How to wrap a parcel

Wrap any items before you put them in the box or bag. It’s important that fragile items are carefully wrapped as our scanners can’t detect ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care’ labels.

You could choose:

• Bubble wrap – reuse bubble wrap you have at home to keep precious items extra safe.
• Newspaper – use layers of newspaper sheets from yesterday’s news to fold around your items. Good for the environment and your wallet.

Make sure your precious cargo stays secure by filling any gaps in the packaging around the item. This will help keep it in place and prevent it moving around.

You could use:

• Paper and newspaper – scrunched up paper is the most environmentally friendly option, and an easy way to fill the space.
• Cardboard – use layers of cardboard to create a sturdy shell.
• Sheets – old, but clean bedsheets can be used to wrap items tightly.

Before you fasten the lid on your box, you need to put some details on a piece of paper inside. Include:

• Your own name, address and phone number
• The name and address of the parcel’s destination

If the address label comes off your parcel during the journey, we’ll need to know where it’s headed.

Once your item is safely inside its box or snugly tucked inside its mailbag, secure it with tape. Make sure you: 

• Choose strong tape – it’s so much more durable and secure.
• Cover all openings – including across gaps, down the sides and underneath. Lock it down.
• Tape the corners – boost durability by taping the corners. The extra layer acts as a defence against scuffs.

We cannot overstate the importance of securing the edges around your package. You should tape down:

• Cardboard flaps at the top/bottom of your box.
• Bits of mailbag that stick out from the main package.

Top tip: Anything that sticks out – even slightly – from the package must be flattened and secured. This helps prevent it getting stuck on the belt.

You're almost done. Knowing how to label your package is one of the most important parts of learning how to wrap a parcel for delivery. Don’t fall at the final hurdle.

To do this, you need to:

1.  Book your delivery using the Evri website or app (or you could use a Print in ParcelShop device) and print out your label. The label includes the recipient’s name and address and your barcode.
2. Position the label in the middle of the top of the parcel if it has flat sides. For round parcels (note: if you’re sending a poster, map etc, use a triangular – rather than circular – tube), just pop on the label where you have enough surface area.
3. Secure the label with good-quality tape – use a small piece along each of the 4 edges. Don’t leave any paper exposed.
4. Write your address on a return label and stick it to the back of the parcel – clearly mark it as ‘return address’ to avoid confusion.