Jessie Taylor
Transporting candles can be a tricky task. Whether you're moving house, selling at a pop-up, or travelling with your favourite candle, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your candles don't break or melt. The right packaging and preparation are key to safely transporting candles, and this may vary depending on the type of candle and how you're travelling.
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What You'll Learn
Packing materials to use
Candles are delicate items that can be damaged or melted if not packed correctly. To transport them safely, you need to use the right packing materials. Here are some options:
Boxes
Cardboard boxes are a good option for transporting candles. Look for sturdy "canning jar boxes" that can hold different-sized jars. You can also use the boxes the candle jars come in, but these may lose their shape over time. If you're moving house, consider using a large cooler with cut cardboard dividers to keep your candles safe and cool.
Packing Materials
To keep your candles from moving around inside the box, use a combination of packing materials to fill the spaces. Tissue paper, cornstarch packing peanuts, and air pillows are great for cushioning and wrapping candles. Bubble wrap is another excellent option for protecting fragile items like glass candle holders.
Temperature Control
To prevent your candles from melting during transport, consider using frozen gel packs or packaging cold packs to keep them cool. If you're moving, try to pack your candles in your car so the air conditioning protects them. Alternatively, ask your moving company if they have an air-conditioned truck or van.
Containers
Glass containers are elegant, but they are heavy and fragile. Tin containers are a more durable and cost-effective option for transporting candles.
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How to prevent melting
Candles are made of wax, which is a heat-sensitive material. Therefore, they can easily melt during transport if not properly packed. Here are some ways to prevent your candles from melting during transportation:
Keep Them Cool
The most important factor in preventing candles from melting is temperature control. Candles can melt in a hot location, so it is important to keep them cool during transport. If you are transporting candles in your car, keep them inside the cabin with you, where you can use air conditioning to maintain a cool temperature. Alternatively, you can ship your candles to arrive at your new address before you do. However, make sure they do not arrive too early, or they may sit in the sun and melt. If possible, ship them to a PO box so they can be kept in a cool location until you pick them up.
Choose the Right Packaging
Use heavy-duty moving boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap for packing candles. Individually wrap each candle in tissue paper, wax paper, or bubble wrap to protect the surface, prevent melting together, and keep scents from merging. After wrapping each candle, use tape to secure the paper and prevent slipping. Once all the candles are wrapped, place them in a box. If there is extra space in the box, fill it with more packing material to prevent the candles from moving around during transport.
Label the Box
Label the box containing the candles as "Fragile" and "Do Not Stack". This will help ensure that the box is handled with care and that heavy items are not placed on top of it, reducing the risk of damage to the candles.
Use a Climate-Controlled Truck
If you are using a moving company, inquire about their transportation methods. Reputable long-distance moving companies often have air-conditioned trucks or moving vans available, providing a temperature-controlled environment for your candles. This option may be more expensive than a regular moving truck, but it can give you peace of mind that your candles will arrive in good condition.
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Transporting candles by plane
When transporting candles by plane, it's important to be aware of the relevant guidelines and restrictions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules regarding the transportation of candles, and these should be checked before travelling. The type of candle you are transporting will also determine how it can be transported. Solid tealight candles and encased wax candles, for example, are typically allowed in carry-on or checked luggage. Battery-operated candles are also usually permitted in carry-on and checked bags.
On the other hand, liquid candles are often not permitted if they exceed 3.4 ounces. Gel candles, lamp oils, and essential oils are also classified as fluids and must be transported in checked baggage. It's worth noting that there is no limit to the size or number of solid candles you can bring on a plane. However, due to their density, it's advisable to avoid filling your checked bag with too many candles, as most airlines have weight restrictions.
When packing candles, it's recommended to wrap them securely to prevent damage. Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or clothing can be used for cushioning. Placing candles in the centre of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items, can help absorb shocks and minimise the risk of damage. Additionally, consider placing the wrapped candles in a sturdy box or container for added protection.
It's important to be prepared for TSA inspections. If you are transporting larger candles or a large quantity, they may be removed from your bag for closer inspection. To facilitate the process, you can pack your candles near the top of your bag for easy access. Also, consider using a transparent plastic bag for your candles and, if necessary, describe the vessel they are in to the TSA officers. Remember that the temperature and pressure changes in the cargo hold can affect the structure and performance of your candles, so allow them to return to room temperature before using them after your journey.
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Shipping candles to customers
Candles are fragile items that can be damaged in transit if not packed correctly. To ship candles to customers, you need to purchase the right packaging materials and consider buying them in bulk if you have many orders. Paper tube packaging and product boxes are great for preventing candles from rolling or cracking within shipping boxes or containers.
For the outer box, durable corrugated cardboard boxes are a good option for packing and shipping tin or glass candles. The box should be slightly larger than the candle itself to allow for packing material inside. You can also use honeycomb cardboard wrap or bubble wrap to cushion the candles during shipping.
When packing the candles, fill any remaining spaces in the box with soft fillers like tissue paper, biodegradable packing peanuts, or air pillows. Secure the box with packing tape, ideally sustainable, and reinforce lids and openings with custom sticker labels.
If you're shipping candles in hot weather, you can use frozen gel packs or ice packs to keep the candles cool. Express shipping is also recommended to reduce the time spent in poorly air-conditioned shipping centres and trucks.
Finally, print your shipping label and attach it to your package. The courier will provide a tracking number that you can share with your customer.
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Storing candles before transport
Firstly, understand the specific needs of different types of candles. Taper candles, for instance, are more sensitive and prone to warping, scratching, and damage. They should be stored flat and wrapped individually in tissue paper before being placed in a box or basket. Pillar candles, on the other hand, can be stored upright if they are in glass jars; otherwise, they should be stored flat like taper candles. Jar candles are less sensitive and can be safely stacked as long as they are stable.
Secondly, choose the right storage materials. Avoid cardboard boxes, especially for taper candles, as they can be susceptible to temperature changes. Instead, opt for sturdier options like galvanized boxes, which offer better resistance to extreme temperatures. You can also use glass racks, which are sturdy and accommodate different-sized containers. If you're storing candles in a glass container, consider wrapping them in a handkerchief or towel for added protection and to fill gaps.
Additionally, pay attention to the environment in which you store your candles. Keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and harsh lights, and areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations. This helps prevent softening, bending, or melting. If you're storing candles for an extended period, consider the type of wax. Soy wax, for example, has a shorter shelf life than beeswax or paraffin wax.
Before transporting your candles, ensure they are wrapped individually. Use tissue paper, wax paper, or bubble wrap to protect the candle holder, prevent melting, and avoid scent mixing. You can also use towels or linens for cushioning, but be prepared for potential wax damage. Finally, place the wrapped candles in dedicated candle boxes or sturdy paper tube packaging to provide an extra layer of protection during transport.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent candles from melting in transit, ensure they are transported in a cool environment. If possible, transport them in an air-conditioned vehicle or use frozen gel packs to keep them cool.
To prevent candles from breaking in transit, use a sturdy box and fill any gaps with packing materials such as bubble wrap, tissue paper, or packing peanuts. If your candles are in glass containers, consider using glass racks or switching to durable tin containers, which are less likely to break.
Solid wax candles are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage on planes. However, gel or liquid candles may be restricted and are not permitted in carry-on bags. Always check the specific rules and regulations of your airline and the TSA before travelling with candles.
