The holidays might seem far away—but for Ottawa’s retailers, e-commerce businesses, and fulfillment teams, they’re just around the corner. Why? Because when it comes to packaging and shipping inventory, waiting until November is too late.
At Valley Packaging, we see it every year: the scramble for supplies when the orders are already piling up.
Whether you’re shipping handmade products across Canada, fulfilling Black Friday sales, or preparing your storefront for the busiest retail months of the year, August is the right time to stock up. Here’s what you can accomplish:
Order and Prepare Your Holiday Packaging
The holidays are one of the biggest branding opportunities of the year, and packaging plays a bigger role than most people realize.
Branded packaging turns a delivery into a gift. Whether it’s a box of baked goods, handmade jewelry, or locally made skin care, holiday packaging adds to the moment of joy. Custom prints, festive colours, and thoughtful designs show your customers they’re receiving something special, and that extra effort sticks.
Investing in branded packaging will also help your business stand out during the busiest shopping season of the year—when first impressions turn into holiday sales.
Just remember: custom packaging takes longer to produce—especially with seasonal demand. Order now to ensure it’s in your hands well before the rush.
Get Your Fulfillment Process Holiday-Ready
If you wait until the orders start rolling in, there’s no time to streamline. August gives you a buffer to do things like:
- Audit your current packaging station,
- Reorder essential supplies,
- Pre-pack bestsellers or build inventory buffers,
- Train seasonal staff on how to pack and label, and
- Test your packaging’s durability for shipping conditions.
Audit Your Current Packaging Station
Before the holiday orders start rolling in, take stock of your workspace. Is your packing station set up for speed and efficiency? Are all tools and supplies within easy reach? Are frequently packed items stored nearby to reduce unnecessary movement?
An audit helps you:
- Identify missing or low-stock supplies (tape guns, scissors, labels, etc.).
- Reorganize for better flow—think of it like setting up a production line.
- Replace broken or outdated tools that could slow your team down.
- Ensure your packing station can accommodate increased volume.
A tidy, well-stocked station is a faster, safer, and less stressful place to work—especially during the holiday rush.
Reorder Essential Supplies
Don’t wait until you’re down to your last roll of tape or stack of boxes. Packaging shortages are common in Q4, and waiting too long can lead to delays, backorders, or rushed substitutions that don’t fit your product—or your brand.
Start by reordering:
- Branded boxes and mailers.
- Void fill (paper, peanuts, or eco-friendly options).
- Bubble wrap, foam inserts, or corner protectors.
- Shipping labels, tape, and label printers.
- Seasonal extras like holiday stickers or tissue paper.
Tip: Order a bit more than you think you’ll need. It’s more cost-effective than overnight rush fees.
Pre-Pack Bestsellers or Build Inventory Buffers
Identify your top-selling products or holiday gift bundles, and start packing them now. Pre-packing in batches saves time, reduces pressure during peak order days, and allows seasonal staff to focus on new orders instead of repetitive work.
- Create a “ready-to-go” inventory area in your warehouse or storage space.
- Bundle commonly purchased items together to reduce picking time.
- Use pre-printed packaging or QR code labels to streamline fulfillment.
Not only does this strategy improve turnaround times, but it also helps you forecast your packaging needs more accurately.
Train Seasonal Staff on Packing & Labeling
A well-trained team can make or break your holiday shipping performance. Seasonal hires or cross-trained staff need to learn your systems quickly. However, that doesn’t mean skipping the details.
Include in your training:
- How to select the right box size and packing material.
- Proper padding techniques for fragile or high-value items.
- Clear labeling procedures to prevent mix-ups or delays.
- What to double-check before sealing and shipping (address verification, contents, branding extras, etc.).
Training doesn’t just reduce errors, it protects your brand’s reputation when every delivery counts. Even small improvements now—like pre-labeling boxes, colour-coding tape for different order types, or streamlining protective packaging—can make your team faster and more accurate when every order counts.
Test Packaging Durability for Shipping Conditions
Holiday shipping often means longer distances, more handling, and winter weather. Don’t assume your packaging will hold up—test it.
Run trial shipments of your products using your planned materials and packaging methods. Look for:
- Items that shift inside the box.
- Weak points in seams or taped areas.
- Temperature-sensitive products at risk in cold conditions.
- Over- or under-packaging that increases cost or risk.
Better to find a flaw now than when dozens of parcels are already en route. If needed, consult with your packaging provider (like Valley Packaging!) to upgrade to stronger box grades or specialty inserts.
What to Order Now for a Smooth Holiday Season
As the holiday rush approaches, having the right packaging supplies on hand can make or break your fulfillment workflow. From heavy-duty boxes and protective foam inserts to eco-friendly wraps and branded packaging, it’s worth restocking the essentials early. Whether you’re shipping fragile gifts, bulk wholesale orders, or custom products, ordering ahead ensures you’re not scrambling when demand peaks.
As a trusted local supplier in the Ottawa area, we offer:
- A full range of high-quality shipping supplies.
- Competitive bulk pricing and flexible quantities.
- Fast local delivery or in-store pickup.
- Expert advice from people who know packaging.
- Custom and eco-conscious options to meet your brand goals.
We also offer equipment rentals (like dollies, straps, and moving bins) for businesses reorganizing their spaces before or after peak season. The right equipment can make all the difference!
At Valley Packaging, we work with businesses across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario to supply everything from core shipping materials to specialty packaging solutions tailored to your products. Browse our most popular holiday-ready supplies.
Ready to Get Ahead of the Holiday Rush?
Contact Valley Packaging today to speak with a packaging specialist, request a quote, or place your bulk order.
Because when the rush begins, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.