How to Pack a Parcel for Delivery

Choose a box. The box will need to be big enough for your item to fit into with a generous gap all the way around.^[1] Use a new box, as second hand boxes may result in damage to your item, due to the box being weakened during use.

• Cardboard boxes come in two main types, single or double walled. Boxes of 30 centimeter (11.8 in) squared or greater should be doubled walled, also boxes taking items heavier than 5kg should also be doubled walled.

Wrap your item in a protective material (such as bubble wrap) and place into the box with packing material (such as loose fill) all the way around so as to stop your item from moving around in the box.^[2]

Close up the box and seal along any edges by high quality tape.^[3] If at this point you feel that your item may sustain damage during its transit, you may wish to double box your item.

• Double boxing is the process of placing your box into a larger box separated by packing material (such as loose fill) between the two boxes. The larger box is then closed up and sealed including edges by high quality tape.

If you have used a second hand box you will need to ensure that any old delivery labels or address details are removed before sending.

Address your parcel depending on the requirements of the carrier company you have chosen. Some of the carrier companies require you to print and attached bar coded label whereas others will require you to address the parcel for them to then attach a bar code. In either case, it is best that you place at least two copies of the bar coded label or delivery address on your parcel.