How to Pack a Parcel — Step-by-Step Packaging Guide

Packing a parcel sounds trivial, but poor packing is one of the most common reasons for damage claims. The box gets crushed, the contents break, or the label peels off at the sorting centre and the parcel ends up as “unknown”. This guide shows you how to pack so your parcel survives a 1-metre drop and three days in a sorting facility.

1. Choosing the right box

The most common mistake is using an old box from a previous delivery or a food packaging box that’s already been compressed once. Cardboard loses roughly half its strength after the first use — it will collapse on the second journey.

• New corrugated box — grade BC or EB (double-walled). Available at post offices, packaging suppliers, or online for a few euros.
• Size: snug but not tight — 5–10 cm larger in each direction where padding will go. A box that’s too large means more movement and more damage.
• For heavy items (over 10 kg), use double-walled (five-layer) cardboard or double-box the contents (one box inside another).

2. Internal padding — what, how much and where

The goal is simple: after packing, shake the box — nothing should move inside. If it does, add more padding.

• Bubble wrap — best for individual items. Wrap twice around the item, tape closed.
• Paper / newspaper — crumpled into balls to fill gaps. Cheapest and eco-friendly.
• Foam chips / peanuts — universal filler for irregular shapes. Best for filling lots of voids.
• Expanding foam — for expensive or extremely fragile items (electronics). Safest, most expensive.
• Clothing — if you’re sending clothes, use them to cushion fragile items inside. Two birds, one stone.

The 5 cm rule: there must be at least 5 cm of padding between the box walls and the contents, ideally 7 cm. For fragile items, go to 10 cm on the impact-facing sides.

3. Arranging contents inside the box

• Heavy on the bottom, light on top — basic gravity rule. If mixing items, heavy ones must go on the bottom.
• Fragile in the centre — not against the walls. Impacts come from sides and corners.
• Separate each item — each with its own layer of bubble wrap or cardboard. They should not rub against each other.
• Glass and ceramics separately — each piece wrapped individually, with cardboard or foam between them.
• Batteries — lithium-ion batteries must be protected from short circuits (original packaging, or plastic bag). Air freight has strict restrictions.

4. Sealing the box

Classic mistake: a couple of strips of thin tape and done. Proper packing tape (PP or PVC, 48 mm wide) is to your parcel what a seatbelt is to a car passenger.

• H-pattern, not just one strip — tape must hold the box flaps from multiple directions. Apply one strip along the centre seam, then one strip along each side edge — both top and bottom.
• Double tape layer — for heavy parcels. The cost of extra tape is negligible; losing the parcel because a flap opens is not.
• Don’t cover the address with tape — tape over text means the sorting machine can’t read it. Apply the label after taping the flaps shut.
• Don’t use scotch tape — too thin, peels off quickly, doesn’t handle humidity.

5. Labelling the parcel

• Address directly on cardboard — written in clear block capitals with a black marker, or a printed label from the carrier
• ”FRAGILE” — on at least two sides if the contents are breakable. Doesn’t guarantee gentle handling, but reduces the chance of rough treatment.
• ”This side up” arrow — if orientation matters (liquids, batteries in devices)
• Return address — top-left in smaller text. Without it, the parcel won’t be returned if delivery fails.

6. Packing specific contents

Electronics

The original box with moulded inserts is ideal. Without it: wrap the device in bubble wrap (twice around), place in an anti-static bag for sensitive electronics, then box with 10 cm of padding all around. Keep batteries separate.

Clothing

Fold flat into the box or compress in a vacuum bag (saves space). Avoid using unventilated plastic film — in heat, fabric sweats and mould can develop.

Books

Books are heavy and moisture-sensitive. Use a firm double-walled box, 5 cm padding all around, books lying flat with the spine against a wall (not the edge). Wrap valuable editions in a plastic bag for moisture protection.

Food

Dry food in original packaging with padding to prevent shifting. Tins wrapped individually so they don’t rub. Liquids in a double plastic bag with absorbent material around them in case of leakage. Fresh food only via specialist services — standard courier transit is too long and uncontrolled.

Liquids

Original bottle in a plastic bag (leak-proof), padding with absorbent material, “This side up” label. Note: many liquids are prohibited by air freight — always verify with your carrier.

7. Final test

Before handing over, shake the box. Nothing inside should move. If you hear rattling, add more padding. Then try dropping the parcel gently from 20 cm — if something breaks, the packing is inadequate. This isn’t excessive — your parcel will be dropped multiple times during transit.

Summary

New, sturdy box → 5 cm padding on all sides → heavy on the bottom, fragile in the centre → H-pattern tape on top and bottom → address written directly on cardboard + return address. Shake it, drop it from 20 cm — if it survives, it’s ready to ship.