How to package a parcel so it arrives in one piece

Parcels travel on conveyor belts, get stacked in vans and are sometimes dropped. Packing for that, not for a gentle hand delivery, is what stops damage. It also matters for claims: couriers can refuse compensation if the packaging was not up to the job.

1. Pick a sturdy box

Use a strong corrugated cardboard box, ideally double-walled for anything heavy or fragile. Old supermarket boxes are fine if they are not soft, torn or water-damaged. Leave about 5 cm on every side for padding.

2. Pad every side

The item should not move when you shake the box. Bubble wrap, packing paper, air pillows and crumpled newspaper all work. Put a layer on the bottom, wrap the item, then fill every gap.

3. Tape it like you mean it

Use proper parcel tape, at least 5 cm wide, in an H pattern across the top and bottom seams. Do not use sticky tape, masking tape or string.

4. Label it clearly

Stick the label flat on the largest side, away from seams. Remove or cover old labels and barcodes so the scanners only read the new one. Put a note with the delivery and return address inside the box too, in case the outside label is damaged.

Fragile items

Wrap each piece separately, and use the box-in-a-box method for anything breakable: pack the item in a small box, then pack that box inside a bigger one with padding between them. A "fragile" sticker is nice to have, but it does not change how parcels are handled.

Liquids

Seal the lid with tape, put the bottle in a sealed plastic bag and pad it upright. Check the courier's prohibited items list before sending anything flammable, such as perfume or nail varnish, especially abroad.

Soft items

Clothes do not need a box. A strong, waterproof mailing bag is cheaper to send because it takes up less space. See why size affects price.