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In one piece

Wrapping & Packaging Advice

Make sure your items are packed safely and securely

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


Please use the table below to help you pack your post properly.


A to E

ItemPreparationPackaging
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 newspaperFibreboard 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 packagingSurround with cushioning material and place in a suitable outer container
BooksThe 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 / ProjectorsDetach 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 moneyDo 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. Find out more 
Computer disks, audio and video cassettes, CDs and DVDsWrap cushioning material at least 2cm think around each item.A rigid, purpose made container. We recommend that you use screened envelopes for computer disks
Diagnostic specimensThe total volume/mass of the sample shall not exceed 50ml/50g. Diagnostic specimens can only be sent in the UKPackaging must comply with certain specifications to ensure that what we carry is safe for employees, that's why we created Safe Box 
Drugs for medical or scientific purposes - must only be sent by medical practitioners in an emergencyPack in a strong inner containerClearly mark the sender's name and address on the outer wrapping
Electronic Equipment, etc.Wrap cushioning material at least 10cm thick around the item.A rigid container, we recommend using the Special Delivery service

F to O

ItemPreparationPackaging
FilmsSeal in polythene with address details clearly visiblePack loosely in a padded envelope and seal securely
Fish, fruit, meat and other perishablesItems must clearly be marked PERISHABLEMust be sent First Class as a minimum requirement, we recommend using the Special Delivery service.
FlowersPack in layers separated by tissue paper. Use waterproof wrapping if the package includes damp moss or phials of waterStrong 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.
KeysAttach a label with a contact name and telephone number. Wrap in cardboard.
Should be sent in a padded envelope
Leaflets and brochuresUp 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 creamsWrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with an absorbent material like sawdust or newspaperFibreboard or polystyrene. Leak proof container
Living creatures (such as insects used to feed exotic pets)Please contact us for more information
Magazines and newspapersUp 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 itemMark 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 drawingsRigid cardboard or plastic tube. The max. length is 90cm

P to Z

ItemPreparationPackaging
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. Please inside a second container and seal againThe double-wrapped item should be placed in a rigid corrugated box
Prints, frames and mounted canvasWrap 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, unframedWrap in tissue paperPlace 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 paintsVolume should not exceed 150mlSurround with cushioning material and place in a rigid container

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