I typically pack items in cardboard boxes unless I'm 100% certain that the item is safe to send in a jiffy bag. I've collected wargaming figures since the 90s and understand the importance of good packaging! Metal miniatures are likely to have been previously glued or painted unless stated otherwise (or incredibly shiny!). Any glue residue is best removed with acetone, remnants of paint can be removed from metal with Dettol, methylated spirits or Biostrip20 while plastic miniatures can be safely stripped with Dettol.
I'm reluctantly scaling back the size of my collections and am slowly sorting out my ~very~ deep bits boxes, whilst concentrating on Blood Bowl, Necromunda and my Dark Elves. I also sell items for friends in our local gaming group so if there's anything I can help you track down then let me know!
I do have some gaps in my collection and would be happy to trade miniatures for things I'm missing from my collection such as;
Non-Citadel Dark Elves (Heartbreaker, RAFM, Fenryll etc)
ADD68 Drow Variants
C09/C21 Dark Elves (there are a few I'm missing, both slotta and preslotta)
ROR52 Dark Elf Chariot
'Bathtime for Bubbles' by Crocodile Games (so I can make an awesome Cauldron of Blood)