Wrapping and packaging advice
Making sure your items are safe and secure
Some general tips for safe and secure packaging are:
- Use padded envelopes for sharp edges or odd shapes.
- Make sure any outer containers are strong enough for their contents.
- Fragile items shouldn't touch either each other, or the side of the container.
- Fill out containers with cushioning material like bubble-wrap or polystyrene chips (available from most Post Office® branches).
- Write a return address on the item.
- Put a contact name, address and telephone number inside.
- Seal securely with nylon or vinyl tape along all edges and openings.
- Flatten any sharp edge from staples or metal fastenings, and cover with tape.
- Use a ‘FRAGILE’ sticker, if necessary.
Use the tables below for specific packing tips:
A to E
| Item | Preparation | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of less than 70% | Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with an absorbent material like sawdust or newspaper. | Fibreboard or polystyrene. Leak proof container. |
| Balloons (containing non-flammable gas only). | Ensure adequate cushioning material. | Rigid outer container which must be clearly marked “non-flammable gas”. |
| Batteries (except lead acid batteries) | Only send batteries in their retail packaging. | Surround with cushioning material and place in a suitable outer container. |
| Books | The binding and corners of books can get damaged and should be sent with sufficient packaging material to ensure no damage is incurred. | Small books: padded envelope. Larger books: corrugated fibreboard book pack, giving 2.5cm clearance at each end. |
| Cameras / Projectors | Detach any lens or additional pieces and if possible use original retailers packaging. | Surround in a minimum of 50mm/5cm of cushion material and place in a rigid container. |
| Cash or money | Do not write or indicate in any way that cash or coins are enclosed within the package. | Cash should not be visible through the envelope. Coins should not be sent in an envelope. Package them securely in a rigid container. |
| Computer disks, audio and video cassettes, CDs and DVDs | Wrap cushioning material at least 2cm think around each item. | A rigid, purpose made container. We recommend that you use screened envelopes for computer disks. |
A to E (continued)
| Diagnostic specimens | The total volume/mass of the sample shall not exceed 50ml/50g. Diagnostic specimens can only be sent in the UK. | Packaging must comply with certain specifications to ensure that what we carry is safe for employees, that's why we created Safebox™. |
|---|---|---|
| Drugs for medical or scientific purposes - must only be sent by medical practitioners in an emergency | Pack in a strong inner container. | Clearly mark the sender's name and address on the outer wrapping. |
| Small electronic items eg mobile phones, iPods, MP3, ebooks, sat nav etc | Surround with a minimum of 1cm of cushioning eg, bubble wrap. Ensure plugs pins are covered in 1 cm of cushioning to prevent damage to contents and outer packaging. Wrap each item individually. | Electronic items may be sent in their original packaging providing battery is removed or not charged. Items should be placed in a rigid container or secure outer packaging and cushioned to avoid movement. Packaging must be of adequate size and securely sealed so items can not fall out during transit. |
| Medium – Large electronic items, eg iPads, portable DVD players, laptops, flatscreen tv’s, printers, blue ray players etc | Surround with a minimum of 5cm of cushioning eg, bubble wrap, polystyrene chips or polyblocks to protect from knocks and vibration. Remove all additional or loose parts and wrap each item individually, including plugs. | Electronic items may be sent in their original packaging providing battery is removed or not charged. Items must be securely placed in a strong, rigid outer container eg corrugated fibreboard box and cushioned to avoid movement. Packaging must be of adequate size and securely sealed so items can not fall out during transit. |
F to O
| Item | Preparation | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Films | Seal in polythene with address details clearly visible. | Pack loosely in a padded envelope and seal securely. |
| Fish, fruit, meat and other perishables | Items must clearly be marked PERISHABLE. | Must be sent First Class as a minimum requirement, we recommend using the Special Delivery service. |
| Flowers | Pack in layers separated by tissue paper. Use waterproof wrapping if the package includes damp moss or phials of water. |
Strong corrugated board box or purpose made polystyrene pack. Must be sent First Class as a minimum requirement. |
| Fragile items, i.e. Glass, China, Resin, etc. | Wrap extremities separately, e.g. limbs of figurines, ears, etc. Surround in a minimum of 50mm of cushion material. | Strong rigid container. |
| Keys | Attach a label with a contact name and telephone number. Wrap in cardboard. | Should be sent in a padded envelope. |
| Leaflets and brochures | Up to 1cm thick: padded bag, heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrapUp to 5cm thick: corrugated paper, thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap. | |
| Liquids and creams | Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with an absorbent material like sawdust or newspaper. | Fibreboard or polystyrene. Leak proof container. |
| Living creatures (such as insects used to feed exotic pets) | Please contact us for more information. | |
| Magazines and newspapers | Up to 1cm thick: padded bag, heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrapUp to 5cm thick: corrugated paper, thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap. | |
| Magnets (such as audio/video magnetic tape or the magnets in loudspeakers) | Wrap cushioning material at least 2cm think around each item. | Mark the sender's name and address clearly on the outer wrapping. Should be sent individually as can damage other items they travel with, i.e. discs, tapes, etc. |
| Maps, plans and drawings | Rigid cardboard or plastic tube. The max. length is 90cm. |
P to Z
| Item | Preparation | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Perfume (non-flammable or alcohol content less than 70%) | Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with an absorbent material like sawdust or newspaper. | Fibreboard or polystyrene. Leak proof container. |
| Powders and fine grains (such as tea or coffee) | Place inside a strong container such as strong polythene bag and seal securely with tape. Place inside a second container and seal again. | The double-wrapped item should be placed in a rigid corrugated box. |
| Prints, frames and mounted canvas | Wrap cushioning material at least 5cm think around each item. Place between thick board or polystyrene giving 2.5cm clearance at each end. |
If glass is in the frame there needs to be a surround of a minimum of 10cm of cushion material and placed in a rigid container", similar to the line used for glass and china. |
| Prints, unframed | Wrap in tissue paper. | Place in a heavy duty cardboard envelope or if possible roll and send in a rigid tube, seal and clearly mark package PHOTOGRAPHS - DO NOT BEND. |
| Records (vinyl discs) | Place between thick card and surround with cushioning material at least 2.5cm longer than the item. | Wrap in strong paper, seal with tape and clearly mark package RECORDS - DO NOT BEND. |
| Scissors, knives and other sharp items | Wrap heavy cardboard around all sharp points and edges. | |
| Water based paints | Volume should not exceed 150ml. | Surround with cushioning material and place in a rigid container. |
