How to pack your parcel correctly — reduce costs, prevent damage, and ensure your goods arrive safely.
| Size | Dimensions | Max weight | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | 20×15×10 cm | Up to 1 kg | Jewellery, small electronics, documents | Use tissue paper or foam for fragile items |
| Small | 30×20×15 cm | Up to 3 kg | Books, clothing, small gadgets | Great for clothing bundles or single shoes |
| Medium | 45×30×20 cm | Up to 10 kg | Multiple books, kitchenware, small appliances | The most commonly used parcel size |
| Large | 60×40×40 cm | Up to 20 kg | Household items, large clothing orders, tools | At this size, volumetric weight typically exceeds actual weight |
| Extra Large | 80×60×60 cm | Up to 30 kg | Large equipment, multiple large items | Consider splitting into 2 medium boxes — often cheaper |
Pick the smallest box that fits your item with 4–5 cm of padding space on all sides. Double-wall boxes (E-flute or B-flute) are stronger than single-wall. Never use thin fruit boxes or supermarket cartons — they are not designed for courier handling.
Wrap fragile items in 5+ cm of bubble wrap on all sides. Secure with parcel tape. For electronics, add anti-static bags first. For liquids, place in a sealable bag inside a second sealed bag, then surround with absorbent material.
Fill every gap in the box with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or crumpled kraft paper. The item must not move at all when you shake the box. A moving item inside the box will break even if individually well-wrapped.
Seal all openings (top, bottom, and all seams) with 48mm+ polypropylene parcel tape. Apply the H-taping method: tape down the centre and across both sides. One strip of tape is never enough for a courier shipment.
Cover or remove any old address labels, barcodes, or delivery stickers. Old barcodes can confuse automated sorting equipment and send your parcel to the wrong destination.
Print the label clearly (not blurred or faded). Attach to the flattest side of the box using full coverage — no bubbles or loose edges. Do not tape over the barcode. Keep the label away from seams and folds.
Wrap each piece individually. No two glass items should touch each other. Minimum 5 cm foam padding. Mark FRAGILE on all sides.
Use leak-proof containers. Double-bag in sealed zip-lock bags. Surround with absorbent material (cat litter or towels). Carriers will not compensate for leaking liquids.
Anti-static bag first. Then 5 cm foam or bubble wrap on all sides. Double-box (item in inner box, inner box in outer box). Add insurance.
Place in a polybag to prevent moisture damage. A soft parcel bag (poly mailer) works well for clothes. No box needed for non-fragile clothing.
Use a rigid book mailer or reinforced envelope. No padding needed but protect corners — bent corners on books arrive damaged and uncovered by insurance.
Individual foam wine sleeves per bottle. Purpose-made wine shipping boxes (with dividers) are mandatory. Standard cardboard wine cases are NOT adequate for courier handling.
The best box is the smallest that fits your item with 4–5 cm of padding on all sides. Common sizes: 30×20×20 cm for small items, 60×40×40 cm for medium, 80×60×60 cm for large. Avoid boxes that are much larger than your item — void space increases volumetric weight and cost.
Wrap each fragile item individually in at least 5 cm of bubble wrap or foam. Fill all void space in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper. The item must not move at all when you shake the box. Use a double-wall outer carton and mark FRAGILE on all sides.
Used boxes are acceptable if they are in good condition — no water damage, tears, or crushed corners. If the box has been used more than once or shows significant wear, use a new box. Old labels must be completely removed or covered to avoid misrouting.
Use strong polypropylene parcel tape (brown tape) at least 48 mm wide. Seal all openings and reinforce the corners. Do not use masking tape, duct tape, string, or staples — these do not hold up to automated sorting equipment.
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