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Pack Your Slides In A Shoe Box

One of our customers came up with a clever idea for packing their slides and keeping them separated and in order for shipping. This simple method uses materials you probably already have at home.

Why This Method Works

A standard shoe box is often just the right width (6¼") to hold multiple rows of slides. Since slides are 2" wide, you can fit rows of slides with cardboard spacers between them. The key to success is using dividers to prevent slides from shuffling together during shipping.

Slides organized in shoe box with cardboard dividers

This shoe box was exactly the right width at 6¼". The box holds rows of slides with cardboard spacers keeping everything organized.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the Box to Size

Trim the shoe box down to just the height of the slides. This makes the box more compact for shipping and easier to pack securely.

Shoe box cut down to slide height

The box has been cut down to match the height of the slides, creating a snug fit.

2. Add Spacers to Fill Empty Areas

If you don't have enough slides to fill the entire box, use cardboard spacers to fill the empty space. This prevents slides from shifting during transit.

Cardboard spacer filling empty area in box

A spacer fills the empty area at the end of the box to prevent slides from moving.

3. Insert Dividers Between Rows

This is the most important step: Insert thin cardboard dividers between each row of slides. Without dividers, your slides will shuffle together and create a disorganized mess. We've seen this happen too many times!

Cardboard dividers separating rows of slides

Cardboard dividers keep each row of slides separate and prevent them from shuffling together.

4. Secure Dividers with Tape

Tape the dividers in place so they don't shift during shipping. Even a small piece of tape at the top or bottom edge will hold the cardboard securely.

Close-up showing tape securing cardboard divider

A piece of tape holds the divider in place. This prevents it from moving during shipment.

5. Keep All Slides Facing the Same Direction

Make sure all your slides are facing the same direction. This helps us process your order more efficiently and ensures your images are scanned correctly.

All slides facing the same direction in organized rows

All slides should face the same direction for efficient scanning.


Other Packing Options

While the shoe box method works great, we accept slides in many different containers. See our slide preparation guide for more packing ideas, or watch our preparation videos for visual demonstrations.