How-to
How to ship a hard drive safely
Mailing drives in for destruction is easy to get right. Here's how to pack them so they arrive intact, trackable, and without advertising what's inside.
UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · BY AIDEN RANGEL, FOUNDER
Before you pack
- Request a quote first. We'll confirm the price and send you the mailing address and a reference number to include.
- Write down each drive's serial number (it's on the label). You'll be able to match it to your certificate later.
Packing
- Anti-static first. Put each drive in its own anti-static bag.
- Wrap it. Two layers of bubble wrap, or foam, around each drive.
- Use a sturdy box with at least two inches of padding on every side. Drives shouldn't be able to touch each other or the walls of the box.
- Fill the gaps. Crumpled paper or air pillows work well. Give the box a shake — nothing should move.
- Include a note inside with your name, email, and quote reference number.
Don't write “hard drives” or “confidential” on the outside of the box. A plain box draws no attention.
Shipping
- Use a tracked service and keep the tracking number.
- Add signature confirmation so there's a record of the hand-off.
- Consider insurance for larger shipments.
What happens when it arrives
We log every drive by serial on arrival — that's when our custody begins. Then each one is sanitized to NIST 800-88 or physically destroyed, verified, and certified. You'll get a certificate for every drive, and you can verify it online any time.