How do I send a parcel so it arrives safely?

Parcels are handled roughly and sorted by machine. Packing assumes drops and compression rather than careful handling, and the paperwork side determines whether you can claim when something goes wrong.

What you'll need

• Box
• Padding
• Tape
• Printed label (optional)
• Scales (optional)

Step by step

1. Choose a box slightly larger than the item.Enough room for padding on all sides. The item should not touch the walls of the box — that is what protects it from impacts.
2. Pad underneath and above, not just around.Boxes are dropped on corners and stacked. Padding on the base and top matters as much as at the sides.
3. Wrap the item itself first.Bubble wrap or paper around the item, then padding around that in the box. Two layers of protection rather than one.
4. Fill the void completely.An item that can move inside the box will be damaged. Shake the sealed box — if you hear or feel movement, add more filling.
5. Tape all seams, including the bottom.The H-taping method — along the centre seam and across both ends. Bottoms burst open more often than tops.
6. Remove or cover old labels and barcodes.Automated sorting reads barcodes. An old label on a reused box is a common reason parcels go to the wrong place.
7. Weigh and measure before booking.Couriers charge by weight and dimensions, and surcharges for under-declaring are substantial. Measure the packed box, not the item.
8. Always get proof of postage and tracking.Free at a post office counter and essential. Without it, a not-received claim cannot be defended and the loss is yours.

Tips

• For returns, follow the retailer's stated process exactly. Using a different courier or method often voids the refund guarantee.
• Photograph the packed item and the sealed labelled box. It is useful evidence for a damage claim and takes ten seconds.
• Check what the courier excludes. Many will not cover glass, electronics or valuables above a threshold regardless of what you pay for cover.

Common mistakes

• Sending without proof of postage — A not-received claim cannot be defended without it. Proof of postage is free and it decides who bears the loss.
• Leaving old labels on a reused box — Automated sorting reads barcodes, and an old label sends the parcel to the wrong destination.
• Packing tightly against the box walls — Impacts transfer directly to the item. It should be suspended in padding, not touching any face of the box.

Questions people ask