When sending a parcel ourselves we don’t have all of the commercial or big business supplies for packaging but we still want to be sure our parcel will arrive safely and not be returned for trivial reasons such as a misspelt address. This is why this article will hopefully clear up a lot of confusion about proper packaging when it comes to parcel delivery, many parcel companies offer this advice for customers so take a lesson from the experts and get your parcel packed correctly the first time.

Cushioning

One parcel firm recommend a minimum space of 5cm between the outside of the box and your item you’re shipping. This allows plenty of room for insulation or cushioning for your item. Even if the item being sent isn’t particularly fragile it is important that it is protected against bumps or drops. There are many different forms of cushioning which you may have lying around the house such as crumpled up newspaper, bubble wrap or any spare polystyrene left over from other deliveries you may have had.

External Protection

Many people have boxes around the home or buy specific mailing boxes, a box is easily stackable, not likely to move around a lot and is rigid enough to protect its contents from bumps or knocks. Larger items may be better suited to wooden boxes or shipping crates but due to the added weight can be quite expensive. Parcel firms recommend heavy duty or double layered corrugated cardboard as this is both thick and rigid enough to protect its contents.

Taping

Taping up a box is important to prevent it opening and the contents falling out, you should seal all exposed areas such as seams and openings and many parcel couriers recommend using more tape than less, the more you use the more secure it is going to be as well as helping prevent dust, water or any other object get inside during the journey.

Labelling

Improper labelling is the number one cause for parcels being returned to sender, you need to have the correct address clearly visible on the parcel as well as the sender’s details as a general rule of thumb. This will make returning the item should the delivery fail to happen, such as no one being home, a quicker process. If you are sending the parcel internationally you should make sure all relevant documents such as customs declarations are clearly visible and present in a document envelope attached to your parcel.

Making sure your parcel is packed correctly for transit, especially internationally will help speed up the shipping process and ensure your parcel arrives safely at its intended destination.