What should I pack my parcel in so that it arrives safely at the addressee?
Tips
31 December 2023
How do you pack a parcel so that it reaches the recipient intact? In order to properly secure your goods, you need to think about both the right packaging and the fillers that will be included in the parcel. We suggest what will pass the test in transport.
What can a courier parcel be packed in?
Have you made a bad purchase in an online shop and are wondering what to pack the parcel in for return? Or perhaps you were the one who managed to sell something and now need to send the items on display to their buyers? Whichever position you're in, you'll find it useful to have a few tips on how to prepare your parcels before sending them off.
Before you hand over your package to the courier or send it via Parcel Machine®, it's a good idea to know what to pack your parcel in. Cardboard boxes are most commonly used to ship items. However, please note that for small parcels you can also use cardboard envelopes (for items up to 1 kg) or foil packs (for items up to 2 kg).
With cardboard packaging, the weight of the shipment is also important. Boxes vary in hardness and thickness and therefore have different strengths. This means that some may be too weak to safely transport heavy goods.
How do you package a parcel in an environmentally friendly and safe way?
Wondering how to pack a parcel for shipping safely and at the same time take care of the environment? It's easy - just consciously use the right packaging materials! To ensure that the goods enclosed in the parcel are not damaged, they need to be well protected. To do this, you need fillers, which, contrary to what you may think, do not have to be made of plastic.
InPost encourages the use of biodegradable solutions, such as wood wool, drop cloth or crumpled paper, instead of bubble wrap, which is not very ecological. The role of securing the parcel can also be fulfilled by an eco-sleeve, which adjusts to the shape of the goods and absorbs shocks occurring during the transport of parcels by the courier. Another filler is bubble paper or incised paper, which will certainly protect the goods being shipped.
Type of parcel packaging and the item being shipped
When preparing a parcel, it is important to choose the right packaging for the type of item being sent. Cardboard boxes are the most versatile as they are suitable for sending large, heavy products as well as light or delicate items. You just need to choose the right size, thickness and hardness of the box to safely transport electronics, books, clothes and much more in it.
The advantage of cardboard packaging is that it offers good protection against shocks, impacts and the damage that transport sometimes causes. However, it is worth bearing in mind that without proper sealing and moisture protection, cardboard is capable of getting wet and damaging the products being shipped.
Good protection against such inconveniences is provided by foil envelopes. These lightweight, flexible and sturdy packaging envelopes are ideal for shipping small and lightweight items that are resistant to damage. They can therefore be used to handle orders containing clothing, jewellery or accessories.
Envelopes are also used for sending printed matter, for example. They are lightweight, flat and easy to transport. However, they offer no protection against mechanical damage or moisture. Therefore, fragile items should not be packed in them without additional protection inside.
Unusually shaped parcels - what should I pack a parcel in for shipping?
Some shipments sometimes seem difficult to pack. This is all because large goods or items with an irregular, cylindrical or oval shape may not fit into standard packaging. Sending parcels with protruding parts or convex sides is against the rules of safe carriage, so the courier may refuse the order.
To avoid such a situation, it is necessary to purchase a non-standard parcel service and, above all, to pack the articles well. This can be done, for example, by using a longitudinal parcel, which is suitable for sending very long items. If the product to be shipped is irregularly shaped, it is advisable to use several cardboard boxes and join them together using strong adhesive tape. The best way, however, is to pack non-standard goods in larger, standard-sized cardboard boxes, making sure to fill any empty spaces inside the box.
What should I pack the parcel in for the Parcel Machine?
Shipping via a Parcel Machine (e.g. via InPost Mobile and the Fast Shipment service) can be even faster and simpler than sending a parcel by courier. When packing your products for such a shipment, you can use cardboard boxes as well as foil packs or envelopes. When choosing the packaging, however, care should be taken to ensure that it matches the size of the boxes available in the courier machine.
Before placing a parcel in a free-standing Parcel Machine, it is necessary to purchase a service for such posting. The size of the parcel is then determined. This data determines which box will open in the machine for shipment. If a customer packs a product in an oversized package, it will not fit into the box. For this reason, it is advisable to prepare the parcel first and measure its dimensions accurately before ordering postage.
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