Peanuts from hell

Mandatory bubble wrap.

For all those who I have cursed with these little critters I repent.

A little patience and you can unpack gear from outer box w/o losing too many peanuts. You have to hold the edges of the outer box up while you pull out the inner box.

Biodegradeable are best, but peanuts are better than bubble wrap when used right.

The two times that purchases I have bought and shipped to me that came with peanuts used in the packaging I did the following. Got out my wet/dry vac and vacuumed them straight out of the box. No mess no fuss . The most important thing was no damage to product which thankfully and some what luckily with the inherit risks of shipping heavier items. Personally , peanuts are cheap and inferior packing. Thick bubble wrap or the foam that quality gear is shipped in these days (not styro-foam) is preferred . Worst packing job I ever saw was a friend of mine bought a 3000 dollar amp that was sent in an oversized box lined with newspaper.By the time it got delivered to him it was transformed into a boat anchor. Cheers

Peanuts alone are a terrible packing material, as the gear can migrate within the package and end up in contact with the box walls, inviting damage. A much better idea, if one must use peanuts, is to stabilize them with newspaper to prevent migration. Of course, those who are not using the manufacturer's supplied packaging and do not double box are being imprudent.

Be careful when vacuuming styrofoam, as this creates static electricity, which can wreak havoc with sensitive electronics. Been there, done that.