In times when we send parcels to Ireland and other EU countries en masse, it would seem that sending parcels is a piece of cake. Unfortunately, not always. Are you wondering how a parcel should be packed to arrive undamaged? Are you planning to send an item with an unusual or irregular shape? Read our guide on how to pack a parcel step by step so the courier company delivers it safely to the recipient.
1. Outer packaging for international shipping – an international courier advises how to prepare a parcel for the courier.
It is important that it is sturdy – only then will international shipments survive long-distance transport. So what is best to use as external protection?
When sending small items, it is best to pack them in bubble wrap envelopes. For larger shipments, we recommend corrugated cardboard boxes (preferably 3-layer – thinner ones may get damaged) or, for unusually shaped items, bubble wrap. For large oversized items such as a bicycle, it is best to get a suitably large box, most easily available at DIY stores.
Remember that the box should be well matched to the shipment size – not too big (it would get damaged under the pressure of other parcels) and not too small (the contents could cause it to burst).
Seal every box or wrap generously with special packing tape. For additional protection, especially for international parcels, it is worth wrapping the entire shipment in stretch film.
Please note that...
during transport, courier parcels are stacked on top of each other – the heaviest at the bottom, the lightest on top. Therefore, the packaging must be rigid and fully filled inside (more on this below);
if you plan to wrap your shipment, use only stretch film. Paper, cling film, aluminium foil, or plastic bags can easily tear when address labels are applied to them. This will cause significant difficulties and delays in service delivery.
insulating or masking tape can easily come off during long-distance transport;
proper packing is crucial for shipping. The courier may refuse to accept the parcel if it has not been properly packed and secured by the customer.
Read more about packing items with non-standard dimensions
2. Protecting the contents of parcels shipped abroad, to Ireland or other EU countries.
Internal parcel protection is crucial when shipping fragile, delicate, or high-value items, as it cushions the shipment during transport and prevents damage from sudden shifts. For cardboard boxes, it also ensures they are sufficiently rigid and will not collapse under pressure from above.
Depending on our budget, we can use professional fillers or their cheaper substitutes that everyone has at home.
Fillers produced specifically for parcel shipping include:
small polystyrene cubes (packing peanuts) – ideal for protecting lightweight items;
anti-static packing peanuts – work well for transporting electronics;
air cushions – a very affordable solution, but only suitable for lightweight items without sharp edges.
Their household substitutes include:
old newspapers or leaflets;
sawdust;
shredded paper;
fabric scraps;
torn pieces of cardboard.
Remember the weight limit
All of the above materials work great as parcel fillers. However, keep in mind that newspapers, fabric, or leaflets are significantly heavier than polystyrene fillers, which will increase the parcel weight and consequently the shipping cost.
Check our parcel shipping price list.
3. And finally – addressing the parcel
The parcel is packed – all that remains is to add the address. On the address label, write – preferably in block letters or printed:
the full recipient address including postcode;
the recipient’s phone number;
the dispatch date.
Stick the label in a visible place,
zamawiamy kuriera i gotowe!
Dobra rada
It is also good practice to write a copy of the address label, put it in an envelope, and place it inside the parcel. This way, if the packaging gets damaged, the parcel will still reach the recipient safely and efficiently.
