Sending parcels is now much easier than ever, especially since you can do most of it online. All you need to do is find a good courier service, fill in an online form, pay for the delivery service, wait for your chosen courier to pick up the parcel and track your parcel until it reaches its destination. But of course, there’s another element you have to think about when sending a parcel as well; how to pack it right.
Packaging a parcel in the correct manner ensures that it will not get damaged (or its potential of getting damaged will be slim), and it will reach its intended recipient in the best form and will not get delayed in customs or encounter other issues. But what should you remember when packing a parcel and sending it, then? Here’s your top list of packaging pointers when sending a parcel. How can you wrap your parcel correctly so you can send a parcel without any worries? Your priority is to make sure that the contents of your parcel aren’t damaged during transit, so if you have more than one item, wrap each item separately using bubble wrap.
· Always use a new box or container. No matter how sturdy you think an old box may be, it would have already lost some of its integrity and will lose more of its integrity once it is shipped and handled. If you can, go for a double-walled cardboard box.
· Make sure you use sturdy packaging materials for the interior of the box or container; these will serve to protect your item further, as those who know how to send a parcel correctly will tell you. Foam or bubble wrap are excellent choices, but make sure to have a minimum of 5 centimetres of padding on all sides of the container or box, so your item doesn’t move whilst in transport.
· Once you have fully packed and sealed your parcel, weigh it carefully and measure it as well. If you have already confirmed a booking or reservation for parcel delivery and your parcel is heavier or bigger than you indicated, you may face some extra fees.
· When you are writing the address for both the recipient and the sender, make sure to write it as clearly and legibly as possible. Use a black marker pen and don’t forget to include the reference number for the booking as well.
· If you can, print out two label copies so you can attach one label to the outside of the container or box and place the other label inside. If the main exterior label peels or falls off, then you can still have the label on the inside of the container as reference.
· Make it a point to use quality materials for your packaging; this is particularly true for parcel tape. When sealing your parcel, use the tape on all the parcel’s edges. This will help strengthen the box’s integrity and reinforce the box’s corners.
· If you are including invoices with your parcel, attach it to the container’s exterior in an envelope, so customs personnel will no longer have any need to open your parcel to determine the value of the item inside.
· Once your parcel is packaged and prepared, take a close look at it to see if it has any distinguishing or unique features. Note these down; they may come in handy if you need to identify your parcel later on.
