Packaging unit including image forming apparatus with developer cartridge mounted therein and packaging member in which image forming apparatus is packaged

A method for packaging an image forming apparatus in which a first developer cartridge is mounted, the first developer cartridge having a first opening for passing developer therethrough, the method comprising:

• a mounting step, mounting the first developer cartridge into the image forming apparatus in a first posture, the image forming apparatus being in the first posture when an image is formed;
• and
• a packaging step, packaging the image forming apparatus with the first developer cartridge mounted therein in a packaging member such that the image forming apparatus is in a second posture, leakage of the developer through the first opening of the mounted first developer cartridge is less likely to occur when the image forming apparatus is in the second posture compared to when the image forming apparatus is in the first posture, and the second posture being rotated 90 degrees with respect to the first posture.

A packaging unit comprising:

• an image forming apparatus in which a first developer cartridge and a second developer cartridge are mounted, the first developer cartridge having a first opening for passing developer therethrough and the second developer cartridge having a second opening capable of communicating with the first opening when the image forming apparatus is in a first posture, the image forming apparatus being in the first posture when an image is formed;
• and
• a packaging member in which the image forming apparatus is packaged in a second posture, leakage of the developer through the first opening of the first developer cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus is less likely to occur when the image forming apparatus is in the second posture compared to when the image forming apparatus is in the first posture.