Tips: prepping packaging and safe pickups

Well-prepped packaging finds a new home faster, and a few simple habits protect your personal info and your safety. Most important: remove labels with your name and address and, if you can, set the packaging out for a no-contact porch pickup.

Why remove shipping labels and stickers?

A shipping label shows your name, address, sometimes your phone number and a tracking number, so remove it before giving the box away. That's all a scammer needs to pose as a delivery driver or an online store.

  • Peel or cut off shipping labels, order-number stickers, barcodes and package QR codes.
  • If a label won't come off, black it out with a thick marker or cover it with tape so no name, address or phone number can be read.
  • Check inside: take out and shred invoices, receipts, packing slips and anything with your address.
  • Remove personal labels from jars (e.g. a gift jar with someone's name); soaking them in warm water usually does it.

How do I prep packaging for giving away?

Packaging should be clean, dry and ready to be picked up in one trip.

  • Boxes: break them down flat, sort them by size and tie them into bundles with twine or tape.
  • Jars: wash, dry and pack them in a box or crate; put the lids and bands in a separate bag.
  • Egg cartons: only clean and dry ones, with no egg residue or mold; stack them.
  • Pallets and crates: pull out sticking-up nails and splinters, and don't give away broken ones.
  • In the listing, be honest about condition, any dirt and whether the packaging is OK for food.

No-contact pickup: set packaging out on the porch or by the gate

We recommend setting the packaging out on your porch, in the driveway, by the gate or next to the garage during the agreed pickup window. You don't have to open the door or meet a stranger.

  • In the pickup note, say exactly where you'll leave it, e.g. “on the porch, left of the door”.
  • Protect it from rain, sprinklers and wind: a bag, a tarp or a covered spot.
  • Don't block sidewalks, driveways or building exits; in an apartment building, use a shared hallway or lobby only briefly and with your landlord's or building manager's OK.
  • Don't leave anything nearby that you're not giving away, because the person picking up will take everything in the agreed spot.
  • After the pickup, confirm it on the site so the listing comes off the map.

Staying safe during a pickup

Keep contact simple and never pay or share payment details before the pickup.

  • Don't invite strangers into your home or apartment; the handoff happens outside.
  • If you meet in person, do it in daylight, in a visible place, ideally with someone else around.
  • Never share payment codes, card details or passwords, and don't click links to a “delivery”, “payment” or “claim your money” page. PackoLoopo never asks for this.
  • Only the person who booked the pickup sees the exact address, so don't put it in the description or in messages beforehand.
  • Wear gloves and lift heavy pallets and crates with two people; keep an eye on kids and pets during the pickup.
  • Something seem off? Click “Report” on the listing page. We review every report.

Tips for people picking up

Show up during the chosen window, take everything from the agreed spot and confirm the pickup. A friendly wave or a quick thank-you goes a long way with a neighbor.

  • Check the quantity and size in the listing so you know the packaging will fit in your vehicle.
  • Don't go onto the property beyond the agreed spot without the giver's clear OK.
  • Wash and sterilize jars and food containers before use.
  • Can't make it? Cancel the booking so someone else can pick it up.