanuts will protect the contents during shipping. If you have fragile items, you should protect them with a layer of bubble wrap before placing them in the box.

Add a Second Address Label

You never know when something is going to happen to the box, or other packaging material, during shipping. To make sure that your items arrive at their destination, you should always include a second address label inside the package. That way, if the outer package is damaged, the postal service will still be able to identify where the package should be sent.

Leave it to the Professionals

If you've got items that you're just not sure how to package for shipment, leave it to the professionals like Packaging Center Inc. You can bring all your items to a package delivery service and they'll make sure that everything is packaged properly before they ship it off for you.

Now that your kids are heading off to college, use the tips provided here to make sure that their care packages always arrive in good condition.