@sfseay Do you keep the original shipping cartons of the gear you own? I would hope so. I don't understand not having the original boxes designed to protect the gear.
I would NEVER allow a UPS or even FEDEX employee pack up my gear. If really in a pinch, I would contact the manufacturer and pay them for a carton made for the equipment in question. Most top notch companies will do so willingly and for a reasonable price. Simple and smart.