Pack your parcel in just 8 simple steps
It’s a long road to get your parcel from you to its destination. Your parcel will:
Miles will be covered. Hills will be climbed. Conveyer belts travelled. Scanners bleeped.
Don’t forget: Your parcel needs to be wrapped well enough to stay intact should it fall off a conveyor belt (which can be up to 1.2m high).
When you’re looking at how to package a parcel, consider:
Do you need a box or would a mailing bag or padded envelope be better? Watertight mailing bags are best for clothes
You can buy boxes for packaging or use an old box from home
Is the box tough enough for the journey ahead? You need it to be structurally sound
Will the item fit inside without leaving lots of empty space? Make sure the box closes easily and retains its shape
If you reuse a box or bag, make sure there are no old labels or barcodes showing. These might be picked up by our scanners and can send your parcel to the wrong place
Wrap any items before you put them in the box or bag. Fragile items, in particular, must be wrapped as our scanners can’t detect ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care’ labels. Packaging options include:
Bubble wrap – reuse bubble wrap you have at home. Fun to pop, too
Newspaper – layers of newspaper sheets from yesterday’s newspapers are good for the environment and your wallet
Make sure your precious cargo stays secure by filling any gaps around the item, once it’s placed in the box. Parcel packing options include:
Paper and newspaper – the most environmentally friendly option, scrunched-up newspaper, is an easy way to fill the space
Cardboard – layers of cardboard can create a sturdy shell
Sheets – old but clean sheets can be used to wrap items tightly
Important: Make sure your parcel’s packed so it could fall off a conveyor belt without the contents being damaged.
Your item’s secure, but before you fasten the lid on your box, you need to put some details on a piece of paper inside. Please write:
Why? If the address label comes off your parcel – for example, if the label peels off while it’s traveling – we’ll know where it needs to be sent.
Once your item’s inside its box with the space padded – or snugly tucked inside its mailbag – secure it with tape.
We’ve kind of already covered this. But we cannot overstate the importance of securing the edges around your package. If you see it, tape down:
Top tip: Basically, anything that’s an edge that sticks out – even slightly – from the package must be flattened and secured. This helps prevent it getting stuck on the belt, avoiding damage.
You’re almost done. But labelling is one of the most important parts of learning how to wrap a package for delivery. Don’t fall at the final hurdle.
Is your address inside the box? Don’t forget to include it. If your parcel gets lost, that’s how we can get it back to you.
Your parcel’s wrapped, packed and ready to go. To send it, take it to your nearest ParcelShop or locker or book a collection online.