Wrapping and packing letters and parcels

To help make sure your package arrives in one piece, follow our wrapping and packing tips. For specific advice on wrapping and packing common perishable, dangerous or fragile items, see the table below.

 

When you are packing your items make sure that you:

  • choose a container that is strong enough for the contents
  • use a padded envelope for items with sharp edges or odd shapes
  • pack fragile items so they won’t touch each other or the side of the container
  • fill out your container with cushioning material like bubble wrap or polystyrene chips (available from most Post Office® branches)
  • put a contact name, address, and telephone number inside the container

When you have finished packing your items:  

  • seal all edges and openings of the container securely with nylon or vinyl tape 
  • flatten out any staples or metal fastenings and cover them with tape
  • attach a FRAGILE sticker if your item is breakable
  • write a return address on the container

Packaging advice: A to E

 
ItemPreparationPackaging
Alcoholic drinks (must have an alcohol content of less than 70%)Wrap in polythene and seal with tape and surround with an absorbent material like sawdust or newspaperUse a fibreboard or polystyrene leak-proof container
Balloons (containing non-flammable gas only)Batteries (except lead acid batteries)Be sure to use enough cushioning materialSend batteries only in their retail packaging, surrounded with cushioning materialUse a rigid outer container clearly marked “non-flammable gas”
Batteries (except lead acid batteries)Send batteries only in their retail packaging, surrounded with cushioning material
BooksWrap books with cushioning materials to protect the binding and corners from damageSmall books: use a padded envelope
Larger books: use a corrugated fibreboard book pack with 2.5cm clearance at each end
Cameras and projectorsDetach any lens or additional pieces and if possible use original retail packagingSurround with at least 50mm of cushioning material and place in a rigid container
Cash (money)Do not write or indicate in any way that the package contains cash or coins Cash should not be visible through the envelope. Coins must be packaged securely in a rigid container. Find out more about sending cash
Computer disks, audio and video cassettes, CDs and DVDsWrap cushioning material at least 2cm think around each itemUse a rigid, purpose made container. We recommend that you use screened envelopes for computer disks.
Diagnostic specimensThe total volume/mass of the sample must not exceed 50ml/50g. Diagnostic specimens can only be sent in the UK.Use packaging that complies with safety regulations eg Safe Box
Drugs for medical or scientific purposes (can only be sent by medical practitioners in an emergency)Pack in a strong inner containerClearly mark the sender's name and address on the outside of the packaging
Electronic equipmentWrap cushioning material at least 10cm thick around the itemUse a rigid container. We also recommend using a Special Delivery™ service

Packaging advice: 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 be clearly marked PERISHABLEMust be sent First Class as a minimum. We recommend using Special Delivery™
FlowersPack in layers separated by tissue paper. Use waterproof wrapping if the package includes damp moss or sachets of water.Use a strong corrugated board box or purpose-made polystyrene packaging. Flowers must be sent first class as a minimum.
Fragile items such as glass, china or resinWrap extremities separately, such as limbs or ears of figurines. Pack with a minimum of 50mm of cushion material.Use a strong, rigid container
KeysAttach a label with a contact name and telephone number and wrap in cardboardSend in a padded envelope
Leaflets and brochuresNoneLeaflets up to 1cm thick: use a padded bag, a heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrap.
Leaflets up to 5cm thick: use 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 newspaper.Use a fibreboard or polystyrene leak-proof container
Living creatures (such as insects used to feed exotic pets)Please contact us for more informationPlease contact us for more information
Magazines and newspapersNoneMagazines and newspapers up to 1cm thick use a padded bag, a heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrap.
Magazines and newspapers up to 5cm thick: use corrugated paper, thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap.
Magnets (such as audio/video magnetic tape or the magnets in loudspeakers)Wrap at least 2cm of cushioning material around each magnetMark the sender's name and address clearly on the outside of the container. Magnets should be sent individually as they can damage other items they travel with, such as discs or tapes.
Maps, plans and drawingsNoneUse a rigid cardboard or plastic tube with a max length of 90cm

Packaging advice: 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.Use a 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.A rigid corrugated box
Prints, frames and mounted canvasWrap at least 5cm of cushioning material around each item.  Place between thick board or polystyrene giving 2.5cm clearance at each end.If the frame is glass it needs to be surrounded with a minimum of 10cm of cushion material and placed in a rigid container
Prints, unframedWrap in tissue paperPlace in a heavy-duty cardboard envelope or (if possible) a cardboard 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 itemWrap in strong paper, seal with tape and clearly mark package RECORDS – DO NOT BEND
Scissors, knives and other sharp itemsWrap heavy cardboard around all sharp points and edges
Water based paints (the volume should not exceed 150ml)Surround with cushioning materialUse a rigid container