Letters and Parcels

How to pack your parcel

Every parcel is important to us. We take the greatest care to make sure they get there safely. But you can help – and potentially save money – by packing your parcels properly. Here's how.

Choose the correct packaging

Internal protection

Sealing your parcel

Labelling your parcel

Choose the correct packaging

When choosing your packaging you should consider its size, strength and material.

Packings dos

Use high-quality corrugated cardboard boxes. They can be single-, double- or triple-walled. We recommend double-or triple-walled for fragile or heavy (10kg+) items
Make sure your box has enough surface area free to be labelled
Use jiffy bags for small items

Packings don'ts

Avoid re-using boxes that may have lost their strength
Avoid using boxes with any tears, dents and corner damage
Avoid using bin liners or cloth/fabric bags. They don't offer protection

Internal protection

Consider using internal protection to keep your item from moving around inside the parcel.

Dos

Wrap items individually
When sending a few items in one parcel, use dividers
Use void filler like foam peanuts and bubble wrap to keep your items from moving around in transit
Place your items in the middle of the box with a 5cm distance from walls and corners

Don'ts

Do not leave hollow spaces in the box as the contents will move about and get damaged
Don’t over-pack or under-pack the box as it may dent or burst
Avoid fragile items touching either each other, or the side of the parcel

Sealing your parcel

Make sure your parcel is properly sealed to prevent it from coming open in transit and potentially losing items.

Dos

Use strong tape 4-5cm wide, such as nylon or vinyl tape
Flatten any sharp edge from staples or metal fastenings, and cover with tape
Seal securely along all edges and openings

Don'ts

Avoid using thin household tapes like cellophane or masking tape
Avoid using string
Avoid using staples

Labelling your parcel

It’s important that your parcel gets to its destination, so make sure you label it clearly. Here’s how to label your parcels.

You can check the recipient's address is correct with our postcode finder, and make sure any zhptddz.com or international address is formatted correctly using our guide to addressing your mail.

Dos

If using a returns or pre-paid label, make sure all barcodes are visible and a copy of the label is placed inside the parcel in case the external one falls off
If reusing a sturdy box make sure all old labels and barcodes are removed or covered
Make sure the label is on top of the parcel
Include a returns address on the outside of the parcel

Don'ts

Do not cover any part of the label
Do not fold the label over any edges

Save money on your postage

Getting the right packaging is important to keep your items safe. But it can also save you money on your postage.

Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide pricing depends on the weight and size of the item you’re sending as well as any additional services you need, like tracking or compensation.

Packaging items into the smallest size possible can keep them secure and could save you money. So it's worthwhile checking the smallest format your items will fit into.

Some examples of how you could save

If you’re posting an item weighing 500g as a 1st Class small parcel it will cost £3.70. If it will fit into a large letter format instead, the cost would be £2.14 – saving you £1.56.
Post an item weighing 1kg as a 1st Class medium parcel and it will cost you £5.90. If it will fit into a small parcel format instead, you’d pay just £3.70 - saving £2.20.
When sending greeting cards abroad, buy cards that are under 20g each. The next weight band up is an additional 25p for cards to Europe. And it’s up to 85p more for other world zones.

More about sending mail

Useful links, extra information and related mails services.